IC-705 vs KX2 : Which is Best For Portable Ops
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лют 2023
- The Icom IC-705 and the Elecraft KX2 are both outstanding portable QRP radios so which one is best for your outdoor radio activities. This video will attempt to help you in your decision making process.
Thank you- 1. For not feeling the need to wear a hat indoors for a video, and 2. Your presentation was well executed, without all the nervous “ums”and “uhs” present in too many ham videos. Great comparison of two radios without distractions!
Thanks Brad. I do script my videos or I would have more ums and uhs than average.
Bob WV7W
Sdr-control, an iPad and the 705 is a wireless digital mode dream!
Thanks for the additional info for the viewers. I haven't sprung for the iPad app. It is a bit pricey and I don't do that much digital, but it does sound pretty cool.
The 705s GPS can be used to set your computer time for digital modes. A very important feature in the field! As I don't do CW, the 705 is the winner in my (pocket)book !
Absolutely! I was doing some testing last night and put my new laptop on WSJT-X and was trying to figure out why it wasn't decoding. Turns out the clock was off.
Bottom line is both rigs are great and you should use which is better for you. Sounds like you found yours.
"I catch myself smiling". THAT is the best answer. 👍👍
Yup, not hard to love both of these rigs.
😊 I don't usually comment on videos but I must state how useful & well-thoughtout this one was❗ Thank you❗😁
Thank you for your kind words.
Elecraft just announced a new internal battery charger option for the KX2 (probably right after you published this video). For me, the CW features and the excellent built-in tuner made the decision for me.
Yup, actually have mine on order. I knew it was coming but at the time of recording, hadn't been released.
@@houseofhamradio Figured as much! For now, I am not going to get the internal charger. I have two batteries and the rapid charger now. When I get back from an outing, I simply swap the batteries and charge the one I just used. This system works well for me, rather than a slow internal charger.
@@w2aew Main reason I am getting it is that I wanted the real time clock so I figured I would get that too. I can still do the rapid charge with the external
@@houseofhamradio Makes sense. I already have the realtime clock option in mine, so that's less of an issue for me (and I'd have to dispose of the one I have).
@@w2aew Yeah, If I were you I would do the same.
Thank you for sharing some new video content featuring the KX2! I have a 705 and am waiting on a KX2.
you will not be disappointed. I like both very much.
Great comparison. I am in the blessed position to have both. They are both awesome. I figured I would end up using the 705 more because of the bling factor and the sweet scope. I find myself using the KX2 more because it is just so easy and convenient, especially with the tuner. As a CW guy, there is simply no comparison to the lack of relays and silent operation in the KX2. I must say, though, that the 705 is pretty damn quiet for a rig that uses relay switching. I want to do some VHF/UHF this spring and am looking forward to using the 705 more. We've come a long way since I was first licensed in 1983!
Thanks for your comment. Most of it looks as if I could have written it 😀
I agree whole heartedly. I too use my KX2 more but as I said in the video, I like them both.
I really like simple devices (focusing on primary functionality without too much extra stuff and gamification) and I operate 90% or more portable in field - so after several years using the FT818 I just ordered a KX2 with several optional stuff. Yes - expensive. Very expensive in the complete package. But I’m really excited on getting this thing out in the field with some random wire antenna and doing wonderful contacts all over the world😊).
the KX2 is my favorite field radio by far. KH1 is a close second. I sold my 705 when I bought the KH1 and I don't regret it. I had an original FT-817 and it was a cool radio too but you will love the KX2. Nice having a great ATU that can tune almost anything and an internal battery that runs the radio for a looooong time.
I played the Elecraft boxes at Piero Begali’s factory. Nice radios & great location, of course. But it was the IC-705 on display at Dayton with the Begali Adventure paddles that sold me on that radio (and key). And you have to consider - as you noted - the extra VHF/UHF bands really make for interesting POTA & FD ops. Almost a year of ‘705 later, I’m often amazed at how nice the ‘705 rolls. Backyard or out in a park, it’s performed well on CW & FT8/4. Nice comparison video. Thanks! 73 de W8IJN
no question about it the 705 is a great radio.
