Whats Inside My ICOM IC-705 LC-192 ham radio Backpack?

The ICOM LC-192 backpack was designed to house the IC-705 for safe transport to and from your portbale radio destinations. Today I talk about all the gear that goes along in my LC-192 for portable ham radio operations.
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Current Shack Config:
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ICOM 2730a: amzn.to/2JqrASg
MFJ-4230DMP: www.mfjenterprises.com/Product...
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@0:00 Intro
@0:40 LC-192 Overview
@1:16 IC-705 bag retention
@1:43 Antenna flap
@2:00 Velcro wire pass through
@2:50 Main body pocket
@3:11 The antenna mount bracket
@4:25 Molle attachment points for more gear bags.
@5:00 Contents of admin pouch
@5:32 Pelican 1010 box & ten essentials
@6:50 Backpack straps
@7:20 Main backpack pocket
@7:40 GPD Pocket 2 Mini Windows 10 laptop
@8:40 Comet HFJ-350M 80-10 meter antenna
@10:45 My video bag
@12:50 Ditty bag
@15:32 Cook kit
@18:56 Map pouch
@19:14 Leukotape !! Get some!
@19:50 Antennas!
@20:00 SOTABeams Tri-band Dipole
@21:10 Wolf River Coils TIA-1000 vertical antenna

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

NOTE: Small correction, one of the antennas is a COMET HFJ-350M, its not a Diamond. It also covers all the way up to 6 meters. Thanks!

[@walteredwards544]

I have the Comet HFJ 350M and the Wolf River Coils in both the original and the YAFI version (78" whip and 2× extensions) on the Comet, once I figured out the Counterpoise, I'm now getting close to reaching 1,000 miles(950 miles) with my Xiegu G-90. Once I swapped out the speaker wire and went to antenna wire, I've went from 4.4 to 5.5 signal reports. As for my Wolf River Coils YAFI, I shocked myself last week by reaching a station near Rome Italy. I've also reached Los Angeles and Idaho and Aruba with my Xiegu G-90 and using just 3 radials. Question, since you've played with both radios, how does the Icom 705 compare to the G-90 in whichever metrics you would consider important? I'm looking at getting the 705 too

[@RKONeilJr]

Being new to ham radio I believe this one activity I would really enjoy!

[@gt3940]

DX Eng, called yesterday to confirm that I still wanted the radio, and since my credit union switched to M/C I needed to give DX new credit card information, so while on the phone, I ordered the bag. It's kind of pricey, but it has features that go with the radio. So when the covid-19 subsides and we get new hires here at EDC-1 and the overtime goes down , I'll be looking forward to doing parks on the air with my new iC-705 next spring. 73

[@Solardiysystems]

Just came here to say thanks for all the videos. They helped me get my license here in th UK this week. M7XXD

[@billroberts9044]

Great Video Josh, add a fly rod carrier tube on the side for your long tubular items. They have either dividers or a pull out roll, to give you four compartments to keep your antenna and support tubes from contacting each other.

[@ChatGPT1111]

Great video. In lieu of an inventory sheet, I have photos of everything in the pack, arranged top to bottom. Deeper pockets are for the longer term and overnight items while the quick access ones are for immediate essentials like lighters, knife, water and food. 73 de KI1Y, Cocoa Beach

[@gregh3248]

Thank you. I have an ICOM 7300 as a HF Base and will be adding a 705, shack in a pack for SOTA activations.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Nicely done! Scout aaah! I got to first class. My son became an Eagle. That was a great run down. RWB

[@seanwieland9763]

Thank you for making a video on this! I had exactly this question. I hope Icom continues to sell the backpack for as long as they sell the IC-705 radio.

[@N2YTA]

Moonraker makes an antenna similar to the Comet, however it attaches via 3/8 24 thread and comes with adaptors for both PL-259 & BNC. I use a truck mirror mount in various configurations.

[@stevenbernier4206]

I purchased the Kelty Raven military radio backpack a few years ago. I think it is a much better value for around the same price. Good padded and much more adjustable shoulder straps with a chest strap. Any very nice padded waist belt keeps it from moving all over when you are hiking. They are not the lightest backpack out there but if you leave the radio board in it and it goes tumbling down a hill your radio will survive.

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

I received my HRCC hoodie today. Great choice on the hoodie itself. Has a great cut for the hood and neck, and it's a perfect weight/thickness for a hoodie. Well done 👏

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Dude! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.

