Using an Icom IC-705 as a Mobile rig

I wanted to address some of the questions I received on why I ditched my Yaesu FT-891 and started using the Icom IC-705 instead.
There are so many reasons, and I totally forgot that I also love using one USB cable, and in reality - you can do FT8 with NO cables! So cool!
Such a capable radio, a good design, and versatile for mobile use!

[@WaynePatrick]

Man you are a genius. My 705 sits on my desk not being used 99% of the time. I am inspired now. I’m thinking about adding a duplexer to my setup for vhf/uhf too. Thanks for sharing this.

[@k9kj]

Great idea for the duplexer. I often thought about doing that myself!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

terrific set up congratulations 73 from kb2uew

[@ncc1701zzz]

Nice video! Not sure if you know that you can assign many of the floating options (like CW SPEED, PWR, CW pitch or NR LEVEL,etc.) to the MULTI knob, by long-pressing the option. Then the MULTI will change always the CW speed for example. Long-press the MULTI to reset it to kHz again. It is very useful!

[@k9kj]

Thanks for the tips!

[@johnk8091]

I have the same dilemma - I love my ATAS antenna, but had to buy an FT-891 in order to have one touch antenna tuning. But I hate my 891 for the same reasons you mention. I far prefer my IC-7100, IC-705 or IC-7000 in the mobile, so user friendly, convenient and no cables...but then there is the issue of having to tune the ATAS. Sure you can get an external unit to do the tuning, but then it's just cumbersome, with more units and cables in the cab. Now, if Icom could produce a motorized antenna similar to the ATAS, with one touch tuning from an Icom, then I would buy it without hesitation. Icom have nailed it with their user interface, and with all the ports on the head of the radio.

[@k9kj]

100 percent agree! I wish Icom would do an antenna and associated interface

[@Kd9bpy]

I liked both setups....my 891 resides in my emcomm setup....i just ordered a Qmx plus to build for a motorcycle portable outfit for Pota.

[@k9kj]

What a fantastic idea! Would love to see that setup some time

[@thuff3207]

If you like CW and want something built for CW take a look at the KX2 my favorite CW portable radio. No waterfall and you what that then its the 705.

[@JayN4GO]

Very nice setup with the amp. Minus the ft8 garbage. Lol

[@janiceemery2008]

So TJ, you sort of caught me off guard. I am in the market for another radio and was looking at the FT-891. I have the FT-991A for a home base but, would like to have something portable not so much mobile. I thought the FT-891 would be good since it is 100W radio but, since looking at you video, I am having second thoughts. I have heard some folks say it is easier to navigate around with the IC--705 then with a Yaesu. I want a radio for portable and emergency purposes. The IC-705 is only 10W of power and I certainly don't want to carry an amp if I want to be portable. Thank you for sharing.

[@k9kj]

Great point! If you do want to go portable and are needing 100 w, I think the 891 is a great setup. Since I don't have to worry about hauling around an amplifier and it is permanently mounted in my vehicle, that kind of takes that variable out of the equation. I don't do portable operations very often, and when I do I will just settle for qrp with the 705

[@KC2BKM]

Nice set up!

[@Bill-HRT]

Nice video. I'm also a fan of the 705 as a mobile, HF rig. See you out there. 73 de Bill

[@Utahforrest]

You really do have that set up so cleanly - takes up very little space in your truck. My 891 setup is so cumbersome I no longer have a seat for my wife 😂. The main reason I went with the 891 was the built in tuner with the ATAS-120. Maybe that’s silly as you can just get external tuners. Yep, speed adjustment on 891 is a pain but as of right now I only run 20WPM so I rarely need to adjust. I love your cup mounts but in my old truck the cup holders are on the floor so it’s kind of funky. But my wife has a new SUV with a raised center module and it’ll work great there! P.S. what do you have behind that hangar door?

[@k9kj]

Check out Instagram handle @flytj

[@IanNA4A]

Nice setup!! Was wondering if you were running an amp. Can you tune the atas with that setup? Great videos TJ

[@k9kj]

Thank you man, I appreciate it. I can tune the ATAS with this setup. I have another video that goes into some of the detail on this.

[@N4AAJ]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. I'm also planning a mobile HF CW setup. I'd like to see more on your antenna setup, amplifier, and antenna controls.ive been considering the atas120a to go with the ft-891. Maybe you could give us your opinion on the Tarheel vs. the ATAS? 73 de N4AAJ

[@k9kj]

Great idea!

[@N4AAJ]

​@k9kj my apologies as I'm new to your videos. I see now that you've mentioned these topics previously. Really enjoying the content. Thanks again, OM. 73 de N4AAJ

[@k9kj]

@@N4AAJ any question you have... Is a good question!!

[@raithjames860]

What make is that cup holder radio mount? Think I saw something like it at Dayton this year.

[@k9kj]

I make them on my Etsy shop. Search Icom cupholder. I put my call sign on my shop so look for that... There are some imitations out there

[@mickleon3129]

Could use a bluetooth headset to listen

[@Kody10538]

How would one use a 705 mobile with a screwdriver antenna? I run a 7100 with a tarheel now, but I turn the power to 10W and CW to tune the screwdriver up and down. How would I do that with a 705 + 100w amp? Just trying to wrap my brain around the idea.

[@k9kj]

Great question! I think I need to do a video on this!

[@Kody10538]

@@k9kj i would love that lol

[@ChrisPenta]

What antenna are you running?

[@k9kj]

Today I am running the Yaesu atas 120. I also have the tar heel 100A that I use for when I'm on a long haul driving trip. The atas-120 is my preferred antenna only because it's easy to pop onto the diamond mount on my Door

[@KD9ZHF]

I thought you were going to pull a connected Elecraft KAT500 and KPA500 out of the center counsel.

[@k9kj]

Now, that's a great idea!

[@KD9ZHF]

@@k9kjI’m always looking forward to your next video. 73, KD9ZHF, Rogers Park, Chicago.