The Icom IC-705's 5 Worst Features
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- The Icom IC-705 is a reliable, feature-packed portable ham radio. But Icom engineers were asleep at the switch when they added the features I'll tell you about in this video.
- Věda a technologie
Regarding the batteries and power reduction..
The performance of lithium-ion batteries diminishes at low temperatures because the chemical reactions that generate electrical energy slow down, leading to lower capacity and efficiency.
The internal resistance of the battery increases in the cold weather, causing voltage drops and potentially triggering the battery's protection circuitry.
Charging a lithium-ion battery below freezing can cause lithium plating on the anode, which can lead to short circuits, capacity loss, and potential safety hazards like fires or explosions.
Repeated exposure to low temperatures can shorten the overall lifespan of the battery.
Icom knew what they were doing when incorporating these safety features. If you don't like it, then use the external 12v connector and connect an insulated Lithium-Ion battery or use AGM technology.
Same issue with EV cars, can't charge them in cold temps.
@ Highlighted ready - THANK YOU! 😊- I’jj have to check that out! ICOM crammed so many features into that little rig that it’s easy to miss something like that.
Thank you for your informative comment. My response would be they used the wrong battery technology.
I have owned mine from day 1 and have no complaints but there is no perfect radio
No perfect radio ! Boy.....how true that statement is. de KU3X
Oh, I don't know. I think my IC-7300 is perfect.
I love my FT-817ND ❤
FT-818ND here. I was lucky got one of the last off the line.
@@bradl2636 wow, congratulations! Unfortunately, I missed the FT-818s as I had about a decade of inactivity. But was able ro get a mint 817ND recently. Definitely a keeper, would never swap it with an IC-705!
I bought one of the last FT-818ND made. Did the MARS mod and also installed the SSB filter. Works like a champ. I'll keep it forever.
Roger that! 73s
The 817/818 are a LOT cheaper to buy too! Geez, I can get a 991A with money left over for whatever, for the price of a 705. Ok, no DSP in the 817/818 but for the price difference, I can add DSP.
Wait. My 705 has an internal speaker? How did I miss that? I thought the only speaker was on the mic.
Tip. Tape or wrap some 'hot hands' hand warmers to the battery in very cold weather. Compact, inexpensive and some heat for close to 8 hours. I do agree though, this is a significant shortcoming. Good observations.
Interesting idea, thank you!
I’m glad to see you did this in the spirit of “constructive criticism” of a great little radio rather than just a rant. As an IC-705 owner myself, a couple of my own observations:
I’ll agree with you regarding the internal loudspeaker rattle at high volume levels; when operating it at home, I plug in an old Kenwood external speaker from a TS-520! 😊
Regarding the microphone, I’ve personally never used it in speaker - mic fashion; always used either the internal speaker or an external one. I find the little microphone comfortable in my hand (& although I’m a little guy, I’ve got HUGE hands! 😊). I’m more concerned about the relatively fragile sub-miniature jack that they used; it’s a bit telling that ICOM realized this themselves with the provided strain - relief for the mic cord, which makes it a bit of a pain to conveniently unplug the mic for transport. One thing I’ve personally experimented with recently was using a SONY CS-520 Bluetooth headphone set for both receiver & TRANSMIT using VOX; I’ve played with this just a little bit so far. The audio quality on receive with this headset is excellent, haven’t tried it enough on transmit yet to evaluate it fully. I’ve also successfully used Apple AirPod earbuds with it. I did order the ICOM service manual for it (comes as a PDF on a thumb drive); I want to look that over to see if there’s a way to do an external PTT switch, rather than use VOX with the Bluetooth headphones. I may also give it a try with a Sony Bluetooth speaker that I’ve used for years when cycling.
The battery issue is interesting, as I haven’t used my IC-705 outside in cold weather; a simple work- around would be to use an external 12 volt battery, which also enables you to run the radio at 10 watts output rather than 5.
