Icom IC-705 HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver

Technical description

QRP perfect! This is the IC-705: shortwave + VHF, state-of-the-art technology, easy operation - these are the most important features of the compact transceiver. Always with you, with many possibilities to minimise power consumption, perfect for your fun experience on the summit (SOTA) or in the park (POTA)!

The IC-705 is a QRP transceiver with a transmit power of 0.5 up to 10 W for all shortwave bands including 160 m as well as the VHF/UHF bands 6 m, 2 m and 70 cm. Optionally, it is also possible to transmit in the 60 m band. However, one is not limited to QRP: An external power amplifier including ALC can be connected, as well as an antenna tuner like the Icom AH-705 and, of course, a Morse key. An SWR meter is integrated; safe operation is thus possible even without an antenna tuner, which literally lightens up portable operation. Reception is not only possible in the amateur radio bands, but continuously from 30 kHz to 199 MHz, even the 70 cm range is extended on the receiving side to 400 to 470 MHz.

All major operating modes are supported: SSB, AM, FM, WFM (broadcast reception), CW, RTTY and also modern, digital D-Star operation. Up to 25 MHz, the compact unit is designed as a direct-sampling SDR and thus follows the technical achievements and excellent data of devices such as the IC-7300 and IC-9700. Above 25 MHz, the IC-705 operates as a superhet or double superhet.

The display is the same size as that of its larger siblings (4.3 inch / 10.9 cm diagonal); it is also a touch display. This makes operation very simple, yet it remains clear and convenient. A rechargeable battery, with which up to 5 W transmitting power is possible, is included; otherwise, 13.8 V DC can be fed in, charging the battery. The IC-705 can also be connected to a USB smartphone power supply with 5 V / 2 A to charge the battery. At 20 cm wide, but only 80 mm high and 85 mm deep, there is enough space even on the smallest camping table.

Xiegu X6200 and Icom IC-705: How do the two top QRP transceivers differ? In this blog post, we take a look at the differences and similarities.

How does the Icom IC-705 differ from the Xiegu X6100 portable transceiver? Find out in our comparison in the blog post.

Application description

Amateur radio and outdoor activities - what better way to combine the two than with a portable set? No matter if you climb a high mountain or just hang a wire dipole between trees at a picnic, the fun is guaranteed and any QRM is far away. And what helps better doing this than a near-perfect yet lightweight and compact portable transceiver? The IC-705 offers everything radio amateurs need to be QRV on the road in all modes with the convenience of a base station: The colour waterfall display helps enormously with band monitoring, so you don't miss any activity. The front speaker ensures good understandibility.

Worldwide connections can be established via D-Star using appropriate repeaters. D-Star operation requires precise positioning, which is why a GPS antenna is built into the IC-705. The GPS position can be recorded during the hike, so the device also serves as a position logger and prevents you from not being able to find your way out of the forest at the end of the radio trip. The recording is made on an optional micro SD card, a slot for which is available on the side of the device. Received QSO data can also be recorded on this SD card, as well as the respective configuration of the unit.

To enable convenient operation with headsets or a hands-free kit, the IC-705 is equipped with a modern Bluetooth interface that can transmit both audio and CAT control signals. An Android smartphone can also be paired via Bluetooth for advanced D-Star functions. Remote control and configuration by computer is done either via the USB interface or wirelessly via WLAN. Measuring only about 200 x 80 x 85 mm and weighing about 1 kg without battery, the device is nevertheless handy and portable. And if you are tired of radioing yourself, your neck is hoarse and your hand is slack, you can still listen to FM radio with the device and do BC-DX on FM as well as in the AM broadcast ranges.