Review: Icom IC-705
We bring readers the first review of the exciting new next generation IC-705 portable transceiver.
Richard Constantine G3UGF brings readers the first review of the exciting new next generation IC-705 portable transceiver.
Icom Incorporated, Japan has come a long way since Tokuzo Inoue founded his small radio company in 1954. With a thousand plus employees and a worldwide presence in most sectors of mobile communications, Icom’s global footprint is massive. It’s always had a reputation for innovation and in the Amateur Radio market, for being just a little different.
Priding itself on attention to detail rather than marketing hype, Covid 19, component and shipping delays, have contributed to extra excitement for the long-awaited release of the IC-705. Indeed, it’s now more than a year since I first discussed reviewing this radio with PW’s Editor.
Chinese offerings aside, Yaesu and Elecraft already have feature-rich QRP radios with excellent pedigrees so, what’s different about the IC-705?
Multimode and More
Firstly, it’s a full featured, multimode transportable radio, covering all bands, 1.8MHz to 440MHz, including 5MHz and in the UK, receive-only 70MHz. It’s a direct RF sampling, SDR transceiver utilising down-conversion IF sampling for 25MHz and above.
RF signals pass through dedicated filters, to the Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and are processed in the low-noise, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) − excellent for weak signal recovery. While there are some technical differences to big brother IC-7300, the end result to the naked ear is the same, as side by side comparisons proved. It incorporates passband tuning and there are no extra filters to buy. Indeed, the radio auto-selects the appropriate filter bandwidth when switching modes.
Pack in GPS, digital voice gateway (DV), D-STAR, FM Radio, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Airband Rx, RTTY Tx/Rx, colour touchscreen, 500 memories, 2,500 repeater memories and, of course, the real-time, point and jump frequency waterfall/spectrum scope display and you begin to get a sense of why this radio really is ‘next generation’.
The micro-SD slot accepts a 2GB card or a 32GB SDHC card activating 13 additional features. They include receive logging, voice recording, RTTY decode log, screen captures, picture sharing, GPS memory and more.
First Impressions and Comparisons
Opening the package, Icom’s attention to detail raised a smile. Inside, a small slip of paper detailed exactly how to, and how not to, remove the radio from the box!
Though I suspect many 705s will happily spend much time at home, weight is important for serious portable operations. It weighs 1.185kg, with standard battery attached. That’s 185g more than the steelcased, fully-loaded Elecraft KX3, of the same but shallower footprint. Surprisingly, both
weigh less than a Yaesu FT-817 at 1.280kg.
Incidentally, the IC-705 fits snugly into the same padded KX3 bag by Windcamp, for easy carrying and protection.
Power Consumption
Unlike the competition, its BP-272, 7.4V 1880mAh Li-ion battery is external to the radio. It simply clicks on the back and is easily changed. RF output auto-limits to 5W, unless external power is connected. Charging takes around 2.5 hours, a little longer when 12V is connected and the radio in use.
Excellent for QRPP or FT8 data, transmit power is adjustable from 0.5-10W. An external 5A DC supply is recommended. Switching on, the radio displays battery voltage and has a permanent three block icon, on-screen. The A grade battery cells are excellent operating down to around 6V, before falling off a cliff and shutting down.
With everything on, receiver consumption measured 288mA. Switching off the GPS, wireless Lan and Bluetooth reduced it to 177mA. There’s an adjustable screen saver but surprisingly the screen only consumes around 40mA. When portable you can freeze the GPS co-ordinates on the memory card and switch off GPS to conserve energy.
Owners of ID51 and ID52 portables will welcome the 705’s battery compatibility. There’s also a 3150mAh, BP307 battery available, but it’s not cheap.
Microphone Choice
A compact speaker/microphone is provided. While not a full keyboard it does have up/down controls for frequency or memory channel change, plus two additional programmable buttons.
All external connections are located on either side of the unit and protected by rubber covers. Having no front or rear connections creates space for the large colour display and the excellent sounding speaker. The quality of received audio came as a pleasant surprise, for such a small transducer.
FM reports indicated microphone quality to be acceptable but understandably somewhat ‘toppy’ compared to a Bluetooth headset, but likely to be an advantage on SSB. Bluetooth works with a wide range of devices. I was easily able to connect a Yaesu SM-10 and use its PTT. Icom have their own version.
A small quirky microphone hanger and strain relief plate is provided. It attaches to the earth screw point. There’s a DC cable and spare 4A fuses, plus four adhesive rubber pads (feet) that you fit yourself.
Handbooks
The manual labelled Transceptor de Modo brought back happy memories of the iconic Fast Show, until I realised it comes in five languages and I found the English version.
As a reviewer I’m a great believer in the maxim, ‘if all else fails, read the handbook’. However, I do want to experience how intuitive a piece of equipment is with no preconceptions or knowledge.
I have to say the IC-705 scores very well in this area. It’s quite easy to navigate and most importantly for a complex device, remember how to use. Icom has successfully minimised the number of sub-menus, with frequent user choices spread across top levels of the on-screen display.
Sub-menus are mostly limited to options that, once set, need little or no further attention. Yes, it most certainly helps if you’ve experienced the IC-7300 but, you soon learn that the IC-705 is not quite the same thing.
With several controls fewer, some options and functions are accessed only by the display. Pressing either the menu or the function buttons reveals that each has two pages to choose from. The buttons that remain are all appropriate but some are double-purpose according to the mode in use.
I particularly like the XFC button that allows checking of your transmit frequency when using a repeater or when working split frequency, in a pile-up.