I’ll also agree a bit with the side port issues; I have my IC-705 in a Chinese-made case that encloses it fully & includes a PL-259 connector on the front to the left of the IC-705. The case has sizable openings on both ens to permit port access, but it can sometimes be a bit fiddle trying to get plugs inserted with my big fingers. One thing I was slightly surprised & disappointed in a bit is the fact that the speaker output jack is strictly monophonic rather than stereo, considering the large number of inexpensive but high-quality wired stereo headphones available. (That’s what prompted me to experiment with the Sony Bluetooth headphones).
The vox button can be used as a ptt. It's in the menu.
Thank you for your informative comment!
You have some very good points in this video. Thanks!
Hi Tracy, re the rattling internal speaker, you could always use a pair of headphones. I used the Heil HTC dual earpads with in-line PTT button - worked fantastic with the 705.
Valid criticisms. I used my IC-705 during the RAC Winter contest from a park in Ottawa in similar temperatures. I was using an external battery and didn’t encounter the output power issue. I also use headphones to avoid the rattling speaker. With the speaker mic, I only plug in the mic connection. 73, VA2NW
Thank you for sharing your experience! 73 from VE3TWM.
Agree all points. As an engineer I see some very odd design decisions. Bought Yaesu.
My pet peeve with the 705 and the 9700 is why is it left to 3rd party developers to write applications to use the radio via Wifi/Remotely ? It should be bundled and/or free to download. As is I use wfview and the excellent SDR Control Mobile for my ic705, but it costs money, but great for remote / Wifi access in the field. Still, I wouldnt change my favourite QRP radio, just wish the software came with it, and wasnt somethign I had to pay for give the already quite high price tag for the radio.
that maybe , because of Japanese domestic radio rules. which amateur radio must have transmitter certification like business radio in US. so no modification allowed. AG6JU
I owned and loved the 705 for the menu selectable mulliwatt power choices and built in RTTY/ CW options. Went back however to 818 for home use and LNR for field use.
@OutdoorsOnTheAir, can you verify if that "speaker-rattling" also occurs on FM 2mtrs & 70 cm's ..or anywhere else ... are you shure it is the speaker and not some distortion in the DSP process ?
Good video, didn't know about the cold and power, I usually put 12v on it so I can get the 10w. Don't have cold issues here in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Excellent review as usual Tracy. I use the Windcamp arc-705 cage and it hides the cables pretty well when using the radio in the shack. An adapter is available to plug any regular Icom microphone. My main issue with the 705 is being limited to 5w while running on the battery pack. However the versatility of the radio is incredible. HF, swl, weak signal vhf/uhf all mode, Winlink, FT8, broadcast… you name it. I am even using it remotely from my car using the sdr-mobile application. Cannot beat that. 73’s
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You are certainly getting your money's worth out of this versatile communicator. 73 from VE3TWM.
Great video and perspective on this. I do wish it had 2 antenna ports, since I often use it for VHF contests. This was the first i heard about reduced power in low temperatures, so thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Mike!
Love ur videos. Jim from CT
Thank you very much!
I believe the Battery issue is a Function of Lithium Ion Batteries.
Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:35 1. All Ports are on the Sides
2:17 2. Speaker Microphone is too small
3:24 3. Missing 2nd Antenna Port
4:00 4. Internal Speaker Rattles at High Volume
5:21 5. Temperature Limits of ICOM Batteries
7:32 Outro
Great vid with some even greater points....thank you!!!! Frankly, I think your points are valid. Let's home ICOM watches this, too. ha!! '73
Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir 73 from WA2TVN Upstate NY Find me on 7250 Mhz M-F at 3:00 ET
Great review. Indeed, what were they at Icom thinking?!
Hi, I prefer my Yaesu FT-891...
Less money, more robust and more power! 😂
Regarding the antenna connector and other port complaints..
I encourage you to take a look at the teardown videos of the 705 and see at the amount of space inside the radio. There are several boards layered together with very little room for provisions as you suggest.
Moving the port connectors to the back of the radio would not work due to the battery. It simply doesn't make sense to do this for a portable radio.
The perfect radio doesn't exist unless you design and manufacture it yourself for your specific requirements.
Not convinced. The radio is not tiny...make it a bit bigger to accommodate the changes.
