Thanks for the summary of the two radios. I also own both rigs and it's nice to know there's other hams conflicted like me of which one to buy...so I bought both too! I added the BP500 battery pack to mine so my TX-500 isn't as svelte as it once was but it's as capable as the IC-705 with its built in battery pack. For POTA I bring both so depending what mood I'm in that day that's the rig I use. Best 73, K9AT
I like both radios and would consider to get either one. The ONLY thing that's a con for the TX-500 are the cable connections, but it's something to deal with. More tempted to get the IC-705, just cause it can do more. I love my FX-4CR! Nice work on the video & 73!
I just made this decision recently and would have been happy with either but the Icom won me over with its features. I’d really like that 500 for hiking though.
I own both, and love both. TX-500/BP-500 is great for backpack trips (hike with tent any weather). IC-705 is premium qrp radio and any other travels it in my suitcase. Both do digital: FT8, RTTY or CW. IC-705 everything is premium comparing to TX-500
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on both of these great radios. I was admiring the protective covers you put both radios, could you please share a link to them?? Thanks!
I had one of the first TX500 radios that came to the UK. I sold it earlier this year. Two reasons: the connectivity with those plugs coming out the side, plus the odd balanced audio output that's a bit like Russian Roulette - so many people have blown the audio IC because plugging in 3.5mm plugs to the adapter can cause a short. The price of the TX500 had gone up so much I got most of my original money back and set up a complete Xiegu G90 portable system with solar panel and battery. Its so easy to use. I wouldn't recommend for digital though as it has no built in soundcard, but it has an ATU. 73, GM4SVM
The 705 is the Swiss army knife of portable radios. It's not perfect, nothing is. But if you pair it with an antenna tuner, it becomes close to perfect. Of course, if you have deployed an adequately matched antenna, you don't even need that, but I'm rarely in that ideal of a situation. I love my 705, it will take a lot for me to sell it. But damn, that billet aluminum is sexy.
Somebody once said that when you're in the field with the TX-500 that you can also use it to pound tent stakes. And I believe it. Until you hold one in your hand, the heft of the radio is not apparent. I was shocked when I first pulled mine from the box. You definitely don't want to drop it on your toes. I only use resonant EFHW antennas. It's not a lot of extra work and well worth the extra setup time.
Nice comparison video! I actually made this decision recently. I went with the 705. I ordered the full Peovi cage for it to make it a little more rugged. It was a tough decision for sure because I wanted a more rugged rig for hiking but I was blown away by the 705’s features.
Great comparison between to great QRP rigs! It interesting how much the subtle little differences can make a big difference between, what seems form the surface as two nearly identical rigs. I have the IC-705 and the Yaesu 818. To me they are completely different tools for different applications. Similar to what you show with your IC075 and TX-500.
I like my 705 connected to a sailor marine amplifier, 4 watts out for 250 watts from the amp. Also use a BT89 Bluetooth speaker microphone with great fun.
I own the TX-500 and I love it. The IC-705, while certainly an admirable piece of kit, does not meet my needs. The TX-500 is what I'd call a true field radio. Being highly water resistant, I just don't even think about getting it out in the weather. And unlike my FT-817 that blew up the finals any time there was any hint of an antenna mismatch, the TX-500 doesn't much care. There are videos on the TX-500 YT channel showing transmissions with dead shorts and open circuits in the feedline and the TX-500 doesn't blink. While I try not to abuse my equipment, the reality of field operations in harsh environments is that it's easy to do stupid things to your radio without thinking about it. I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially if I'm in a situation where my life depends on it. I noticed that you didn't mention current draw on receive. The IC-705 draws 300ma. The TX-500 is 110ma. That means that you can run 2-3 times longer on the same battery. This is huge for field operations. I asked my contact at Icom if they'd ever make a ruggedized version of the IC-705 and he said no. This is surprising given Icom's presence in marine radios. It's really too bad since an IC-705 built like a TX-500 would be interesting. But at the end of the day, I'd probably keep my TX-500 anyway due to simplicity of operation and power consumption. I routinely get reports from stations who are surprised that a QRP radio can sound as good as the TX-500. This may change at the bottom of the solar cycle, but for now I am in love with my radio and don't plan to ever let it go.
The TX-500 isn't as bullet proof as one might think. If you're using an end fed I would recommend a 1 foot ferrite bead jumper in the middle of the radio and antenna wire, These antennas tend to return a high current back to the rig antenna connector and this has been know to blow out the audio chip in the TX-500. Although I've not experienced it it's a nice precaution to take because these replacement audio chips are getting scarce with supply chain restrictions. K9AT.
Thanks for the summary of the two radios. I also own both rigs and it's nice to know there's other hams conflicted like me of which one to buy...so I bought both too! I added the BP500 battery pack to mine so my TX-500 isn't as svelte as it once was but it's as capable as the IC-705 with its built in battery pack. For POTA I bring both so depending what mood I'm in that day that's the rig I use.
Best 73,
K9AT
I like both radios and would consider to get either one. The ONLY thing that's a con for the TX-500 are the cable connections, but it's something to deal with. More tempted to get the IC-705, just cause it can do more. I love my FX-4CR! Nice work on the video & 73!
I just made this decision recently and would have been happy with either but the Icom won me over with its features. I’d really like that 500 for hiking though.
