Introducing the Icom IC-705 QRP SDR transceiver

[@Pedro8k]

Glad to see BNC in use again instead of the fiddly sma connector

[@Farinazion]

SMA wäre besser gewesen.

[@mrradio2187]

The rugged and reliable BNC connector!

[@josebrivera1716]

BNC is a horrible choice for a connector. I lost a few HTs in the 1990s because of the down pressing that darn connector. It would break the top of the HT case. Have hated them since. They should be outlawed.

[@thedmutz]

I like that Bob discovered a way to keep the radio propped up using the screw-in knob

[@RobCanada]

That looks like a standard 1/4" tripod thread.

[@MikeWood]

Bob McCreadie ... finally someone who knows how to demonstrate a radio. So many Ham KZbinrs have shown off the 705 and I swear I got 1/10th out of them compared to this. Bob and the TX folks are excellent. Next: a video of it in use and a bit about firmware updates to include band plan change specific to your country, adding new features etc.

[@K6TJO]

The best quick overview I have seen yet. Can’t wait to get one

[@hoggif]

That would be a dream radio if it had a tuner. I so love the user interface on my IC7100 and that would be like a portable version (and with 2m/70cm). But on HF you really need a tuner so often, especially when on the move with wire antennas.

[@XYZY64]

Check out Elecraft T1 auto tuner for this radio. Nice bit of tiny add-on kit. Very small & lite. Ham reviews seem overall to like it. I ordered a T1 yesterday ahead of the 705 being put out "in the wild" for us common folks to buy in the states. btw- IMHO The only downfall with this IC-705 was not including an internal tuner. If a T1 can be built & made as small as it is,, there really isn't any valid reason Icom couldn't have done something similar internally with a very small increase in radio case size.. Otherwise it seems like a perfect SOTA/POTA/portable radio. And yes a tuner is needed of some sort for us that love to build HF multi-band antennas of all types for portable work. 73 de N6DSW

[@teashea1]

excellent video - intelligent, articulate, high production values

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Very well presented! The 705 seems like an incredible radio, Hope I manage to get my hands one soon. Thanks 🙏

[@daverhodes7235]

Nice rig. Heads up Icom. Now you need to make a vehicle-mountable, combination external 100 watt amp and antenna tuner/controller to turn the 705 into a dynamite mobile rig! Just saying I’d buy it.

[@joeframo3347]

Hello my countrymen thank you for sharing this beautiful radio hello from the USA Atlanta Georgia I love your platform thank you very much keeping us well informed on this beautiful radio cheerio

[@ornotermes]

It looks very nice. But I would really have liked to see APRS in it, would be a nice feature when out and about.

[@Nichetronix]

Yeah, they need SmartBeaconing in there too, since they have GPS.

[@johnfarrar5173]

At last a review with 'professional' quality and production. I was already getting to make the purchase but your video has really sold it to me. Well done. How is the satellite rotator working you bought from me.?

[@rbdsr1]

Excellent - First out of the gate!!! - Please provide more - 73's Bob W5RBD

[@barrykery1175]

What a great job reviewing the IC705. Well Done ! Question: The screw on the bottom of the radio.....is it the same size as used on a camera tripod? I can see by the size of the battery that turning off the Blue Tooth, WiFi and GPS is one thing one better do if they plan on working off the internal battery and making more than one Q. That radio is an SWL'rs dream come true. Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@iangould485]

yes it is apparently

[@Taras-Nabad]

Nice radio, and I will probably get it one day. Weird design looks like they chopped the back half of an IC-7300. The ft-817 has the feature where you can carry it around with the shoulder strap. The FT-817 is like an oversize HT whereas this is like an undersized mobile or base station.

[@nlo114]

Nice! The great thing about new radios coming out, is that I will soon be able to afford 3 years ago's best of the best when someone upgrades. In 3 years time I'll be able to afford a lovely IC705 (second hand)!

[@guidelineuk]

I doubt anyone will sell it😎😂73

[@guardianobserver6593]

@@guidelineuk Fewer operators, more unused radios on shacks.

[@TheM14guy]

Well done; thank you from Texas! There goes the G 90.....N5BE

[@gonebamboo4116]

CW sidetone adjustment improved over the 7300? It's a pain on that rig! Hard to believe they didn't use one of the quick menus for that

[@ndrthrdr1]

Can this be used on UHF/VHF with just a dual band antenna (like a Signal Stick) attached directly to the radio, or is coax required?

