Great video, recently purchased a 705 and looking into learning Morse, man so much to lear in this hobby.

Love these videos! Really helping me to learn CW by listening to real QSOs and makes me want to jump into CW POTA. Please keep making these, very valuable content! Thank you KE5DXX

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Will do! Thank you so much!

Very much enjoy your videos. You have inspired me to start using CW. Licenced in the UK as G6APE since 1981. My finger has been hovering over the buy button for the 705...will have to press it!

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to hear that, Adam! Honestly, I avoided biting the CW bullet for so long and within a week of doing my first CW activation, it's become my favorite mode. It really only took a bit of practice and patience and this is coming from a guy who never found CW "easy." I'm still not that great with unexpected dialog and, as you can see from the video, not that great with pile ups. I just find that taking it easy seems to work. I also found the free program "Morse Runner" quite helpful. It gives you an opportunity to test managing pile ups without it being live on the air. Here's an article I wrote back in July about this: swling.com/blog/2020/07/upping-my-cw-pile-up-game-with-morse-runner/ Good luck and, yes, the IC-705 is a great little radio! Cheers & 73, Thomas K4SWL / M0CYI

So many familiar calls on this video, Thomas! Thanks for making and sharing it.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Steve!

Thanks for taking us with you to the park(s), Thomas! It wasn't boring at all again and a little cockup here and there makes it all the more charming (particularly for anyone who's learning code!). It's the attitude that keeps me glued to the videos! :) That was quite some immediate pile-up to handle, too and it was interesting to see a practical demonstratin of full BK mode on your 705! Makes me love mine even more! 73, Ollie

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Very kind of you, Ollie! You know...perhaps especially during this C-19 thing, sometimes it's nice to do things in real time, even if watching a video. It was so funny though...band conditions were actually quite poor, but the IC-705 display made a mockery of me! There it was just blooming chock-full of signals! Ha Ha! 73 OM! Thomas

I’m new to POTA. Your videos in real time are most helpful.

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to hear that!

good use of the memories. the radio looks amazing...

This was a good video...I like how you give some explanation of what's happening.

Not boring to me. I love this.

Great tip about putting down the hour before starting. Less mental processing going on when logging real time. No mental math to convert to UT.

Great video thanks Thomas 73 from NP3V

Great video! And I'm impressed by anyone who manages to get picked up on the reverse beacon network. In over a year of operating I have been picked up exactly once.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Wow. It must have to do with your location. I can't think of a time I *haven't* been picked up. I remember a few weeks ago when I first put the AX1 antenna on the air. I had the KX2 set to 3-5 watts or so. Made one CQ call on 17M and the RBN already grabbed my info. I imagine, though, that there are regions that are not as well covered as the eastern US.

@ksb2112

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Wow! I cannot imagine what I am doing wrong. I will ask some local hams what their experiences are.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@ksb2112 So one thing that I have noticed is that it prefers the consistency of electronic keying as opposed to, say, a bug, semi-auto, or straight key.

Another great video Thomas. Looks like fun. Great job! 73, George K2WO

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, sir!

Actually, as a newer operator and very new to pota, seeing how folks get their antenna into a tree is extremely helpful. Thanks for the video, recently sub'd!

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I'll try to remember to do a video about hanging an antenna. :) In truth, it's tough for me to shoot with my limited camera (the iPhone!). I could certainly give it a go, though!

@jlowknight

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL I can be your camera crew if you share some knowledge to a new General ham. Thanks for the video. And the offer is no joke. 73!

Thanks Thomas. This gave me the encouragement to try a CW POTA activation. VO1OK

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Go for it, Michael. You can do it for sure. Plus, if you live in NL, you've got some of the most stunning parks in the system at your disposal! You'll find a bit intimidating to think about, but actually less intimidating on the air. CW ops in the POTA system rarely exceed 17 WPM and many are beginners themselves. I'm hoping to go there next year with the family via the Labrador Hwy (of course, activating along the way!). That is, if C-19 is somewhat at bay! Good luck and les us know how it goes, please! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL / M0CYI

@blomidon

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL I’m not far from Gros Morne and we have a provincial park close to our cabin. Since I’ve been active in POTA I have had the International Appalachian Trail and the Great Trail of Canada added, so you are never far from a possible activation in this part of Newfoundland. I have to work out a way of using CW in the car. From now until May it’s going to be too cold to do it outside. Your connection with SWL brought back fond memories of SWLing in England. BTW, yesterday on the grey line the top end of 40m had a pile of European based broadcast stations. It really brightened up the scope on my IC 705. Get in touch if you come close to Corner Brook on your travels.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@blomidon I'm certainly an SWL as much as I'm a ham. I still love SWLing in my spare time. I've always had a particular fondness for Newfoundland. Indeed, many mornings (via my WiFi radio) I listen to CBC St. Johns. They even did a short interview with me one Christmas Eve when I wrote to them from North Carolina to thank them for such great programming. They've the best music and wonderful human interest stories. I also want to visit St. Pierre! When we do make our trip to NL, we'll have our small travel trailer and plan to stay most of a summer. We like taking our time! I'll certainly ping you when I'm in the area if for no other reason than to pick your brain about some great hikes. :) 73 & all the best! Thomas

Wow! You were making the contacts! It makes me want to learn CW.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Go for it! It's not as hard as you might think. If I can do it, anyone can...trust me!