Excellent comparison between the two radios. I've had a KX2 for about 4 years now and love it but I do appreciate your thoughts and comments on the 705. Makes me want to own both!
I do like them both but to be honest, the 705 sits home more than the KX2.
The 705 can access the voice or keyer memories directly from the microphone buttons, regardless of screen layout
I should know that but I didn't. Thanks
Icon 705, hands down!
That is the great thing about choices, you can pick which one best fits your needs.
Nice honest review…very hard choice! Thanks for sharing. Be safe. Cheers.. 73,
Thanks, you too!
Thank you sir for your video. I like this approach… very helpful.
Glad it was helpful.
Great review tu Om 73 de VK2AOE
Many thanks!
Thanks for the comparison both are great radios. Not being a cw person yet I would choose the 705. If you go out to SOTA or POTA in cw elecraft is the choice. I need both.
I use them both and like both of them for what they are.
I do CW with 705, just fine... :-) but when I need to be really lightweight, I take my Venus SW-3B with Elecraft T1A. With IC-705, I use mAT-705 mkII and it works great, it tunes even what the T1A cannot tune.
In Principle the Best Radio for whatever Usage you want it or need it is the One that works for you and makes you happy playing with it on every new Day to provide maximum of Joy. Your Friend Uncle Guenter just said that. Tnx for the neat Video. 73 de DK5ONV
Absolutely!!!! I cannot agree more. If you build a CW Pixie and it makes you happy, then use that. If a $6000 Flex radio makes you happy (and doesn't cause divorce) then use that. This is a hobby and should be fun. Thanks for your comment.
@@houseofhamradio Fully agree. 💯👍
Great comparison. I am looking at getting either a KX2/KX3, or the Lab599 Discovery or the FX-4CR. Not sure which way I will go. Big difference between these 3 radios, so use case will play into the decision, but all three will do what I need, which is portable operations, predominately POTA. I am going to work at learning CW this winter and will purchase one of these radios as a "reward", so CW will be a big factor in the use case. Again, great comparison.
If I were in your shoes, I would go with either the KX2 or Lab599 TX-500. Both are very well suited for POTA.
@@houseofhamradio Thanks for the response. I do like both of those radios.
I have had my KX 2 shack ordered for 8 weeks. Now the tuner add on is back ordered. Not sure if I will ever see it.
@@donausmus4281 I have a friend that has had a KX3 on order for a long time too. I feel for ya. It sucks to wait that long. I can honestly say though that the wait is worth it. The KX2 is a great radio and the ATU is great too. You will want it.
Very good comparison -the KX-2 now has the option for charging the battery without taking it off. Makes life much easier😅
Yes it does. I added that option back in March. I did a video on the internal charger ua-cam.com/video/VsTXndV16bo/v-deo.html.
Elecraft, like Glock, doesn’t reach perfection until you double the price of the base product with all the optional add-ons. 😂 That being said, I still want a KX2 even though I love my 705.
I am actually thinking of selling my 705. Not because I don't like it, but because the KX2 is what I always grab.
Love the design of the Elecraft.
Can't justify spending the money.
Yup, the Elecraft price pill can be tough to swallow as is the IC-705 too. I have zero regrets paying the price for what I want to do.
Both. But if the cause of the budget issue I recommend the IC-705. IC-705 all of the feathers are ahead of the KX2, but the KX2 is for the collection.
fair assessment. I would tend to agree although I find the KX2 very practical for portable ops so not just a collectors piece.
I also find IC-705 too big sometimes.
Is the IC-705 now shipping with the larger BP307 (3150 mAh) battery? If not, the def battery is the BP272 at 1880 mAh. Good video.
From what I can tell, it still ships with the BP-272. you can get the other as an add on.
Mine arrived 2 weeks before with BP307 battery (Germany).
