I have been active in 432 Mhz using 10 watts and an a Arrow 5 solid element Yagi and the Satellite antenna with 7 elements
My first contact was just over 50 miles into the Welland Canal and the other day broke the 100 mile barrier with a contact into Ontario, NY near Rochester
Larry gave me a 55 without his preamp and then he offered a 59 with the preamp ON. He was running 600 watts and was 59+
So many hams have capability for 2m SSB and 432 SSB so why not give it a try and jump on these contests as a change to HF
This set up uses the 5 element Arrow Yagi and the Yaesu FT-857D running 10 watts off a Bioenno battery
Upcoming Contests which will be using the Icom 705 Portable @ 10 watts
I plant to use my utility tripod to hold the various antennas when picnic table operating using the Super Antenna mount. It will be a mix of BNC antennas, 3/8″ stud mount and even PL-259 or M based. I will not be using the ball head as I will be using it with the Super Antenna mount.
Manfrotto Table Top Tripod Kit
Super Antenna UM2 mount has various mounting options available for your use case
Icom 705 Radio Tripod Manfrotto Pixie Mini
The radio needs to have some thick rubber feet or a way to get it off the table to be able to use the VFO knob. The tripod makes it easy for using the radio at a comfortable height.
Icom Battery
I have 3 of these BP-272 battery packs already and the LC-192 backpack has 3 slots to hold them. I understand based on current tests that at 5w the battery life will be similar to the test on the ID-51A handheld.
BC-202 Quick Charger
The Icom BC-202 rapid charger is designed to charge the BP-272 Li-ion batteries for the ID-51A. The BC-202 comes with the AC adapter as shown above. The BP-272 takes approximately 3½ hours to charge.
ST-4001A/ST-4001I
Smartphone Picture Utility Software will allow pics to be sent back and forth using D-Star
RS-BA1
IP Remote Control Software that will allow a user to remote their radio in a base location and then use the internet from a hotel for example to operate the radio.
RS-MS1A
The RS-MS1A is an application that allows your Android device to remotely use some of the D-STAR and DV mode functions of the 705
Download from the Google Play Store
RS-MS3A
The RS-MS3A is an Android device application designed to expand the DV mode capability of a D-STAR transceiver using a Terminal or an Access Point mode.
These modes enable D-STAR operations by sending signals from the D-STAR transceiver over the Internet, even when that transceiver is out of range of a D-STAR repeater. The transceiver sends your voice signals using an Internet, 3G, or LTE network, through an Android device.
Download from the Google Play Store
External Battery for 10 watts output
Buying 3 BP-272 will be more expensive and if you dont need the high portability then just get a proper external battery. This is lighter than an SLA
I have the Bioenno 12V, 4.5Ah LFP Battery (PVC, BLF-12045W). You need to buy the charger that is sold separately
Patch Cords
The antenna jack is a BNC so you will need various patch cords to connect to various antennas
BNC to SO-239 to connect to a longer RG8x cable
BNC to PL-259 to connect to my CRM mount or Super Antenna mount or to the LDG tuner
BNC to N connector to connect to M2 440Mhz and Arrow satellite yagi
BNC to BNC Patch Cord for interconnects to the T1 antenna tuner
Coax Cable
I have several 25 and 50 ft Buddipole cables. They are milspec and have covers for the connectors. Its BNC so add some adapters
Icom LC-192 Back Pack
At $150 USD its expensive but this is needed to go play out and about with the 705. The key feature is the top shelf with a 1/4 bolt to hold the radio in place and a side plate that will hold the Diamond MCR grip or the CRM plate for an external antenna. Its not a big pack but will be great for short jaunts and summits.
Topo Design Camera Cube
I needed an optional case for the radio and the Topo will be useful. The padded divider board can be used to cover the screen. My use case is to have a shoulder carry bag in place of a back pack. My Icom 705 mock up fits perfect
Ammo Box Go Box
I added a shelf to my ammo box for the KX3 and the form factor is similar for the 705. I will add a rubber plate to get the radio up off the shelf a few inches or may use the Manfrotto ball mount. Use of my mock up was very useful and was also used in my prayer room to help Icom get manufacturing going. (prayers were answered)
There is room inside to house a bunch of things like a tuner, battery. I have various antenna ports on it as well. A BNC to BNC patch cord will work but I will relocate the BNC jack to the other side.
Z-FLEX Mount
I am looking at using the camera mount as an option to mount the radio to other things like a clip board, table, mobile mount bracket arm
The advantage is this may be more stable than a ball head and will need some experimentation
BNC Right Angle adapter
To mount a BNC dual band rubber duck properly. I have the one from Icom 32AT I will use but the Smiley us tuned for 440 Mhz not 430 Mhz like the Japanese versions
Smiley Antenna
TRI BAND 2 METER / 220 / 440 flexible base loaded telescopic antenna is the standard for field use whether in the countryside or city. This super efficient VHF / UHF antenna provides a OMNI directional 3 to 9 db gain depending on position and is usable in 4 positions. (1/4 wave 2 Meter Fully extended) – (5/8 wave 440 2 sections down) (1/4 wave 440 fully collapsed) (1/4 wave 220 4 sections down) tuned coil/spring & available with any TA Base. This flex coil matching network provides at band center low SWR as well as a ± 5 MHz band center. Antenna tuned at 440 MHz being the band center, the antenna will perform the same between 435 – 445 MHz. Length Telescope 4.5″ down and 16.5″ up.
://www.smileyantenna.com/product-p/27000.htm
I have a 1/2 wave 2M Antenna that I will use as well
HFJ-350M antenna
If you are japanese then this is the antenna everyone in JA land is buying. MFJ has the 1899 and there is the ATX version. I made my own and am debating if I will buy this but our local store now stocks it
MFJ-18XX Single band Whips
These special single banders were designed specifically for the extremely popular Yaesu FT-817, Icom 705 and Elecraft KX3 Multimode HF/VHF/UHF Portable Transceivers.