I really like the real-time videos of the activations, gives me an idea and some guidance for my first park. Thanks for the park and QSO. Mat - K4OCY

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you find it useful, Mat. So many videos are edited to be much shorter--for very good reason, in fact--but sometimes it's nice to see all of the flub ups, hear the stations calling, and the process (logging, etc.). Cheers & 73, Thomas

I am.learning CW- you have inspired me .

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

That means a lot to me. Thank you!

I went back a couple of years in history to see how that icom 705 worked for you. Looks fine. Surprised it didn’t read cw. And I’m astonished it didn’t have a built in tuner. On your later videos I don’t see you using it. My main rig is a kx2. I got them shortly after they came out. Now it’s 2023 and there is a 16 month waiting list for one. My only beef with it is, I like to be ready for 6 meters when it’s open. And the kx2 doesn’t have it. Also I’ve worked ssb and cw on my old yeast 817. I just wore that thing out. 73’s n5vwn

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

The KX2 is truly an amazing and versatile HF portable. I use it more than the IC-705 in the field because it's just that much more portable. That said, the IC-705 is a very impressive modern rig. You're right: the waiting list for the KX2 is very deep.

Great location for radio, woodlands are usually RF quiet places

Another excellent video. Not always have the space here in the UK without some folks wondering about, pre-covid of course. Got pluck up the nerve to do POTA or SOTA. Still only listening after a gap of a few years.

@rayerdinc2441

3 жыл бұрын

PS: Got to learn CW!

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

You will get there, Ray. You'll be nervous the first time you do a CW activation, but you'll find it actually gets easier very quickly! We're rooting for you! Cheers, Thomas

@rayerdinc2441

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you.

I didn't find the video boring at all. The IC-705 is on my short list. 73, N8OIF

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great video thanks Thomas 73 from kb2uew

Nice set-up...nice contacts! Looks like you are doing pretty well with your CW skills. I enjoyed the live continuity of this video, but do prefer 10-15 minutes videos. 73!

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I know these videos aren't for everyone because they're certainly against the trend of editing for time so I totally understand. :) Frankly, I know if I have to edit a video, though, I'll never publish one. My wife is a filmmaker and, frankly, the thought of editing videos just isn't appealing because I know I'd get too picky about it. I can't ask her to do it because this is just a hobby thing. My goal isn't subscribers or making money, though, so I'm good with it having limited appeal.

@KX4UL

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL - I totally understand what you are saying. Editing can be a pain...lol! I did watch and enjoy the entire video. I have considered starting my own channel, and exactly like you, my goal would not be to build a massive list of subs to make money. I would put a disclaimer right up front stating that. And that my videos were merely posted hoping that they would provide some sort of entertainment, spark some ideas, teach or help someone that may have experienced a similar task or problem with HAM radio as I might have. Looking forward to more videos when you have time to post. 73!

Enjoyed it! 73

Nice video. I see you changed from your little KX2. You picked a good ATU to go with the 705. I am just hoping Elecraft comes out with a KX4 w/pan adaptor. I like my KX2 and I would have a hard time selling it, but I'd let the KX3 go. I am enjoying your videos. Barry, KU3X/QRP

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

A KX4? Just go ahead and take my money! :) I just did an activation today with the KX2. Love that little radio. 72 de Thomas K4SWL

There are some good examples here with how, in a pile up, you can bust thru by purposely being just slightly off frequency. That helps your signal stand out from the others who are right on frequency. Just be careful not to be too far off or you’ll fall outside his filter!

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

That's exactly right. I love it when people spread out a bit--it makes it so much easier to pick out individual calls. But you're 100% right. Go too far, and the activator may never hear you because you're outside the filter width! :)

@paulplack490

Жыл бұрын

Back in the day, that used to happen by itself, because you only had so many transmit crystals in the cigar box, and you just picked the closest one! ; ^ )

Nice job--fun video!--73, K2UA

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

and... your CW is pretty good OM

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that, OM. I've got *a lot* of room for improvement for sure, but I must admit that these activations are slowly improving my CW chops.

