The ICOM IC-705 is a multimode HF/VHF/UHF portable amateur radio transceiver. The radio has 5 watts of output when using its internal battery and 10 watts of output when using external power. [1] With the rise in award programs such as Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air, this lightweight fully functional radio is a popular choice for people using them in the field. [2] [1] The IC-705 has support for a wide variety of commonly used amateur radio modes, including ICOM's proprietary digital voice mode, D-STAR. [3] The IC-705 is also one of the first mainstream amateur radios to use SDR technology instead of the older superheterodyne design. [4] The IC-705 has multiple extra features that are useful when operating in the field. Supporting the radio's D-STAR module is a GPS receiver to allow users to send their location though the D-STAR network, as well as help locate nearby repeater systems. [2] In addition to the GPS receiver, the radio supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which allows users to connect their computers or tablets to the IC-705 for running digital data modes such as PSK31, Winlink, and FT8. [5] [6]
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The radio has been praised for its size, easy-to-use menus, large easy-to-read screen and the quality of its build. [1] [7] Common criticisms of the radio include its lack of a built-in antenna tuner and its price, compared to other more powerful radios on the market. [8] [9]