[@Icom_UK]

Will work attached directly

[@wayneskiba1237]

Great tutorial video, I really enjoyed seeing this great radio in action.

[@docpearson]

For your QRP folks out there I see they have just released the icom 705 for about $1300 dollars. But for about $450 dollars you can get a small light weight QRP size Xiegu g90 transciever with internal antenna tuner that is so good it could probably tune up a head of lettuce, antenna analyzer, waterfall, and up to 20 watts. But if you save up all your hard earned money, for an extra $850 more dollars you can get an icom 705 with no antenna tuner.

[@VirtualLunacy]

Yeah I don't know if you can compare these two rigs side by side... The icon seems to have significantly more features and covers HF and UHF and VHF... You know they do sell an even cheaper HF qrp rig, the hambuilder four band HF transceiver for $200. If that's the game you want to play

[@docpearson]

Andrew Lawlor really my main beef is not having an internal antenna tuner. Different people like different things. I see that you like the 705. Congratulations this is a hobby we all enjoy. Personally I like the other radio. God bless have a nice day isn’t ham radio fun. 73’s

[@awsom82]

why no USB-C? how can products be released in 2020 with an outdated interface?

[@cyderchennai1221]

I like the Racal RA17 behind you ...

[@kevincarey1153]

Excellent overview of this exciting new radio!

[@davelee3822]

Great review Bob....can only say one thing "I want one"...

[@SLACKPLAN9]

I got the radio and the backpack for my birthday. Of course, to really take advantage of this, I think I need to upgrade to a General License. Oh, Well. Anyway on my first non-rent payday I am accessorizing this...

[@richardtwyning]

Excellent demo. It was already an amazing sounding radio and you've just multiplied that, but when can we get one?!?!? ;-)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Always great videos from Bob; clear, concise and he always manages to highlight features others have not. Thanks! de K4SWL/M0CYI

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

When you say "right around the corner"... what are we thinking here? 1 month, 2 months? Was hoping for approval and what not before it's too cold to buy this and go outside to dx.

[@thestingyham1188]

Sometime next year.

[@TheC15jon]

Martin Lynch are saying sometime in August 2020...

[@MrMesospheric]

Hint: most people use digital modes today. Some words on connections would have been useful.

[@shaungilmartin1505]

What antenna with the backpack?

[@MatthewDronfield]

Great video as always!

[@quantumradio]

Excellent video review. Thx!

[@josebrivera1716]

Great Video. I am sold! Thanks.

[@wolfkin73]

Just needs to be mounted in a machined aluminum manpack case with a big battery and add a auto tuner. Maybe little more wattage. Everyone seems to miss the target by a bit.

[@DindoNuffin-e2x]

This radio removes the technical intricacies of Ham Radio. Just got my General, cannot wait to get an Icom 705.

[@guardianobserver6593]

All these millions of "cq", "cq" in front of you!

[@GisleVanem00]

An old Racal R17 in the background? Looks much like an old Collins.

[@DmitryEljuseev]

Dear Icom guys, can the IC-705 provide voltage for MiniWhip active RX-antenna? European office does not know the answer yet.

[@afnDavid]

Some 10 years of posting videos to KZbin and I see not a single video about icom receivers. Do you want to sell any of your IC-R8600 radios?

[@MansellRed]

Hi bob great informative video - one question I’m trying to find the answer to - it will have 500 memory programmable channels looking at the specs..... can you scan through these channels..?i know it sounds a dumb question ( I’m new to this) but my partner bought me a Tecsun S2000 which has 500 channels to programme but on the airband which I follow the rig cannot actually scan the channels....

[@johannessch.6148]

Hello, I have one question. How can I reset a icom ic-f4029sdr?

[@KhaliShiAU]

What did he mean at 0:57 ? I thought a diplexer allowed one antenna to connect to multiple radio frequency receiver inputs (eg separate VHF & UHF). In this video he is suggesting they can connect one transceiver to multiple antennas.