I have not heard of a few of these issues. Thank you for this important info! 🍻🤠🇦🇺 VK1DON
You're welcome! 🍻🏕🇨🇦
I love my 705, but agree with your list of worst features. The battery throttle on low temps doesn’t impact me much down here in Atlanta, but it does seem silly. The lack of a second antenna port is the biggest fail in my opinion. Great video. 73, KI4ASK
Thank you for your sharing your experience, Joe! 73 from VE3TWM.
Hello, I also have an ic705 and I agree with your comments, maybe not with all of them.
but don't worry, you have to wait for similar equipment from yaesu because they know how to do it correctly.
73 from Poland SP2NW.
Roger that from calif usa
Let's hope so! 73 from VE3TWM.
Concise. It’s a great radio, but no company is infallible. I have issues with things like this all the time, but despite them, often a radio is still a favorite (such as my video on the 7610). 500mW and you made contacts on 15M? Good for you! What was the antenna design like? 73!
You are so right. All of my favourite radios have serious flaws. The antenna I was using on 15m in the cold was a G5RV. 73 from VE3TWM!
Had mine for about 6 months and used it several times at a non-POTA park. It worked great but the pet peeve for me is the microphone/speaker connectors. Why not use a modular jack like everyone else instead of 2 separate plugs? You're pet peeves are valid and I share the same sentiment on several of them. I also have the Xiegu G90 and X6100 and hmmmm.....
The 705 is a great radio. One the biggest problems is the price. The things you list are concerns ,but I can live with them. You are right there should be two antenna jacks. The power supply problem, that is an engineering thing.
Thanks Tracey for the review of the least liked "features".
I guess there are going to be hacks now to fool that "temperature feature" of 0.5W.
Most of what you want is on a Base station the temperature thing is interesting wonder if this can be disabled -M0FXB
It is a problem of all LiFeSO4 batteries. I imagine you can use full power (10 watts) with the external battery below freezing? I am going to look that up. BTW, I appreciate your pointing out that it does that. My number one feature I wish it had is an antenna tuner. Oh well there is always something😉
Hello.
1) Battery - for extreme temperatures, you still can connect external LiFePo or whatever, you probably don't want to kill the batteries by using them in 0 deg F. However, I have done several activations in freezing cold below 0 deg C and was fine, I guess my power couldn't be that low, because I was successfully making contacts on CQ on VHF in a contest.
2) I definitely like the mic size, bigger mic would make the whole package too big. Also, I believe that some jack-to-something reduction can be made.
3) Speaker - not sure about the FT817, I have sold it already, but I think it's quite good compared to other brands.
4) Cable mess and two ant connectors? Why? It's still a portable radio, which tends to be as small as possible, although bigger than a KX2.
I think it's a different use case. You tend to use it as a shack radio, like e.g. a ft991 and then you miss the second ant connector, big mike and connectors at the back. But this is not a radio for such usecase, it aims for lighter portables, where you connect the ant you need, either hf or vhf depend on whether you are gonna contesting on VHF or do POTA... Cables connected from the back would be suboptimal if the radio is installed/used in a camera bag like I use it or in some go-kits meant for hikers. For that purpose, the connectors are right, in case you have angled ones, which I have for headset, mike, power cable, key and other 3.5mm jacks, but I miss it for USB, for which I only have a straight connector, so there is a risk of breaking it or the cable. The angled ones are however perfectly hidden and protected by the edges of the front panel.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
All Lithium batteries have the same limitations. The battery temperature sensor is the one telling the station it should lower the current.
Mic is great for it's purpose
Dual antenna would be nice, but I don't feel as stong as you about this subject
Connectors on the back, maybe but I understand why they did it
I agree . what I miss is 220 1.25 meter band. not in the 705. have to use transverter to get that band. also the PTT line for ext. amp is not 12V switching. but a after market board fixed that and made USB C . east to install. 73's
Good points! 73 from VE3TWM.
I think IC-705 is really designed for Japanese domestic market. while 89% of licensed amateur there is 4th class operator, they are limited 10 watts on HF. also, Japanese amateur radio equipment there have to pass type certification something similar to FCC part 90 for transmitter's signal quality. so that may be a reason why power drop below certain temperature. other reason why I think IC-705 is better suited for Japanese market, having D-STAR digital mode, SSB on 144, 430 MHz band which are popular in Japan. for US operation, higher power HF radio is more suitable for POTA , since most of POTA operation are done in HF here. I think Chinese HF only radio are more suitable for portable operating for much less price. AG6JU
Great points!
