Making a 100 watt Icom IC-705 with a Elecraft Amp.

I'm demonstrating how to use the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier with your Icom IC-705. It super simple and works like a dream. Makes the 705 an ultimate in shack or portable ham radio.
The Amp to 705 Interface: amzn.to/3eH6IaV
Show Notes:
Join Me every Monday at Noon Mountain Time (1800 UTC) for lunch & ham radio. I'll bring in short subjects that we can dive in and look at, you can bring up subjects to discuss. You can also join me as a guest on the show.
Join the show live : guest.ecamm.live/818a23d21
Wires X: KZbinrs 40448
FCS Reflector: KZbinrs 003/48

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

Manufacturers of HF Radios need to make QRP field radios modeled after how business laptops function in the office. When you are in the shack, your SDR radio slides into a “dock” just like your business laptop slides into the docking station to make it function like a real desktop computer. When you want to operate portable, you push a release button and the SDR unit slides out of its holder and becomes a portable 10 or 20 watt radio. It really would be a welcome concept.

[@wjjohns04able]

Agreed. I love the idea of this video but if the amps are crazy priced, it doesn’t make much sense.

[@OttoDestruct]

So much this. As an urban ham, I have limited space. I'd pay extra for a dockable IC-705.

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Bob. Exactly the information I needed to put the Amp with the Hermes Lite 2.0.

[@alzeNL]

This is a really good video, thank you so much for the upload. Whilst I have an IC7300 for the QTH, I can see if you really wanted just one radio, getting an IC705 and putting this amp on it gives that extra power for working when conditions are bad. For me, its just a little bit too expensive to justify having already got a 7300 and for me I'm happy to keep my 705 QRP when going out, nethertheless, this is a great video in how to turn a QRP radio into a full power radio for home use as well. Top notch !

[@robertchapman4970]

Thank You for this video. I got into the Hobby in 2019 got my extra class and bought an ic 705. At the time the IC pw2 Amp was at least to my understanding at the time was going to be compatible with ic 705...as we are all aware that isn't the case...I want one radio that does it all QRP and base station and this is the only real viable answer that will let me have my cake and eat it too...the obvious speaks for itself...great Vid 73.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Bob, Happy New Year to you and the family. That makes an excellent combo for home use. Think I might reconsider the 705. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@K6UDA]

Thanks, you too!

[@schoocg]

So simple . Thank you.

[@sonarmb]

Happy New Year mate. Great video to start 2022, looking forrward to more. Me news, just upgraded my Aussie licence to advanced and the boss/xyl/SWMBO let me buy a Flex 6400...great radio! Anyway stay safe and catch you further down the log, 73 VK6MMB

[@Ranchhand323]

Happy New Year Bob !!

[@K6UDA]

Happy new year!

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

have a good new year bob

[@K6UDA]

Thanks. You too!!

[@johannesmiller1849]

It was time that someone would cover this topic, the Icom IC-705 manual is not too clear on this. Thank you! It would have also been interesting to demonstrate how you control the power output of the KXPA100 from the IC-705. 73, Jo - DL1JRM

[@albertchun-chiehhuang7783]

Thanks for sharing this video. KXPA100 looks pretty easy to use. Do you know KXPA100's power consumption at receive mode? If it's low, it would be a good replacement of PA500, which has a long long list to wait.

[@spartan3299]

Dollar for db I'd go with a HobbyPCB Hardrock 50 kit, ATU, ect. Fine kit and great support.

[@robertallbright]

Definitely Hardrock 50 kit👍 Rob G3RCE

[@donwhitehead4587]

Holy smokes….with the cost of this Elekraft amp, I’d take this amount of money and buy an IC-7300 and leave it in the shack and use the 705 for POTA, SOTA and the like😮

[@gliderrider]

You can get a FT-891 for less! and have 160 - 6 meters. I was trying to get something for my kx2. FT-891 is cheaper and a 2nd radio. De n5vwn

[@donwhitehead4587]

…..update. And that is exactly what I did! My 7300 is the shack “workhorse”, the 705 is the vacation/portable rig.