[@WickdPerfekT]

Cool antenna mounting solution

[@jplacido9999]

Hi Josh ! Great video !!! Very nice to focus on the imediate survival aspect of the backpack (very important if anything goes wrong in the SOTA or field trip). Congrats !!! from CT1BIL

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah man! Thanks for watching and a great comment!

[@raykiii]

Josh, Wolf River also has a spike that pushes into the ground and supports the TIA. I'm a big fan of the Silver Bullet. For the money it's a lot of options in the field. We use it for POTA. 73 KE0OAP

[@christopherwilliams9936]

Josh, thanks for covering the Icom LC-192 backpack so thoroughly. It's great that you included all of the non-ham essentials as these are very important should their be an unexpected need. I'm still "on-the-fence" as to weather or not I'll buy the backpack as I have concerns about protecting my investment in the 705 from serious damage should the pack take a bad spill. I'm looking at the Pelican 1300 case as it would provide excellent protection, but lugging it up to a summit may not be as practical. I suppose I might place it in a larger backpack with enough room to carry it along with my other stuff. Either way, thanks for giving me a great overview. It's food for thought. 73 de Chris W6NOB

[@564Fire]

Great video!

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Hi Josh, Great video with very good details on not just ham radio, but what ELSE to pack; i.e. survive! Let me add this to your setup... Get yourself a tough solar panel - like a square 15Watt job & mount it to the pack (magnets!)... that way you can charge & keep charged your stuff while not only hiking, but while operating. It's too bad ICOM didn't incorporate solar panels into the backpack like - Voltaic or some others have done. How is the construction compared to other tough; long lasting backpacks you have used? Do you think it will hold up with time?

[@christophersmith1155]

I use the Leixen 898-sp 25 watt uhf/vhf radio with matching back pack.

[@jasonsneed3179]

Hey, I just ordered a 705. I stopped using digital modes due to all the mess and wires. With the 705 I want to get back into digital because it seems like you can do digital without all the wires. Here is the question… Can I update firmware, and do digital modes with a surface go? I really do not want to own a flow blown windows pc but for $800 at costco I was considering the surface go, but after hours of reading I can not even determine if the surface has the ports I need to update the firmware and do digital with the 705. Thanks for you videos!

[@hemitj]

Thanks for another great video

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrSmithChart]

Thanks for the post. Well done. I appreciate the time it took with prep and editing. It is rather unfortunate that the pack doesn't come with a hip belt. Regardless of size, the weight distribution between hips and shoulders should be prepared to support an 80/20 split. 80% of weight on the hips and 20% on the shoulders. For longer hauls you will definitely begin to feel the fatigue in the upper body without a hip belt even with a relatively light load. I recommend loading the pack up simulating real world use and rucking around the neighborhood or local trails or make it part of your physical training regiment. Carrying a loaded ruck, even with minimal weight strains your muscles differently than normal. Being prepared for an emcomm contingency requires just as much phyisical fitness preparedness as the mental. The two are intertwined and both elements will be called upon in a self rescue event. Keep in mind there is also a science with how to pack the bag re: weight distribution. This is a self correcting problem. After you've packed the bag incorretly a few times your body will tell you to head back to the drawing board with regards to packing and weight distribution. After market hip belts are available, not sure the bag can be outfitted as such - but it may be an option. The bag doesn't seem to have much organic capability to shed weather. I would recommend adding a rain fly or inexpensive Duck Back from REI. Potentially a few thousand dollars worth of gear contained in the bag, it would behoove you to have a $15-20 insurance policy on hand from the WX. Understood that you have pelican cases or similiar internal to the bag, but I've noticed I can become distracted on the trail and there are times where equipment does not find it's way back to its original placement/hardware configuration or a zipper/enclosure gets overlooked. A rain cover can assist with that shortfall. A light colored rain cover can also assist with heat reflection from the sun depending on the environment. I hate having my pogey bait melt everywhere, but its nothing close to having your radio suffer from a thermal event. - Another self correcting problem that I've learned first hand - hope this post can help someone with plannining and logistics. Amatuers talk about tactics, professionals study logistics. 73

[@josegregoriogonzalez874]

Hi Josh, Excellent video. Have you tried the Windcamp Gipsy dipole? I am planning to use it as my SOTA antenna here in Patagonia. Seems lighter than many if you do only 40m.

[@robmccray6360]

Have you seen the mAT-705 Automatic Tuner? Very compact and super easy to use.