I own both, and love both. TX-500/BP-500 is great for backpack trips (hike with tent any weather). IC-705 is premium qrp radio and any other travels it in my suitcase. Both do digital: FT8, RTTY or CW. IC-705 everything is premium comparing to TX-500
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on both of these great radios. I was admiring the protective covers you put both radios, could you please share a link to them?? Thanks!
Cover for the 705 - www.printables.com/model/488546-icom-ic-705-cover
Cover for the TX-500 - www.thingiverse.com/thing:5446888
@@TangoOscarMikeN3WS Thank you!
I had one of the first TX500 radios that came to the UK. I sold it earlier this year. Two reasons: the connectivity with those plugs coming out the side, plus the odd balanced audio output that's a bit like Russian Roulette - so many people have blown the audio IC because plugging in 3.5mm plugs to the adapter can cause a short. The price of the TX500 had gone up so much I got most of my original money back and set up a complete Xiegu G90 portable system with solar panel and battery. Its so easy to use. I wouldn't recommend for digital though as it has no built in soundcard, but it has an ATU. 73, GM4SVM
Yea, I know the audio chip was an issue. I will just be using me for voice.
The 705 is the Swiss army knife of portable radios. It's not perfect, nothing is. But if you pair it with an antenna tuner, it becomes close to perfect. Of course, if you have deployed an adequately matched antenna, you don't even need that, but I'm rarely in that ideal of a situation. I love my 705, it will take a lot for me to sell it. But damn, that billet aluminum is sexy.
Somebody once said that when you're in the field with the TX-500 that you can also use it to pound tent stakes. And I believe it. Until you hold one in your hand, the heft of the radio is not apparent. I was shocked when I first pulled mine from the box. You definitely don't want to drop it on your toes.
I only use resonant EFHW antennas. It's not a lot of extra work and well worth the extra setup time.
Nice comparison video! I actually made this decision recently. I went with the 705. I ordered the full Peovi cage for it to make it a little more rugged. It was a tough decision for sure because I wanted a more rugged rig for hiking but I was blown away by the 705’s features.
They are hard to beat. I keep waiting for Yaesu to step up to the plate with a new QRP portable radio.
@@TangoOscarMikeN3WS I know. I was hoping they would jump back into that market.
Both radios have their place. They both look great. I am also a ICOM guy. Very nice detailed discerption. 73s
Thanks.
Thank you for the video. I have the spaghetti monster and I am looking for the next one. Sounds like 705 is going to be the one. 73
It is hard to beat the single USB connection. You can even go wireless if you buy the software.
Great comparison between to great QRP rigs!
It interesting how much the subtle little differences can make a big difference between, what seems form the surface as two nearly identical rigs. I have the IC-705 and the Yaesu 818. To me they are completely different tools for different applications. Similar to what you show with your IC075 and TX-500.
Thanks. I want all the QRP radios.
I like my 705 connected to a sailor marine amplifier, 4 watts out for 250 watts from the amp. Also use a BT89 Bluetooth speaker microphone with great fun.
Very nice. I'm glad I picked up a little amp. It nice to have the option to put out some power.
I learned a bit there…. Thanks!
Glad to hear it!
I own the TX-500 and I love it. The IC-705, while certainly an admirable piece of kit, does not meet my needs. The TX-500 is what I'd call a true field radio. Being highly water resistant, I just don't even think about getting it out in the weather. And unlike my FT-817 that blew up the finals any time there was any hint of an antenna mismatch, the TX-500 doesn't much care. There are videos on the TX-500 YT channel showing transmissions with dead shorts and open circuits in the feedline and the TX-500 doesn't blink. While I try not to abuse my equipment, the reality of field operations in harsh environments is that it's easy to do stupid things to your radio without thinking about it. I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially if I'm in a situation where my life depends on it.
I noticed that you didn't mention current draw on receive. The IC-705 draws 300ma. The TX-500 is 110ma. That means that you can run 2-3 times longer on the same battery. This is huge for field operations.
I asked my contact at Icom if they'd ever make a ruggedized version of the IC-705 and he said no. This is surprising given Icom's presence in marine radios. It's really too bad since an IC-705 built like a TX-500 would be interesting. But at the end of the day, I'd probably keep my TX-500 anyway due to simplicity of operation and power consumption. I routinely get reports from stations who are surprised that a QRP radio can sound as good as the TX-500. This may change at the bottom of the solar cycle, but for now I am in love with my radio and don't plan to ever let it go.
It is definitely one of the most innovative radios to ever come out. I'm holding on to mine. Thanks for the input.
The TX-500 isn't as bullet proof as one might think. If you're using an end fed I would recommend a 1 foot ferrite bead jumper in the middle of the radio and antenna wire, These antennas tend to return a high current back to the rig antenna connector and this has been know to blow out the audio chip in the TX-500. Although I've not experienced it it's a nice precaution to take because these replacement audio chips are getting scarce with supply chain restrictions.
K9AT.
I think I need to do some work to lighten my load for my 705 bag, LOL.
You can ditch the USB cable with the free WFView for the 705. Been using this setup for a while with great success on digital.
Yes, I did a video on setting this up a while ago, but it seems fiddly at times. You also loose GPS capability.
Was the dog doing laps around the house???
Pretty much. He's non-stop when he is outside.
En Kilogramos Cuanto seria?
705 ~ 1.2 kg tx ~ 500g not including batteries. (2.2lbs = 1kg)