They have not shipped me my attenna tuner, the same one you used originally. I cant get them to answer me, but if you think this one from elecraft that is actually in stock, let me know. I will cancel the order on the other one and get this one you are using now. Thank you in advance, I know I keep asking you all kinds of questions. I have been calling cq all weekend and didnt get a single contact via voice with my 705 but i had fun trying hehehe. Thanks again my friend and I hope you are having a blessed week. I need to start studying morris code, the digital modes and me so far are not fairing up too well. hehhee. keep up the fun videos. Dale KI5ARH...

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Dale, the Elecraft T1 is a great tuner--you really can't go wrong with it. I'm pretty sure Elecraft might have them in stock. Also, LDG makes some great tuners. What kind of antenna do you have hooked up to the IC-705?

@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Well wouldn't you know it, I checked on the Mat tuner yesterday and asked when it was going to ship, because I thought it should have already shipped. I read your reply this morning, went to DX engineering and to my surprise, it shipped yesterday, so Hopefully mine does not have the 9 volt battery issue some folks have had using theres. I have the Super Antenna connected to it right now. But I can see using a wire for the off grid, and or pota type contacts in the future. I am pleased with what I am recieving with the Super Antenna, but like I mentioned, other than making a few contacts through the local repeater, I have yet to make a HF contact with this rig. I am confident I will, it is just a matter of time. So in short, the Mat tuner should be here in a couple of days, I was going to cancel it and go with the elecraft, I will hopefully have good luck with the one that they shipped yesterday. Thanks again my friend, keep up the fun videos, looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Dale KI5ARH

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors Sounds great, Dale. The Super antenna is an excellent vertical for sure--very good quality. You'll likely find that a wire antenna will do you better unless you're near salt water. The MAT-705 is a brilliant ATU--the only real downside is just being careful to turn off the ATU after each use to preserve the battery. But that can become a part of your procedure and you'll be in fine shape! You'll find that when you activate a park, you'll "catch more flies with honey." :) Cheers, Thomas

Thanks for the videos. I enjoy them as inspiration for when I go out and try a POTA activation and CW practice. I can copy most of your sending but for some reason can never catch what you send between their call and the signal report. Can you enlighten me?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Jason, So glad you're about to hop on the POTA wagon! So sometimes I send "GM" (Good Morning) or "GA" (Good Afternoon) before the signal retort. On occasion, I'll send "TU OM" (Thank You Old Man)--especially if I know the op. Honestly, none of that's needed, but I always try to fit in something polite during the exchange. Cheers, Thomas :)

Thomas, thank you for taking the time to create such a comprehensive video. Question. Did you consider KX3 elecraft for portable operations? Your thoughts on KX3 vs IC 705? Thanks. Jay Ve3jlo

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I've used the KX3 on dozens of field activations in the past--it's a brilliant field radio! I plan to do a video soon comparing the KX3 and IC-705. Chers, Thomas K4SWL

@johnorchard6158

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL very good. I look forward to your review. 73

Cool! Not boring at all. I enjoy CW, too. K7SFA

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Really cool video! Impressed by your cw skills. What paddle did you say you were using and is it available for purchase? 73’s

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ben! So I'm using CW Morse Pocket paddles. I'm not entirely sure if they're being produced yet--if not, I know they're in the works! I highly recommend them. You might reach out the CW Morse: cwmorse.us/product-category/double-paddle-keys/

Thanks for the info! I’m new to CW/Morse. Is this radio significantly better than say a MTR3B for someone who just wants to make POTA/SOTA contacts?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Apples and oranges. :) If you only want to make SOTA contacts, the MTR-3B would do a fine job (keeping in mind the max power output would be 5W or less and the band coverage is limited). The IC-705 is the most comprehensive portable ham transceiver I know of--so LOTS of bells and whistles as they say!

Ok, I think I understand that kind of key. one key is dot, and the other key is dash, and you hold the key if you need a few more dots or dashes. That is if I'm understand what I'm seeing correctly.

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, one paddle sends a string of dits, the other a string of dashes, and if you squeeze them, it'll send dit dash dit dash or dash dit dash dit depending on which paddle you squeeze first.

Do you prefer the 705 over the KX2? Wish I could receive better, I can send pretty well but absolutely terrible decoding. The KX2 help some but just some. Think that why I have only made a couple of contacts. 73 W8RLP, Roger

Good morning Thomas, I am interested in if when ending a QSO with 73 44 sk ee. I discovered that VK2TER\P in his videos on morse. He advises "James" the meaning is; The number 44 has special meaning for WWFF activations, i.e. you need 44 contacts to activate each park. I understand that the first “4” represents the four wind directions (north, south, east west) and the second “4” represents the four elements (earth, water, air and fire). Thomas , do you use 73 44 sk ee? this applies to VK land WWFF in Australia. cheers Dennis vk4oc,

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

Great point! So I don't typically send 44 with each and every call. However, if I'm working an operator I know is into WWFF, I send 44. Also, if someone sends me 44, I'll reply with 44.