I'm not big on field radio's with a big screen with bling. I reserve that for base rigs. As a CW operator, I like small compact rigs from LNR Precision, Elecraft, QRP Labs and other no name kit transceivers by other hams that can fit in an altoid tin. I'm sure the ICom is a fantastic rig though. I don't know if the IC-705 has a Audio Peak Filter (APF) like Yaesu has for CW, I know the IC-7300 didn't. Thanks for the review! 73 de AI5DD P.S. I had to throw in the Yaesu FT-817/818, great rig and one of my favorites.
Your comment makes a lot of sense to me! No audio peak filter in the 705. 73 from VE3TWM.
Hi, totally agree on your comments on the radio. The microphone is to small. It should have had two antenna sockets. One for HF and one for UHF/VHF. I didn't know about the power dropping in low temperatures. But I haven't been portable with mine yet. Great video, with thanks. David M0DUU
Thank you, David!
Interesting comments in your video. 1. Battery.....I did not know about the cut back in power with low temp. That was interesting. My complaint about the battery is....SIZE. They make a 3000 mah battery that should have been included instead of that little 1880 mah battery. I purchased an aftermarket 3300 mah battery and installed it. 2. Hand mic.......From day one, when I heard how bad the speaker in the hand mic was, I unplugged that cable and now use the internal speaker. Your comment about not be able to use a full size standard mic is interesting. Icom could easily make an adaptor cable so one could use a full size hand mic. 3. You missed this one and it's my biggest complaint. Built in ATU. Look at the KX3's size and they are able to install an ATU that works from 6 meters to 160 meters. 3. Here's another point, tilting the radio at a 45 degree angle. Could they not put a small bail of some kind or fold up feet on the radio? Like you, I really like the radio and not trying to whine about it. I knew what I was getting when I purchased it. I really did a lot of research before dropping down my hard earned retirement bucks. No buyer's remorse here. Great radio....it found a retirement home. 73 de KU3X
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Barry! Good points all. I should have included the lack of a wire bail. 73 from VE3TWM!
All great points. There are many things to like about the 705, but as a field radio it's lacking, as are most others.
I think Lab599 got the basic design more correct than most manufacturers from a true field radio perspective.
It's weather sealed, low profile, it is it's own heat sink. Albeit a bit on the pricier side of things, especially if you want to add the aftermarket amp, and battery packs - unless of course you were patient and got in on the long wait list when HRO was listing them for about $750. Still a pricey option, but as HAMs we can all be a bit frugal.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You know, if the 599 was an Icom or Yaesu product, I'd own one. I might have to reconsider my attitude regarding buying from a small Russian company.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I completely understand those points. I really wish ICOM or Yaesu would design a more compact purpose built field radio. I love my Japanese radios.
I've owned my 705 for barely a week and im barely scratching the surface of the *two* manuals it comes with: one "basic", one "advanced"
Ever ask yourself why you need to fish through 2 manuals (rather than 1) to find what you are looking for?
Thank you for pointing these things out. I agree with everything you said.
I don't own this radio, but I have a IC 7300. I use the Heil Pro 7
Headset. I would be nice to be able to use it with the IC 705.
Thank you for the video. KF6EWO
My biggest complaints so far with my 705 is;
Speaker switch - Why can't I have a button (or menu option) to switch between audio output device, I have the 705 in a bag, I don't want to pull it out to plug in audio. (my solution is currently just using a good jabra BT headset for audio and mic)
Not the greatest intermod protection - I feel this is due to the plastic casing (see next issue too), I have though about putting foil shielding inside the case back but I'm afraid that will mess with the BT, WiFi, and GPS.
Groundplane - high SWR with 1/4 vhf antenna due to lack of metal in case. Was solved once I installed metal rails.
Remote App - IDK why Icom doesn't bother making a companion app for the SDR interface, you could just show what's on the screen it's self basically and it would alot manpack usage. While there are 3rd party options they are very basic.