[@hoggif]

Typical HF antenna is not resonant for VHF/UHF. You usually need at least two antennas (HF and someghing like 2m/70cm dual bander). You use a kind of splitter that connects two frequency antennas. One cable in, two cables out. All HF goes to one cable and VHF/UHF to the other. Similarly received frequencies come from two antennas and combine to one lead to radio. That allows you to work without an antenna switch that you use to select antenna manually.

[@dk2hm923]

GPS inside but no TNC for aprs? Even the small handheld radios have that why is it missing?

[@davidevans6432]

19set and R1155 what joy!

[@davidhickman1928]

A USB-C port would have made this just about perfect to me.

[@LordTimelord]

No excuse in this day in age to NOT have a USB-C port STANDARD. With it's higher charging rate it would offer, AND it would be able to pass though 15 volts via the USB-C cable for the 10 Watt Output from any portable power bank with a USB-C Connector. Also lots of portable solar panels now have USB-C outputs on them. They REALLY missed the boat on that one. Ditto on the Antenna Tuner NOT being integrated into the design. This radio with all of it's accessories will be +/-$2k, which is absurd. For that $130.00 'high capacity' battery I could build a LiFePo battery pack with 500 Watt Hours of capacity. The old guard is still playing their game of charging ridiculously high prices for their accessories IMHO. I really like what this radio has to offer, but their accessory prices are going to make me steer clear of purchasing one new. Maybe I can score one used in a year or two at a heavy discount.

[@cobrasvt347]

Finally got a peak under the battery cover 😆 Now if I can get a peak under the R&D version.

[@TheFossilChannel]

interesting radio! might be my next purchase and review. Have the 817, kx3, and x5105. Each one has its own niche and use. Wondering how rugged that touch screen is to mud, dirty and water? is there some sort of screen protector for that type of touch screen? how good is it viewable in direct sunlight in 90F + temps with humidity 80% or higher? Will it crack in with 31f and below weather? I have a few more questions but i like the radio as a mobile qrp rig. I m a qrp guy so i dont care about higher power radios.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

The main problem with cold is going to be the Lithium battery. That could also be a problem for hot.

[@mytruckownsit]

Hi Bob, Do you know if the 705 will tx fm dtmf tones using the touchscreen??? 73 kc7rjk

[@marcreynolds7948]

Given the price of this unit, I think the display resolution is too low. The zoomed-in view looks poor, especially with bleeding text font. How would the graphics look if the display were transposed to a monitor or tablet?

[@mickymcd8110]

Great review i'd like to know regarding the wifi connection what does this do ? also the bluetooth ? and the dstar mode does it have its own built in node or where you going through a local repeater or your own hot spot? thx

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Likely equivalent of a "dv dongle" internally and you'd point it at a reflector. The radio itself will be similar to a d-star radio with voice and digital multiplexed.

[@alanread6596]

Great video very informative. I have one question does it have an internal antenna tuner if not I have the elecraft T1 which would be ideal for portable use.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Icom IC705 does not have an internal tuner.

[@luckyllou7325]

Are there 10w out on vhf/uhf with 13,8V too? Thanks for the informative video. 73

[@LordTimelord]

Yep! icomuk.co.uk/IC-705/Mobile_Amateur_Radio_Ham and www.gigaparts.com/icom-ic-705-hf-vhf-uhf-all-mode-transceiver.html

[@JayC-jn3gc]

Can this be used on an ultralight with a small instrument panel ?

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

If it only had a built in antenna tunner it would be perfect!

[@LordTimelord]

That and a USB-C that would enable faster charging and use of almost all modern battery banks and solar panels. >_

[@VirtualLunacy]

Thanks for an informative video

[@XYZY64]

I understand things are fluid right now, but I find it somewhat ironic is that as of July 23 2020 Gigaparts(USA) has the IC-705 a 10W QRP HF rig at suggested (pre-release) MSRP of $1,500, Yet a few web pages later Gigaparts lists a IC-7300 a full 100W HF radio for under $1,000? From a non marketing user standpoint, isn't that a bit "Bass-Ackwards"? Somewhat apples & oranges between the two but close enough for this argument. Granted the 705 has a few extras like the GPS, D-Star VHF features, but 50% more?

[@XYZY64]

Actually less that 50% more but still greedy IMHO

[@RobPetty622]

When the 7300 debuted in the US, the MSRP was $1,500. I thought I got a great deal a year later at $1,300. All new radios cost more ...when they are new.