[@robertjordan4755]

Thanks

[@K3RRR]

Great video, Josh… As always. Initially, I'm probably going to try my Chameleon P Loop 2.0 with my 705… Chameleon is also sending me an MPAS 2.0 to review at the end of the month. I know I'm going to need a tuner and wonder what your thoughts have been for something very compact to toss in that backpack of yours? When I was operating QRP a dozen plus years ago with my two FT-817D transceivers, I used the Elecraft T-1 tuner which I thought was great. They still sell that so that is my baseline when trying to decide if there's something better out there that is automatic and has even a smaller footprint than the T-1. Fun times ahead, my friend! 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@paulduncanson9898]

I’ll use a similar setup for my 705 but with my Alexloop on the side for 10 through 40 so I don’t need to trail a counterpoise. Also easier to tune.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Cool idea.

[@mabo4848]

Thanks , great Video , i am using a EndfEd Antenna 12m. Works also great and ist 20/40m... what is the exact Name of the Molle bag ? or maybe a link ? 73

[@Surge1045]

Wow! I can’t believe that you were able to pack all of that in that smallish bag.

[@G7LWT]

Great review - mny tnx 73 es gd dx

[@randyzon]

Can you provide the manuf/ part # of the antenna mast you have on the bag and the walkaway antenna kit? Thanks

[@dschumske]

Does the GPD pocket 2 cause any noise when connected to the IC-705. I have tried a cheap china mini PC and when I connect the usb cable (that is connected to the IC-705) I get a lot of static (noise). Good video

[@doomgod314]

I need to get my general. Too many awesome toys are hf. Maybe the air will be less lonely too. The local club isn’t very active here. Hardly anyone is monitoring.

[@cjack3035]

How is the Diamond antenna mount secured to the plate on the backpack? Because the tightening screws are on the underside of the mount?

[@martykm6pra114]

When you taking it out. Or have I miss your videos In the field. 100wattsandawire event this weekend

[@hugoreyes4529]

I missed the link for the review on the SOTAbeam antenna. Where is it?

[@hourbach]

What is the part number, model number of the antenna mound on the side of the bag? Diamond what. can't find picture that looks like yours

[@jasonwhite7569]

Any thoughts on whether this pack could be retro fitted for other radios? Looking to make my Yaesu FTM-6000 deployable. Have seen other videos that piece together a number of pouches etc, but looking for a one stop shop concept.

[@haramanggapuja]

Dude, you are frikkin' serious! I was expecting just "antenna/tuner/radio/on-the-air" and what I got was a complete BSA prep tour. Serious. . . . When I was a younger man and much more steady on my feet, I'd have set up the bag like you did. Compass, field dressing kit, all that. Now? Get real: I live out of the car and it's all in antenna/radio/Begali/on-the-air from the hotel/motel parking lot. Drive to the park and do that parking lot. So you make me envious of your youth, amigo. And as for the IC-705 parts, yeah, that's a nice bag and looks like another accessory to go with the lens my wife just bought for her equally expensive camera ;-) Thanks for the run through. Great video. 73 de W8IJN

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I did say in the video “these are ideas”. I wouldn’t pack 100% this hard. Maybe 50-70% of that. 👍💸

[@haramanggapuja]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Absolutely and understood. In truth I admire and am envious of your being able to get out and about. Old saw of a man's gotta know his limits applies to this old gringo. (You don't want to know how many extras of stuff I have in my "carry on bag" And yes, the compass and other bits of the ten essentials is part of that. Plus my anti-stroke meds ;-) ) 73, amigo. Keep on keepin' on.

[@ChatGPT1111]

They should have a fanny pack that adapts this for front IC705 mounting/control while you are walking. Pretty sure I could make one but not a perfect match.

[@AmmitzbollJeppe]

Some survival "experts" would carry three handguns and two full tang knives, but I think your shitting kit (14:30) proves that you are the real expert. An earlier version of this tactical assault shithole shovel was used by Rambo in Nam.

[@robdmau]

Is there a link to the antenna? I cannot find this under diamond antennas

[@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w]

Very nice on a bench indoors I’ve yet to see one out on a hillside or mountain actually being used I take it they’re tooooooo delicate

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hardly. There are a ton of people that take them outdoors. No issues.

[@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I’ve yet to see any wilderness videos outside of oh8stn. Most are in the local park for 5 minutes,as for field day that’s typically 6 to 8 hours....yet to see an actual survival based scenario over 3 days in the field.....