The short handbook is more user friendly than most and has clearly labelled sections. I couldn’t find clear information about setting up for repeater use. Eventually I discovered by trial and error that CTCSS tone and shift settings were on separate pages of the function display, but it took some time to figure it out.
The basic handbook devotes some 18 pages to set mode along with infrequently changed functions that customise the radio, for personal convenience.
I strongly recommend owners or potential owners, to download the 212-page full manual from the Icom website. It not only fills in holes from the basic manual but provides much more information and some surprises. Detailed sections, with easy to follow screenshots, cover scanning, voice memories, audio recording, advanced GPS use linking with digital positioning data, Wireless Lan, DV gateway function, basic and advanced D--STAR operation − much needed by this reviewer. There’s a section on interfacing the radio to a computer for RTTY and data transmission. I suspect that interface modules/ cables will be available very shortly from third party providers, if not already.
Practicalities
Ergonomically the IC-705 is a bit of an oddity. It sits flat on a desk and you can’t see the
display. Initially, I had it on its back before placing it on a shelf. The upper and lower rear case edges are bevelled at 45°. Angling it back looked OK, until I pressed the front screen and it repeatedly fell backwards. Investigating the underside revealed an industry standard AMPS pattern of four M4 threaded screw holes, for a mounting plate, not provided.
Additionally, there’s a larger, central threaded socket, known in the trade as a ¼in, 20 UNC thread. A wide range of photography brackets or tripods will fit, securing and adjusting to suit, but perhaps not as neatly as a proprietary stand.
It puzzles me why Icom failed to include any kind of angled stand, bail arm or flipdown leg arrangement. No matter, the thirdparty after market is on the case. Watch this space. It’s somewhat annoying, though, and I can’t stop thinking this is something of a gaff on Icom’s part for a high-end radio.
Antennas and Tuning
Critics comment that there’s no automatic tuner. To me the simple answer is, with all this tech’ there’s no room left in the box. Do you want a bigger box? A resonant antenna on VHF or UHF presents little problem. For HF a pre-tuned antenna, simple ATU or balun transformer arrangement works. There are plenty of ATU options available in kit form or ready built. There’s the usual internal SWR monitor and a superb SWR colour plot function showing SWR bandwidth.
The radio is built on a complex alloy cast housing and metal bracket arrangement attached to which is a small earth terminal bolt, below the BNC antenna socket. It only has a small diameter and a short thread. It’s potentially and easily lost when out portable. A wing nut or flying lead might be a better idea.
How Well does it Perform?
I’ve been a QRP enthusiast for many years and you develop a sort of mindset, particularly on lower frequencies. It’s easier to call a station than call CQ, unless you’re on the QRP frequencies. Antenna efficiency is key to maximising power out.
Low noise locations in the countryside are ideal for QRP. Often bands still have good DX potential in low noise locations, when apparently closed in urban environments.
For VHF/UHF 5 or 10W is more than adequate with little problem using repeaters and digital modes, even with reduced power.
It’s early days but I’ve operated on battery power for extended periods on FM nets and repeaters, 3-4 hours on CW and SSB depending on transmit-to-receive duty cycle.
The CW keying waveform is crisp and clean and break-in works well. My paddle key settings first came up as reversed, an easy menu fix. SSB operation requires a little compression, but not too much and none for FM.
Thoughts
Judging by early sales this radio is already another Icom success story. It appeals to Icom fans and IC-7300 owners. It’s appealing for outdoor use, but I suspect some traditionalists might think it too high-tech for hiking to SOTA summits.
Consider this. To date we’ve seen manufacturers producing remotable head radios, but retaining the clever bits in the main body, with an amplifier and in some cases a tuner. Does Icom’s philosophy of being a little different now mean they intend to turn this on its head?
SDR potentially makes it practical to have a comprehensive grab and go QRP radio for portable. Plus, in the not too distant future, an add-on, home and mobile use, 100W amplifier/tuner, possibly repackaged from the IC7300. Hold that thought.
Things I like, some I don’t
What I like:
• The GPS automatically sets the clock for the log, when switching on − great.
• SWR and bandwidth plotting on-screen, excellent for portable, compromise antennas.
• Quality internal speaker gives good sound.
• Love watching the on-screen TX/RX audio monitor display.
• BNC antenna socket.
• Easy battery swap and compatibility with other models makes for a really good operating experience
What I am less enamoured with:
• No adjustable stand, perhaps a serious omission.
• Stock microphone transmit audio bandwidth a little restricted.
• Received audio bandwidth on speaker mic − I’ve heard better.
• Earthing bolt arrangement, could be improved.
• Black and white stripe, DC lead, give me Red and Black, any day.
• tags, very close to DC cable open end, likely to be removed.
• Glass fuses easily damaged but not easy to obtain in the field.
NB: suggest, mini blade fuses as used in cars tougher and widely available.
Finally
For the first time I have to consider splitting my personal 5-star rating scale.
Features and benefits wise, ease of use and for its future potential, it’s got to be, 4.9.
Physically, I’d describe it as a high-end transportable and a solid brick of a radio, but would definitely insure it and consider extended warranty.
There’s no pretence of being rugged, but I appreciate that’s not its marketplace.
The internal casting offers some protection and perhaps the cosmetics can be replaced, but there’s the stand issue, for this category it’s 4.7.
Overall, it’s 4.8 stars but, for innovation and future potential it’s got to be heading for a 5.
Next time I’ll be exploring accessories and after-market products for the IC 705.
My thanks to the ML&S team for a quick launch day delivery, to give a head start on this review. The IC-705 sells for £1300 and is available from most UK amateur radio retailers.
The full specification, software downloads and more are available on the Icom website: https://tinyurl.com/y2tqyk3n