[@BuShMaStEr0810]

Have this Radio the 60m Band included ? 73

[@4X4-RADIO]

What size is the "single" mounting thread... Thanks

[@stephentompsett]

Standard 14-20 UNC camera tripod.

[@4X4-RADIO]

@@stephentompsett Many Thanks.... :)

[@alvarogaitan2529]

terrific video Sr nice review 73 from kb2uew

[@mikeroberge5488]

Good day all. I just received my ic705 today. Got a bit of an issue. When turning it on the only control that works is the af gain knob. Radio seems to turn on ok but that is as far as it goes. no buttons and no touch screen. Anyone have a clue or just bad unit?

[@Icom_UK]

Dear Mike. Sorry to hear this. Very unusual so have spoken to an engineer just in case who said to contact and return to the dealer you purchased this radio from.

[@Farinazion]

Please add Full Duplex on vhf/uhf for satellite

[@rhwinner]

Is this a direct sampling SDR receiver..?

[@stephentompsett]

But what is the reason that 4m/70MHz was removed from the published specifications and literature so late in the development process?

[@Spookieham]

Probably because it's not a world wide standard and would increase the price

[@KevinDurette]

The IC-705 uses direct sampling up to 25 MHz and down conversion IF sampling above that. They didn't mention in the literature whether that's accomplished with only one multiplier circuit, but I'd imagine it'd be hard to support both 10m and 70cm on the same chips. The 4m band probably falls between the ranges they designed for this, and building a separate solution would be cost prohibitive for the small market where 4m transmission is allowed. 73 de K7COI

[@stephentompsett]

@@KevinDurette When the IC-705 was originally announced, Icom announced the 4m band as functionality to be available in the European version. An Icom representative was talking about the functionality being available in Europe about a week before it was announced that 4m would not be available, and the literature on the Icom website was updated to remove mention of 4m, so there appears to have been a last minute technical/legal issue resulting in the removal of the functionality. I'm familiar with the published block diagrams, modern synthesiser chips are available that can produce continuous coverage from a few MHz to GHz, and Icom had obviously selected and used devices that met the functionality requirements of the originally published and announced specifications. I believe that 4m was available in at least one pre-production version of the radio seen in the UK. I'm interested in the reason for the removal of the feature...

[@furion..]

I can't wait until they offer blue-tooth from this to an amplifier.

[@tangoseal1]

Can you customize the CIV address on these?

[@alexkk6zly262]

Solid review by G0FGX. But the price point for his radio is more than that of the KX3. Its a lot more bulky then I would have liked it. I think its going to be overpriced with a target audience of retired folk. mcHF is half the price.

[@AnTiThesis-HaT-HoT]

Does not look like 70mhz Tx available on this. Seems like a glaring omission. I hope they do a Euro` model with that.

[@sparkybluefox]

Can you tune outside the amateur HF bands to receive SW Broadcast stations ? 73 de AB8B

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Yes. www.icomjapan.com/uploads/support/manual/IC-705_ENG_Basic_2.pdf Receiver 0.030000 ~ 199.999999* 400.000000 ~ 470.000000* Transmitter 1.800000 ~ 1.999999 3.500000 ~ 3.999999 5.255000 ~ 5.405000 7.000000 ~ 7.300000 10.100000 ~ 10.150000 14.000000 ~ 14.350000 18.068000 ~ 18.168000 21.000000 ~ 21.450000 24.890000 ~ 24.990000 28.000000 ~ 29.700000 50.000000 ~ 54.000000 144.000000 ~ 148.000000 430.000000 ~ 450.000000

[@jamesstaley5611]

Drinking Game...Take a drink every time he says "Bits and Bobs"

[@n9oqu]

Has anyone tried to use the Samsung Buds= or Buds Pro earplugs to DX on an Icom -705 using the bluetooth connection?

[@nigelgriffin485]

What is the lowest v for 10w ?

[@secco380]

Hello;please demo for rx/tx pictures.tks

[@Lurker1979]

Sure puts the 817nd to shame. lol

[@sctrd1526]

RELEASE it to the US customer base already Icom!

[@charly821]

Super Kerrreeen.....👍👍👍👍

[@TheCrunchbird]

Am I mistaken or is that an old WWII 19 set on the table behind you? Dave, N2SN ex G4FEB.