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w Well now you're just moving goalposts. What is it, taking it to a hillside or multi-days in the field? Who even recommeded multi-day in the field with this bag? Check out mark_M0IAX on Instagram, he goes portable often with this bag.

[@pcwgr]

Hi Josh. Great channel!! I have a question for you. How did you tighten the 2 set screws on the K412 mount? They are not very accesible. Thanks, Steve

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Manhandled the hell out of the bag. 🤣

[@MrHeliorabelo]

Great video many valuable information , i got the backpack and started loading with the 705 and many other Acessories but my concern is the backpack can handle that much weight?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think it’s fine. What weight we talking about?

[@MrHeliorabelo]

Hi Josh, i did check and my backpack weight is 6Kg , no include antenna , cables.

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

To summarize it has three compartments one for a battery one for a tuner and another for a 50 watt amplifier

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice..........

[@capricornone2362]

They should have put a transparent pouch to display the FCC wallet license... that would have been a nice touch!

[@laudenirnorato4650]

Custa quanto o icom 705??

[@ericbudinger6313]

Great Video! I recently won an IC-705 so looking for some ideas and this is very helpful! I went to the Signal Stick website and it makes a comment about the Antenna and the 705 for VHF and UHF. I definetly plan on using it for HF VHF and UHF have you had any issues with the VHF/UHF you use? TY love the videos! 73 de Eric N2KOJ

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks Eric I am glad it helped!

[@squidygoo6613]

What is the the multi tool at 5:47, and where did you get it from? I have a similar one and want to buy another one but can't find it anywhere online.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

See the amazon link in the description

[@zrdcorp]

Thanks for sharing ideas on how to use the LC-192. I am most curious about the radial reel, the reel I can get on HD. What about the actual radial wire? Is it 16 or 18 gauge? Where did you get that?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think 20 of 24.

[@zrdcorp]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Can you measure the outer diameter? Is it 1.7mm? (little more than 1/16 inch)?

[@alphamike2839]

Just wondering what the blue and red mast was that you did not talk about. Is there any way to slide a small camelbak bladder in there?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t think a camelback would fit. It’s too tight.

[@jhlewis10]

Amazon affiliated link above is not working for me.

[@chesty1369]

Good video. Just wondering, what 3D printer are you using? Did you design the wire winders? Maybe a video about printing for ham radio? NI0P 73 Brian

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep. I have one already 👍

[@tekspeditionplanet9109]

For the lip-mount antenna mount, how did you get underneath the plastic board to tighten the set screws? Nice setup, by the way.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I just manhandled it until it went in then used a small hex key to drive the screws in.

[@tekspeditionplanet9109]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse yeah, it baffles me that they put a nice mounting board on the side, but few options for bolting anything to it. Nonetheless, I love the backpack overall.

[@reprhunter]

What mast is that you're using?

[@feedbaggage2478]

Nice video... did you weigh the loaded pack or just go by feel?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Good question. I did not weight. But it’s I assume under 20 pounds.

[@douggrace8887]

Enjoyed your presentation. Thanks de ve1dfg

[@angelscomputers]

Are you able to fit the Wolf River Coil antenna inside the bag? I am about to pull the trigger and get the bag but I want to carry my Wolf River Coil antenna in the same bag as the radio. Of course taken appart.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The t1000 coils will not fit inside.

[@angelscomputers]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks Sr, I may have tu use an SBR backpack then ;-)

[@AndreiBulucea]

What is the exact part number for the Diamond antenna mount? Many Thanks!

[@shaungilmartin1505]

yeh....I'm after that as well

[@n1rbd]

Did you happen to weigh everything? That thing looks massively heavy. My SOTA kit comes in at 1.7 lbs. I couldn't imagine hiking with all that, and I've done many section hikes.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I could pair it down, but I was aim for “kitchen sink capabilities”.

[@watchfan6180]

I never understood the 705 totally useless for SSB HF, voice. It is good for CW only.

[@CampervanCookout]

Keep your eyes open for the WonderWand Widebander for the 705...

[@guitarist549]

Do you have this antenna? I just bought it a few days ago and it's pretty fun.

[@ohnename1358]

Very thoughtful. I suggest adding a Swiss Army knife

[@PoorSapper]

Have you ever considered the Buddipoles?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have! But I don’t have one.... yet.