I do quite like my 705, and it's served me well on many POTA activations as as a IF radio for Microwave. The choice of microphone connector (2.5mm) is absolutely ridiculous! (and yes the mic's form factor stinks too) I understand that they didn't want people to mix up between plugging in the mic to the speaker jack, but it is the single most delicate thing on the radio. If it gets damaged, the female connector is soldered right to the main PCB! Why it wasn't designed like the connectors on the opposite side of the radio as a stand alone board that can be easily replaced? Eventually the 2.5mm jack is going to lose it's grip and will have to be replaced.
That's a scary thought!
I think the ports are on the side because you can just put the radio down on its back if you are on the ground.
The sp/mic is not the best, I'm using only the microphone, but I'm missing an internal one like on Xiegu radios. It would be better if I didn't need to carry it at all.
Thank you for the test, I'm now aware of the cold situation.
For $1300 or so it should have a decent speaker
Interesting point regarding using the radio on the ground! As for myself, that's not something I would do as that would be an ergonomic nightmare 😀
Electronics manufacturers take li-ion battery risks very seriously. A Tesla some years ago went in the drink at a local boat slip and burned underwater for 4 days requiring a hazmat cleanup. My guess is if there is the slightest concern about even condensation forming inside the case and God forbid causing a short? They want to be the manufacturer on record that hard coded disabling the current as much as they possible in that scenario. My $0.02 worth guess is the liability lawyers said cut the current if there could be any water from any source.
Enh... I think I'll keep my IC-706mkIIG, along with my prehistoric FT897. I sure liked my old(?) IC-7300, but when I got the offer to swap it even-up for a Flex 3000, it took me about a nanosecond to jump. I'm not sure what Icom is thinking, these days... 73, de W8ZZX
Anyone considered the Discovery 500 by LAB599? They now have a battery pack available.
73s
I considered one, but went with the 705 instead. Maybe I should make a video about that...
@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks for the reply, perhaps borrow one to see how you'd get on with it?
Thanks for all the effort you put into making all these videos.
73s
Lab 599 is reportedly redoing their radio to get rid of the Medusa nest of wires on both ends. Perhaps Icom will follow suite.
I am waiting for a 100W modern radio to replace the FT-857D. Something that is a 100W shack in the box like the FT-897D and FT-857D that can be operated as QRP radio.
The FT-991A almost got my interest, but as you pointed out, its not that rugged and its a bit power hungry on receive.
The FTdx-10 and FT-710 are great radios, but they do not have VHF/UHF capabilities. The FTDX-10 is also very power hungry on receive.
I'm still clinging on to my FT-857D and FT-857D radios. In my mind they are still excellent portable and ECOM radios. They do lack filtering that would make them contesting radios. Otherwise they are absolutely excellent.
Keep bring great videos.
Isn't it interesting that the 857 and 897 continue to hold a place of prominence in today's portable world. Wish the major vendors would take note and offer a modern equivalent.
Sell it. Get a 20w G90. Tim and I both have one and like it.
😂😂😂
The solution to the "internal speaker and background noise" gripe?
The 705 has bluetooth, get a pair of decent quality noise cancelling earbuds. I can personally recommend the (albeit pricey) Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
Yeah, I get it, but I don't like wearing headphones or earbuds. After spending that much on a rig, I resent that they couldn't have done a better job on one very important thing that they should have figured out how to do properly years ago.
FT-817ND forever!! Thanks! BTW, the L91 AA's work down to -40F or C. AGM L/A's work well below freezing, too. Rechargeable lithium's are temperature range restricted. 72/73 Jerry wa2omu
Thank you for your comment and 72/73 from VE3TWM!
An Automatic Antenna Tuner, would be nice and in addition more Watt...15 Maybe 20 ....but Overall as you Said the Icom IC 705 Allmode Transciver is a pretty good Radio!!!!
73 from Chris ....💫😁
You're right, Chris! 73 from VE3TWM.
I have yet to see a product brochure highlighting the worst features. Why??
Still like it better than my 817!