[@donwhitehead4587]

@@SteveBerwick I can give you this example: The 40 meter net I often check into near Atlanta will give me an S8 when I use the 705. When I use the 7300 on 100 watts, I usually get a report of 10db to 20db over 9. Both transmissions are equally intelligible, so some would say I don’t need the 7300. Example 2: on FT8 with the 705 I contacted Belize from the Blue Ridge parkway! Example 3: on FT 8 with the 705 I can sometime work Europe when the bands are good. With the 7300 on FT8, Europe is no sweat. Do I need both rigs? No. For years I could never have afforded these 2. Am I glad I have both? ABSOLUTELY.

[@donwhitehead4587]

@@SteveBerwick Absolutely, because you already understand the limitations of the 705 which in essence will make you a better operator. 10 watts output doesn’t seem conducive to “overheating” in any mode but using it only for RTTY for long stretches, but even for that at proper SWRs, I’d guess Icom tested it for surviving that!

[@crazyham]

A little over 2 S points difference between 5 watt and 100 watt. 80 watt is exactly 2 s points over 5 watt. @@SteveBerwick

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice...........

[@kenthufford743]

Great video. The Elecraft KXPA100 is a great match, tho not cheap. The XEIGU 125b works, but has some wrinkles.

[@litzdog911]

What sort of "wrinkles"? I've been looking to add either the Elecraft or Xeigu for my IC-705.

[@kenthufford743]

I have both the 125B and the KXPA100. Big difference in price, build quality and operation. The 125b currently has to set bands in the manual mode. Sometimes, on mine, I have to push repush a button to get it to take. The screen on the 125b is great tho, all the information you would ever need. Power input levels vary greatly to get the correct output out of the 125b. You do NOT want to send too much power to the 125b, it gets crazy sending funny codes then shuts down. The autotuner in the KXPA100 seems to get a better solution, and stays there.

[@anthonygorrell1343]

Moffett amp chip from a yaesu 450d installed inside 705 (possible?)

[@r0naldzuccala198]

Hello Bob I just purchased the 705 so all of the info you put out is of value. I do have a question for you regarding noise. Is it of value to use the nb plus the nr at the same time. Thank you. Ron zuccala. The north American shortwave radio and toy robot museum.

[@K6UDA]

It can be. Nb or noise blanket is made for man made noise conditions like common electric noises, electric fences ect while noise reduction NR is used for atmospheric noise.

[@beardies]

if you dont want to use the amp can you still use the tuner?

[@new1jones778]

So, what happens with the power output on VHF and UHF. It is still 5 watts or 10 watts, right? How many repeaters can you hit with 10 watts? Not many

[@litzdog911]

Great video! What power level did you set the IC-705 to output?

[@kenthufford743]

3-5 watts is about all you need.

[@K6UDA]

5 watts

[@OttoDestruct]

Thanks for the vid. I'd like to see a follow-up to this: how to get the IC-705 to recognize the KXP100 as a compatible ATU. Some other amps (Hardrock 50) have an optional external 705 interface box - no need to manually tune, it picks up on what the 705 is tuned to.

[@ch716]

I looked at the HARDROCK arduino code and the elecraft protocol. It wouldn’t be difficult to adapt the code for this amplifier. For me, the problem is cost. By the time I buy the elecraft amp and ATU, I can get a HARDROCK 500 for an extra $300 and get 500 and a built in psu.

[@OttoDestruct]

@@ch716See, cost isn't really the issue for me: time and stupidity are. I would pay money to solve this problem if someone would build an interface box between the Elecraft amp and 705.

[@ch716]

@@OttoDestruct yeah, I hear ya. If I had a KXP100, I’d do it and share with you. The hard rock interface just sends rs232 commands to the hard rock. The Elecraft has good documentation, so it’s totally doable for the cost of the hard rock 705 interface ($60). But yeah, I understand the code changes are the struggle for you. there are several features on the elecraft that I prefer over the hardrock 100w. 13.8v input vs 50v. 3db attenuation and two antenna ports. I’m not seeing any used for sale so people must love them. I’m very tempted, but $1665 is the current price, which is a struggle for me. Maybe I’ll keep my eye on eBay.