[@bobmccreadie]

Absolutely David! Love a bit of old AM along with the more cutting edge stuff!

[@leplum2001]

Are you in America or did you mean to say aerial?

[@furion..]

Yeah, his British accent leaves one wondering what part of Oklahoma he's in - a common problem.

[@m1hax]

Such a shame it doesn't have APRS

[@thomasmaughan4798]

All your answers are here: Basic Manual: www.icomjapan.com/uploads/support/manual/IC-705_ENG_Basic_2.pdf Advanced Functions: www.icomjapan.com/uploads/support/manual/IC-705_ENG_Advanced_1.pdf

[@rodneyjohnson4794]

i prefer the fb girls radio club video.

[@guardianobserver6593]

Now my buddies in kasakstan will hear my "cq", "cq" cristal and clear! Yyyhaaahhh! 🤣😂🤣🤣🤣.

[@pechimex934]

Braker, braker good buddy !!!

[@furion..]

10-9?

[@docpearson]

So so sad it does not have an internal antenna tuner on this 705. Look at the xiegu g90 if you want a good qrp radio. The xiegu g90 has an internal antenna tuner so good it could probably tune up a head of lettuce and water fall and much cheaper and better. This 705 cost so much that when you get it and find out you do not have an internal antenna tuner and you want to sell it. You will be stuck with it. Save yourself a heart ache. Wait for the next upgrade with the internal antenna tuner.

[@VOLKZZORN]

The radio is really ok but the price is calculated incorrectly, because for the money I buy with an FTDX3000 which is 6 months old but far below the price of this radio sorry but because Icom I would set in the direction of 450 € -550 € because There are currently manufacturers who can do something like that and have top X90 Xian cost 450 € and do what it should and even very well!

[@flattire707]

I see all these 705 reviews and never anyone making an HF contact. Where is the antenna tuner? It is not about the knobs.

[@AndrejaKostic]

Well the basic manual for IC-705 has the following to say on that topic: "An external antenna tuner for the IC-705 is coming soon." The tuner is also listed on Icom Japan's website as an accessory, but there are no details available.

[@UABFWSS]

APRS?

[@mechanicandskills7215]

Icom IC-705 gps alarm ????

[@sas27uk]

Still no DMR on ICOM ?

[@4X4-RADIO]

Not a Show Stopper... But a pity they have omitted 4M/70MHz

[@4X4-RADIO]

@Überleben It's not really propagation... It's access to the band is limited. What we really need is an allocation at 40MHz/8M Now that would be interesting. There are are only a few counties with that mainly EI.

[@Андрей-г9ц8о]

всё красиво конечно-но в городе у меня стоят 2 антенны на 3 этаже на балконе и нихрена не ловят на 726

[@KJPage]

No info on digital capabilities. Packet Radio APRS? How about FreeDV? Icom makes a nice radio but C4FM wins the day over DStar.

[@americanson2174]

Can anyone recommend a good vehicle CB that uses low band frequency as well as standard band that won't break the bank?

[@furion..]

"Low band"? "Standard band"? Many prefer the IC-7100 with diode removed for 160m - 10m without TX restriction.

[@balkanskijoebiden6063]

good product 🥰 73 de Z34MTJ

[@super-8]

Work harder so we can have it soon.

[@Munky332]

1300$ QRP? no thanks. They should have combined that faceplate/menu system on something similar to to old 706 mkIIg, IC-7000 or IC-7100... Give a replacement All-Band All-Mode mobile unit already!

[@okhamradio]

It's so tiny 👍

[@wizardsss100]

An expensive trcvr with weak water/dust and damages protection, high consumption and low power battery, no antenna tuner. Not a choice for outings :(

[@edcronin5409]

QRP is ok for CW

[@francismcclaughry9851]

I would bother me with that bnc connector. most of my coax had pl 259 connectors. I have a 706 and 7300 hundred

[@donovanvanloggerenberg2857]

Complete waste of money.....life to short for QRP!

[@regularuser492]

Alot of cheap plastic on back, too smal buttons, way to overpriced, for portable ham operation is a very FRAGILE TRX !

[@dylanschulz2404]

What is the price of this little radio? I couldn't find a price yet in the USA.

[@regularuser492]

@@dylanschulz2404 in Europe around 1500+ euro.