1. Get a tripod
2. Heil sells a lightweight headset that has the right connector for the 705 and other Icom HTs, get one
Just find a way to keep the lith battery warm 😂😂
It’s big enough that it should have a built in tuner. I still like the rig though.
Agreed. The matching tuner, whilst working very well, is too big and heavy for much portable work.
upgrade the ft-817 and it will outsell everything
None of your issues you can't circumvent. Don't like the microphone: Build yourself an adaptor for your favourite mic. Don't like the speaker: wear headphones. Don't like the temperature characteristics of the battery: you need an external battery to get 10W output anyway. Hold the mic in your right hand and you don't have to use your thumb for the PTT. I agree re the single antenna connector. Major oversight. Got a commercial diplexer sitting with mine. I've also upgraded from a micto USB connector to USB-C, alas, without PD capability.
You're right...but now I need to take multiple extras along on a portable outing. That's counter-productive for a top of the line field rig.
I myself would agree with some of these..Fact the mic sucks lol..Speaker not great but easy fix with my little speaker plugged in..Battery ya found out the hard way this winter with my HT..Mic is also a easy fix with a good mic and soldering iron lol..Like many have said perfect radio?..Never seen one but in my eyes the 705 beats most qrp rigs out there and like all it has its flaws
hi I had mine fo think 4-5 years and works very well only use the front speaker do not use the speaker in the mic do not like the sound of it and do run it on big 12 battery or power supply keep its battery in to keep charge for just in case no problem I like it so bad that I have 2 off them 1 in the shack and 1 with extra batt in the Icom bag and end fed antenna and small power pack and leads
like a 12-14v computer charger it is my no1,2 afterthe 7300, 73 , Pieter
Thank you for sharing your experience, Pieter! 73 from VE3TWM.
John never has a second cup at home! 🤔
No radio is perfect ,although the codan 2110 comes close
Yeah thats true but still ic-705 great and there is no rivals with it.
I don't have a 705; I'm just here for moral support. ;) Cheers.
I need all I can get 😂 thank you!
All joking aside, you channel is great. It's like a breath of fresh air, inspiring and rational. Thank you!
@WR3ND Thank you very much
Thanks for your video and insite.
On my channel I show how to make a battery pack that fits runs on 18650 cells and can be charged in the field with a 9 volt. Or run the radio off 9 volt.
(DYI power) is the name of my video.
Cool, thank you for the tip!
For $1400, I will choose other options. Greedy price point decision.
The word greedy might be a bit strong, but I know where you're coming from.
If yaesu isn't developing a 705 competitor with usb-c, real replaceable batteries, ie; 18650's or 21700's with a built in atu and 20 watts, they need to fire all of their engineers.
Oh yeah, scope averaging, yaesu, are you awake?
Scope averaging is why I won't be buying a Yaesu.
@Philip-KA4KOE I agree, as foolish as it sounds, and to many its likely petty, but after watching my wonderful 705 waterfall, that yaesu thing gives me anxiety hihi, it's really that bad.
Let's hope we see a Yaesu alternative soon.
The batteries don’t work well in the cold, just like a Tesla.
It doesnt have a mouse port. Does it? WTH Icom. I love using my OLD KX3 with a laptop to display the spectrum. Click on a signal & listen to it.. Easy.
No mouse port.
705 is badly missing a vertical (portrait) display mode allowing it to be used like an ht (that it is) - held in a human hand. antenna on top.
the squelch is a sad joke and useless as it prevents all weak signal reception
the display generates tons of interference
Icom cant please everyone but i ageee the speaker mic is not great and the problem with the two cables
With the exception of the battery at cold temps you're really nit-picking for issues here. Don't agree any of those other "issues" are actually a problem.
To each, their own.
Sell it and get a KX2
Hmmm...
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir tempted ?. My interest in radio was waning ...then I realised that waterfall displays had taken the magic out of it, so I'm on the kx2 just dialling through the bands and using ears...old school.
@@radiobits3007 Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way.
The speakers are a problem icom also have problems with screens
At first i thought "complaining on high level", but, powerdown on 0°C or less? WTF? The battery will die fast on cold weather, but the radio?
At 0 Degree you have better cooling.