These single band, base loaded telescopic whips are fitted with a BNC connector and handle 25 Watts.
Each whip telescopes from around 26 cm to approximately 1.4m.
The short length when collapsed, makes them highly portable.
I have one for 40m, 20m, 17m and 6m and they work well with a counterpoise. You need the CP
RH-770 Antenna BNC
If you area fan of Masaco then this is the antenna everyone in JA land is buying.
The RH-770 Diamond 2m/70cm Telescopic This is an ideal antenna where DX performance is required. It covers 144 and 430 MHz and unscrews into 2 sections.
Specifications:
Tx: 144 & 430MHz
Rx: 300MHz
20W Max power handling
93cm long – telescopic
BNC fitting
Short Format Antenna
Buddistick Antenna
I went with the Short coil for 20m and up coverage as I am never happy with these things on 40m and just go dipole or a long wire. I also have the 8 ft mast that I made adapters for to be used with other stuff.
SuperAntenna MP-1
Dont forget the rest of the accessories like the spike, UM2 mount etc. I find the TM1 tripod too flimsy and have substituted a proper Manfrotto Camera tripod. The 190 works wonders
Pac-12 Antenna
My home brew version works wondewrs and I have now made coils that use the 1/4 inch bolt in place of the 3/8 bolt. This is an excellent antenna. Buy or Build
I have something very similar I bought in japan. It is not a Diamond brand but its identical.
I made one with a Bull Clip as well
Dipole
Stop crying about the antenna tuner already and make better contacts with a dipole cut to the bands you want. I usually work 40m and 20m so I use a Packtenna Linked Dipole. I have made hundreds of contacts with it. I have switches that add the length to resonate on 40m. Try this as well
Use with any Low-Power Transceiver
The T1 can be used with any 0.5-W to 20-W transceiver covering bands in the 160-6 m range. This includes kits, home-built rigs, and commercial transceivers such as the FT-817, IC703, Ten-Tec Argonaut, SG2020, etc. Push the tune button and go. Matches 2 shopping carts at Walmart without a hitch
Quick, Convenient, and Accurate
The T1’s 7-inductor, 7-capacitor L-network provides a wide matching range, and its re-tune time from memory is just 1 to 2 seconds. Equally important, the T1 always tries to achieve a 1.0:1 SWR-it doesn’t stop at 1.5:1 or 2.0:1 like some tuners. You won’t even need to change modes to tune. You can use SSB voice or a keyer as well as a constant carrier (AM, FM, CW, etc.).
LDG Z817 Tuner or Z11
Want an east coast version of a Tuner then this one will work for you. Just hit Tune and off you go. Matches the crutches with a 4:1 balun. I have both but will probably just use the Z817
• RF Power 0.1 to 20 watts SSB, CW and digital modes.
• Latching relays for ultra low power consumption
• Battery operated 4 x 1.5V Alkaline AA (not included)
• Built-in CAT port interface. CAT thru port for computer connection.
• 2000 memories when used with FT-817 interface (200 memories for other radios)
• 1.8 to 54 MHz coverage (continuous coverage for MARS)
• Tunes 6 to 600 ohms (about 10:1 SWR range). 16 to 150 on 6M (about 3:1)
• SO-239 in and out connections for dipoles, verticals, beams, G5RV, OCF, Cobra, ect.
• Dimensions: 5.1”L, 4.7”W, 1.7”H. Weight: 9.3 ounces (without batteries).
Stop laughing the thing works DX
Icom AH-4 OverKill Antenna Tuner
If you are maritime mobile then I get it. I made the adapter cable for it and will try it with mine
Mounts right on the side of the LC-192 backpack and yes you dont need the U bolt
Icom VS-3 Bluetooth dongle
The ICOM VS-3 Bluetooth Headset enables you to have hands-free operation with a Bluetooth enabled transceiver. The VS-3 has an internal lithium polymer battery, PTT switch, 3.5mm earphone jack, external microphone, VOX capabilities (when transceiver’s VOX function is enabled) and USB port for charging.
PTT in your hand with the radio snug in the back pack
Alpha Antennas AL-7045 mag Loop
I was never happy with these antennas on 40m due to their 20 percent efficiency rating. They do work better on 20m and up but then I would rather use the whips for easier use. At $400 USD they are very expensive and touch to tune. You will walk back and forth many times to get it right and but then the station you wanted to work went QRP.
Alpha has been known for its “garage” quality
so not sure if this something similar.
I have been very pleased with the Alex Loop as its build quality is the best and its light weight makes ewasy to carry around.
Cancellation of amateur radio festival ham fair 2020
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The “Amateur Radio Festival Ham Fair 2020”, which was being prepared for the October 31st (Sat) and November 1st (Sun) 2020, was held on July 16th with the Amateur Radio Festival Executive Committee. As a result of examining the possibility of holding the event, we could not predict the convergence of the new coronavirus infectious disease even now, the infection prevention measures of the government and Tokyo, and the “at the exhibition etc. announced by Tokyo Big Sight. Even if measures are taken to ensure safety in accordance with the “Corresponding Guidelines for Preventing New Coronavirus Infections”, it is difficult to prevent the new coronavirus infectious disease from infecting visitors and exhibitors and ensure the safety of the ham fair. We came to the conclusion that it should be discontinued.
Regarding that, we are very sorry to say that we have decided to cancel the holding of Ham Fair 2020. Regarding the next year’s event, the timing of the event will be undecided due to the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but we will inform you as soon as the schedule and venue are decided.
We look forward to your continued cooperation in the future.