[@OttoDestruct]

@@ch716 I think I may just bit the bullet and buy the Elecraft, interface cable be-damned - it's such a well-made amp/ATU. Well, I suppose I need to buy the actual radio first. [chuckles]

[@barrykery1175]

Good video. Thanks for not choosing a splatter box Chinese amp. Barry, KU3X

[@K6UDA]

Thanks 👍

[@FM-us3rd]

And Elecraft makes great stuff, and retains a lot of its value in resale, people do not seem to mention this often.@@markherman7619

[@neilgodfreybartley3143]

HEAT ! 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@alanboggs8723]

I haven’t seen a link to order the cable you’re referring to on Amazon. What is the link?

[@K6UDA]

I added it. Thanks for reminding me.

[@Sith_Pratorian_Guard]

What is the power source for the Amp? and can you recommend the best resonate antenna for the 705, and where I can buy it I just got my tech license.

[@crazyham]

As for which antenna, it depends on which bands you wish to use as the ic705 covers mf hf vhf and uhf but if you want to cover most HF ham bands then an end fed half wave (EFHW) would probably be a good all rounder.

[@mikehorvath4780]

Happy New Year! I’ve been amazed with my QRP contacts with the 705. Right now I’m building a Hardrock-50. I’m curious to find out if anyone is using the Hardrock-50 with the IC-705! 73 K7NFO

[@spartan3299]

Been really happy with my Hardrock 50 using it with a KX3, K2.

[@gregfischer5984]

I am. And they have a bluetooth interface so the only cable to the radio is a 3.5mm to the send socket. The bluetooth reads all the 705 band info and sends it to the HR50. Works great.

[@roninsc]

Does running SSB on 40, 20, or 10 meters require any differences/settings from your explanation of operating FM on 10?

[@K6UDA]

I was just suggesting keying the mic on FM to tune the amp if you don't have a CW key. 28.3 to 28.5 is SSB land.

[@roninsc]

@@K6UDA Cool....tnx for the video. Simple but informative!

[@kristhompson8112]

Sweet vid ... If only I could afford the KXPA100 they cost Moonbeams to get them down to us in New Zealand, over $3100 NZD factory pre assembled with the ATU. ☹😢😬

[@johnpeterson7264]

Alc ? That seems strange to use to trigger the amp. Gotta try to understand that

[@Ei2iP]

Be clear 100w on Hf!!!!

[@yohnjager9893]

I just caught this video and was like yes, I need 100w amp for my 705. So I watch most of the video before finding out the amp is $1500.00 + US dollars. holy smokes... that's a yeah, NO. Great video otherwise. thank you for your time!

[@mondorondo6152]

Yea , but it makes no sense , 2 x cost , 2x weight, 5 x problems

[@mondorondo6152]

@Mark Herman i loved the video, but i think that if u have to carry the 705+amplifier+external battery for the amp., then it would be the same carrying a 7300 and a battery, but i love the 705......maybe with a different amp.?

[@dougbas3980]

@@mondorondo6152 look at receive current for 7300. Maybe aq battery problem?

[@joeh3767]

You really need to check that a frequency is clear before, and then identify your station after tuning up. We’ve got more than enough “tuner uppers” polluting the bands already.

[@ag1382]

A 7300 and ID51 at better than twice the price.

[@K6UDA]

This wasn't a most bang for the buck video. It was specifically getting double duty out of the 705. QRP out in the field and 100 watts at home.

[@rolnas21]

It is much easier to use RTTY instead FM and don't make wide band noise on bands.

[@albing1397]

PS - Amp good to 54 MHZ, Radio covers 2 M and 70 Cm (no amp)

[@dougbas3980]

yep

[@loctite222ms]

Why FM? Not enough output on AM?

[@K1OIK]

good point. But you can only use AM in the morning.

[@K6UDA]

With FM I just have to key the mic and its at full modulation. Seems a bit quicker to me.

[@loctite222ms]

@@K6UDA I don't think you need the modulation for a tuner. Just wondering if the AM carrier power is sufficient. It would be good practice to use the minimum power required. Ok. I just tried it. There's more rf output on FM than the carrier output on AM.

