Icom IC-705 DIY599 PA500 Setup Guide

The Icom IC-705 and DIY599 PA500 HF Radio amplifier make an excellent portable ham radio combination. In this video we go through setting up the IC-705 for use with the ultimate portable HF amplifier available today. The video also has tips useful in troubleshooting an IC-705 while running data modes wirelessly over a WLAN connection. Finally, a brief review of the PA500 HF amp, so you'll understand the benefits of adding this kit to your field radio setup.

73
Julian oh8stn

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[OHSTN]

Hello Operators.
As always thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
73
Julian oh8stn

[nathanw]

I got mine in the summer after waiting in a pre-order queue. It's been on a couple of expeditions with me now, and it brings a massive benefit to the IC705 experience. QRP can be fun, but it's a pain when the band isn't in the best of conditions. The amp won't fix a closed band, but it will get you out of the weeds. Also, if you get cold when you're camping, chuck the amp in your sleeping bag and start making FT8 contacts. You'll soon warm up. :)

[marcr]

Thanks Julian!

A couple comments

I love the PA-500 and use it with the 705 and TX-500.

The LED lights are important and hard to see if you mount the PA behind the radio

The 10m function on the FCC/USA version is a little wonky because of the requirement to not amplify the 11m band - there is a limited work-around.

Oliver and Ed are both approachable and super helpful when questions arise

In hot climates and direct sun - the amp can go into self preservation bypass mode quickly, particularly when using FT8. this can be managed by limiting output power to 40w in my experience

The ic-705 max power setting is nice, but you still need to check it and the power level in the multifunction button - to prevent mistakes

For CW, I use the VOX delay setting on the radio - which seem more effective than those on the amp - to prevent the amp from relay clicking

All told - it's a kick ass package, very happy I got it

[dougbas]

Oliver has created an excellent product in the PA500. The demand is large and the supply is limited. I think your arguments are very well founded and I follow you closely. I hope to achieve exactly this setup. There are situations that require more than QRP. I am working on having this configuration. Learned a lot from your arctic expedition and please to be Patreon supporter.
Please know you and Oliver are much appreciated!👍

[mattghoward]

The DIY599 is the perfect pairing with almost any low power radio - I have used it with my KX2 KX3 X6100 IC705 and the TX500 - it is truly plug and play

[raymondmejia]

Once again you are a rock star every video I watch I learn something new that I'm able to understand as I'm in the learning process trying to figure out what to buy thanks again and god bless

[aerofart]

I just noticed you have the cage on the 705 mounted upside down to utilize the handle as an angled base. That’s a clever solution. I’m going to try it with my rig. I enjoy your channel and appreciate your efforts.

[Ammed_KNSTX]

Julian, this is exactly what I asked for. Excellent video thank you for making the video. Your the best! 73!!

[UdoKoch]

Thanks for the video. I just received my PA500 and TX500 combo package. But I also own a 705 and your video helps me both ways. I didn’t know about the HF Vox feature which makes it so much easier.
73, Udo -N0LSR

[Mojomo]

Thank you for the info. I am happy with IC705. My concern is the availability of the PA500, hard to get and cost; this make me to choose / find other option. My setup at the end is using IC705 and FT891 if I need more power for portable/mobile operation, a half square antenna 40m with 2x 10m spider beam (shorten to 8.5m), 49:1 high efficiency UNUN for both device, connect to a coax switch, only ‘turn on” one device at the time, one computer, a generic ATU for backup antenna setup, power/battery usage is about the same and I had a spare HF radio for redundancy.

[johnpeterson]

Thanks!
I’d. Love to see a comparison of power draws between the old 706mkii, the 7000 and the newer 705 in receive and at 10 watts out

[macabespeed]

I really like this channel… radio is like the OG livestream….😂

[prepcommsuk]

Perfect. I shall be setting my stuff up when I get to Ireland on Wednesday.

[NAPELAKAPU]

Please do a setup guide with the PA 500 and the LAB599 TX-500. Excellent setup guide using the IC 705.
Noticed that you recently got an Extended PA 500. Might want to clue us in on that one if you have one.
Mahalo

[FactualTruth]

Thank you so much for your work.
From South Africa

[retreadz]

I've been on the list for nearly a year, but got a Hardrock-50 kit recently, partly in anticipation of their coming 100w upgrade. I have no idea now whether I'll purchase or pass on the PA500 when I get contacted. There is a two is one, one is none quality to the idea of having one amp for home and another for field, but there is also the quality of leaving more money in the bank 😄

[ericday]

I contacted the QRP store around Nov. 21, 2022 concerning the availability of the PA 500. I was told
they were working on orders from Aug. of 2021 I've been added to the waiting list. It's frustrating
when equipment is unavailable, or discontinued.

[ecmo]

Julian, do you transport and protect your 705 in the tactical briefcase?... Off topic of this video but I also was trying to get away from the MPAS due to bulk in favor of the CHA OCF, and also just purchased one of Tim Ortiz Low power EFHW antennas. Thank you for that link in your other video.

[redshiftcnc]

Excellent. Good info. Thanks.
Can’t wait to get my amp:)

[jasonsneed]

will i destroy the amp if I accidentally over drive it with 10 watts? Hope to get mine in January been waiting over a year.