Just my opinion.
I didn't want to wait 3-4 months for a KX3 so I got probably one of the last FT-818s in the World.
I really like the form factor of the 818 and being able to hang the radio around my kneck with the supplied strap and walk around with a whip and make HF contacts. After using it around 2 weeks, the 818 probably is the perfect QRP radio for me and my needs which are really rather simple.
The 818 is probably without doubt the most rugged of the lot, with just the leather pouch the 818 can be thrown about without much worry, I'd be more worried about the Kx2 but especially the 705.
705 is a nice radio and I had the chance to use it for a short time but it's too bulky and it's got too many features I don't need but it's definitely one of a kind.
The Kx2 is remarkable for a 12 watt radio with tuner, the weight, size and power consumption are incredible.
If yaesu were to make a new 818 I would hope they don't stray too far from it's roots, give it an internal lithium battery and USB-C, sound card and maybe 10 watts and optional tuner, 2m/70cm and just keep it basic.
I don't need a screen and waterfall but yaesu will probably feel this is what most people want these days and that's probably what we'd get if they do make a new QRP radio that is. People can't seem to go nuts for screens and can't keep away from them lol
Anyway, yaesu didn't replace the 450D so I'm not hopeful they will replace the 818. I wouldn't call the 710 a replacement for the 450D it's too expensive.
Yaesu and Icom really do need to come up with cheaper more basic radios both QRP and Base radios, though I would say the 818 is priced reasonably if it had a lithium battery with proper charging. But a cheaper, more affordable QRP radio would be welcome also without all the bells and whistles. 1500 Euro's is just too much for most People, for half the price though I'm more than happy with the 818.
I had an original 817 and it was great but I have to say I really love the weight and features of the KX2. Too bad they are so far behind on orders.
What reminds me I was waiting for IC-705 from early October 2022 to first week of June 2023.
On the other side, TX-500 was delivered within a week in December 2022. Followed by approx. 1 month waiting for PA-500, which I still didn't use outside of testing.
@@tulenik71 How do you find the TX-500 ?
@@o00scorpion00o without any problems, I am in Europe = ordered from UAE. Backup plan was my gf returning from Khabarovsk :D
I was thinking of getting the KX2 for SOTA,but after buying a 7300 at HAM Radio 2023 and using it for 2 weeks,I think ill go for a 705,despite no ATU in it. It would cost me like 1500€ less than a kx2 with accessories.
73 de 9A3BKF
You got to get what is right for you but for me, if I could only get one it would be the KX2. Much smaller, more watts out on battery and ATU, I think the filtering is a bit better too.
TX-500 :D and alternatively IC-705, depends on circumstances
I would really like to try a TX-500. The main advantage the KX2 has over that one is everything inside (battery, tuner, etc)
lab599 is a big issue radio no parts no service have some issue it is 2 man company that'll dont like the rest of the world now since the war sad but real
@@houseofhamradio well, TX-500 is scalable. Finally, battery pack is here (at the moment only in Russia) - you can use that one (with the status indicator on TX-500 display and using that small port on the back side) or external power source/battery. The same applies to diy599 PA500 amplifier/tuner. You can take only the components you want scaling weight/power consumption down.
The only disadvantage of PA500 is the tuner is not working in bypass mode.
Normally, I am not using tuners, but in a need I would take Elecraft T1 tuner when not taking PA500 with me. (I have both PA500 and T1 but I never used any tuner. Living in quite noisy urban environment, non-resonant antennas are unusable for me.)
The TX-500's main feature is the ruggedness and water resistance. For those extreme weather SOTA folks, it's the right choice! I would love to try it out too some day.
Elecraft KX2 🙋👍🤘🤙🏝️🗺️🔋🎧📡📻🔥
Thanks, Yes it is my favorite but they are both really good. just depends on what you are doing.
Nice to have both.... However, not enough money in my QRP radio budget, so I picked IC-705, since UHF/VHF is a thing for me.