[@K1OIK]

@@K6UDA I agree with loctite222ms.

[@anthonygorrell1343]

I thought people used a cw tone

[@lasantiagoa]

Highly recommend DIY 599's PA500. 100mAh on receive, ultra portable and rugged. Oh and yes, way cheaper than the KXPA100. Excellent for portable use as the form factor is easier than the KXPA100. Hope this is useful, 73 de Luis, HB9HJU

[@ryany4326]

Yeah you can’t even buy one. And won’t be able to buy one for a 1-2 years at the least. This keyboard jockey Forgot to mention that. Probably not even a ham

[@TheOzembuch]

@@ryany4326 I just bought one, it's not cheap, but there are ways to get it.

[@RWgold111]

I believe it’s waiting for FCC approval

[@lasantiagoa]

@Mark Herman Hi and hope you are well. Yes, it's not 100W, that hasn't stopped me from having a lot of fun with it on SOTA/POTA activations. Yes, it's a portable amp. For those wanting the extra 40W but with a QTH use case and the extra cash, do proceed and buy the KXPA100. For my use case, a portable and rugged form factor works amazing on field activities. Regarding the website, that's not a shop. A ham in Germany makes it and Yes, a long queue but totally worth the wait.

[@lasantiagoa]

@@ryany4326 no, I didn't forget to write it. I was never asked to. And I didn't have to wait 2 years, I bought it and got it in about 3 weeks. I do live in Europe though.

[@TheLjh73]

The problem as I read it, that makes this radio over 2 grand

[@Benjamin-lj1mt]

May be u damage your ptt port without using a interface......

[@mondorondo6152]

Min 2:56 you are lucky u had those headphones on

[@michaelhamilton3778]

🤨Just purchased the right radio in the first place IC-7300. The IC-705 is more of a QRP radio. Something you use for camping. Not a base station.

[@K1OIK]

Why are you wearing headphones?

[@ivandubinsky1857]

The '7300 is the way to go. It does everything the '705 does...and more. It makes no sense to buy a qrp radio that already costs more than the '7300 and then tack an amp on to it to get 100 watts output. If you want a portable radio to take into the field, get a Xiegu G90 to go along with the '7300. It has a built-in tuner that will handle anything and up to 20 watts output.

[@K6UDA]

The 7300 is HF only. The 705 does vhf uhf and dstar on all bands including HF. That’s pretty significant.

[@gregfischer5984]

The 705 and 7300 are really nothing alike as far as features go. 705 has bluetooth, Wifi, 2M, 70cm and is made primarily for portable ops though it can be used as a low power base as well.

[@robertchapman4970]

One shack one radio one antenna one amplifier...no other radio compares to the ic 705. Base and portability all in one.

[@ch716]

7300 has a slow usb interface. The WiFi in 705 is faster. When using software, the waterfall experience is better.

[@justinabbott7600]

Meh of course the amp is way more than the cost of radio to bad he never shows any budget items for those of us that cant just buy everything we want....

[@eddycuypers7621]

A Icom Ic705 with an Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier will cost about $ 2850, and maybe some with the extra cables. An ICOM IC-7610 HF/50MHz All Mode cost $3,199.95, Only $350 more. Are You claiming the 705 with Elecaft amp. is a good deal? And don't start with portable when carrying all those boxes and battery. Unless for mobile use, where there are much cheaper alternatives, this setup is useless.

[@K6UDA]

Did I say it was a bargain? For the ham who wants or owns a super portable radio. suitable for lugging up the side of a mountain in a backpack, the 705 is a perfect choice. Hooking it up with an amp when your at home gives you a 100 watt choice. I've done a bunch of portable videos using antennas specifically made for lightweight portable use. I never recommended carrying an amp and power supply on portable expeditions.

[@dgafkucky]

An ICOM IC-7610 HF/50MHz All Mode cost $3,199.95, + Icom IC-705 HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver $1,369.95 = $4569.90 is alot more than A Icom Ic705 with an Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier that will will cost about $ 2850 and you can unhook the 705 and take it out for a walk

[@grandpaandlucas7054]

use a keying buffer relay or pop the 705