[@timothyenyeartkd9jqe222]

Like to know the 2000$ question....lol how much that all run for the pack?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

How much is the backpack?

[@HoogieSaphouc]

I’m a dude with hurr, hair ties are acceptable legal tender with me hahaha. Scrunchies can help with sling support and a bit more flexible cable management. KN4QWF

[@christophermehrman6313]

HRCC Where did you get your stickers made? And you should sell them on your website

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We do. Www.HamTactical.com

[@christophermehrman6313]

Ok thanks josh must have missed it thanks can’t wait for Saturday

[@bruehlt]

"A" for effort, from Icom - but no way I'd be putting a 705 into a backpack. Especially for the fact that they charge over $162 for it. I bought a small Pelican type hard case for $35 from Amazon that holds the 705, and Bioenno battery. Yes I need to huff an antenna as well - BUT for what the 705 costs there's no way I'm chancing damaging the screen or buttons.

[@graymatrrocks]

Throw the TX-500 in without as much worry.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

will the new AH-705 tuner fit in there?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes

[@TXLorenzo]

Your are missing a signal mirror. Given that you are in sunny SOCAL and most likely will be hurt in some mountainous area, being able to signal the rescue helicopter would be mighty handy. Just a suggestion from a former Boy Scout, LOL

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

There is a small signal mirror in that little kit. I thought I put that on video. Hmmm.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yep, its there, my bad. You blew by pretty fast on that one.

[@gary8397]

If you ever fall over backward you can call turtle rescue to put you back on your feet.

[@Andy2e0ree]

All you need is the radio / antenna /6 beers

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

So, what happens if it rains? I checked the site and I don't see any water proof claims. Seems over priced to me, for what it is. Like you said, hopefully a "tactical bag" manufacturer takes note and release their own comms bag. The smaller the bag, the less you pack. Which is a good thing. You seemed to pull it off. I can't wait to see you take it in the field. I just couldn't imagine going on a hike with less than a 20l bag, and that's minus radio equip. But, admittedly, I'm a habitual over packer.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Solar blanket? Lol.

[@wtmcpherson7219]

Ham Radio Crash Course There are many lightweight rain covers available for packs of all sizes. If this is an issue

[@MrC-Hacking]

*When the IC-705mk2 comes out*: WHATS INSIDE MY 705?: ELECTRONICS EDITION!

[@skm9420]

I would but it if it was 100 bucks but 170 is getting really expensive for the size. Plus I don't even have a 705 and I would like to have one.

[@cedricvillani8502]

Sponsored by Icom much??? And wow, so they took a camera bag and stuck there logo on it, then POOF!!!! Goes from $34.99 to $170. I’m impressed

[@MrButterpantz]

Weave dat molle in. Doesn't have the same durability until you do.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Molle have been weaved.

[@robdmau]

Lol the signal stick has a big disclaimer that it cannot use used with e 705 lol

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Dude. Don’t make stuff up. You just add a radial.

[@robdmau]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse lol, what could I possible make up? I am new to the hobby but reading is pretty fundamental. So I clicked on the link and simply read the product…. And this is what it says: NOTE FOR IC-705 OWNERS: The Signal Stick is not designed to be used on a radio such as the Icom IC-705 and the SWR will likely not be as low as you’d hope;

[@robdmau]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse being new, if you have tips please share…

[@robdmau]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse nothing?

[@johnleonardelli_VE3IPS]

There is no way the Wolf River coil fits in the backpack, plus the Chameleon F loop, the Sota Beams etc. No way man no way. And the MSR stove and the Coleman Lantern and the Inflatable boat

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I didn't say take ALL the antennas. I said pick ONE. Further, I never suggested the F-Loop. Nor did I say MSR stove or Coleman lantern. Are you joking?

[@alexn78666]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah think you missed the queue for a bit of sarcasm.. "and the inflatable boat"

[@W4UWC]

Not much room for beer!

[@tonyr3352]

GMRS is good for 10 years

[@tomaszrozanski4343]

Prepared for zombie Time:)

[@cappaculla]

Never forget the shit tickets !!

[@madcarew.3256]

A White Rabbit?

[@forgetyourlife]

"Used to be a boy scout" now a man scout.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hah. Thanks. Always be prepared my dude.

[@Channelscruf]

Most people call my di-pole a third leg. I’m not sayin’. I’m just sayin’.

[@pietrogazzera5733]

Too much items!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t take it ALL into the field. It’s to give you ideas and what is possible. Find your own way.