Have you used the EMCOMM III antenna with the mountain topper?

@ThomasK4SWL

2 жыл бұрын

Not with the Mountain Topper, no, but I have used the Emcomm III in the past. An excellent wide range random wire antenna.

I’m new to your channel, how long have you been doing cw? Love your videos. 73

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I've been doing CW activations now since July 2020--so 9 months-ish? :) Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

Isn't 40M a night-time band? I was surprised that you got so many contacts.

@ThomasK4SWL

2 ай бұрын

40M is more active at night and it becomes a great band for DX at night. Most of the time, though, it still works during the day. You're just not doing to get much propagation skip or DX.

you mentioned using the reverse beacon network to spot you for POTA. I thought that contacts had to be 2 way. Is a spot different than a contact. I am confused.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I see where that could be confusing. So the Reverse Beacon Network is simply a network of receivers that decode CW CQ calls and spot them on their network. All it's used for is to let POTA hunters know that you're on the air and what frequency. It's excellent. It's only a "spot" meaning it's just a notification on the POTA.us website to let others know you're on the air. A contact is actually exchanging signal reports, callsigns, and states. Clear as mud? :)

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

I see where that could be confusing. So the Reverse Beacon Network is simply a network of receivers that decode CW CQ calls and spot them on their network. All it's used for is to let POTA hunters know that you're on the air and what frequency. It's excellent. It's only a "spot" meaning it's just a notification on the POTA.us website to let others know you're on the air. A contact is actually exchanging signal reports, callsigns, and states. Clear as mud? :)

@TomSwango

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL thank you.

Nice vid here when time permits pls tell me about the battery and the key you using ty very much

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Terry, The battery is a 4.5 aH Bioenno LiFePo battery--it will power the IC-705 for hours. The key is a CW Morse Pocket Paddle (not sure if they're on the market yet). I've put links in this post which gives you a little more detail: qrper.com/2020/11/pota-field-report-a-tale-of-two-parks-and-two-antennas/

@terrysmith5802

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas ty for the info and vids i really enjoy them tc always stay safe and Merry Christmas to you and your Family God Bless

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@terrysmith5802 Thank you and all the best of the season for you and yours, Terry! 73, Thomas

You didn't give any link to the 3d printed key? I just got a American Morse Equipment (AME) Ultra Porta Paddle and leg strap, and hope to use it soon, as for the Elecraft T1 tuner, I got one for the ic- 705 as well. It seems to be an easier tuner than the mAT-Tuner Mat705 that Dx Engineering is promoting with the radio and fits in the backpack very well! As a mater of fact you have to dissemble both front and rear covers and slide out the circuit board the mAt 705 tuner to replace the 9v battery where as the elecraft, it's as easy as removing a battery cover in the rear of the unit. The Chameleon antenna is quality stuff too, with its precision parts and connectors no wonder they get government contracts for their products, unlike some of the other antennas out there. 73 & hope to wrk U sometime -:)

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, GT! Ooops! Here a link to the 3D foot for the IC-705: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4601154 It's simple and works well. Takes very little time to print. Yes, I agree with you about the T1--it's a work horse of a little ATU too. I love it. And, yes, I hope to work you on the air soon! 73! Thomas

@gt3940

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL ok thanks. My son has a prusa printer and has printed me a cover for my mountain topper 3band and two covers for my pair of t1's tuners. So I'll have him check it out. Tnx.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@gt3940 I never thought to look for a T1 cover! I'll print one as well. Need to decide on filament color. :) Might just use the red stuff my daughters used to print Martian landscape. :)

Good day all. I just received my ic705 today. Got a bit of an issue. When turning it on the only control that works is the af gain knob. Radio seems to turn on ok but that is as far as it goes. no buttons and no touch screen. Anyone have a clue or just bad unit?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Very odd. The only thing I can think of--and I'm guessing you've already tried this--is that the encoder lock could be engaged? Press and hold the SPEECH/key lock next to the encoder. This shouldn't lock out all functionality, though. I'd suggest performing a partial and/or full reset, but that requires using the touch screen. My only guess is that you might indeed have a faulty unit, Mike. I hope that's not the case, though.

@mikeroberge5488

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks for the reply. Yes I have tried the lock out and also tried a full reset twice. Reset can be done before turning unit on. A few of the local guys and I have tried many things. No luck on anything. Will be contacting Retailer tomorrow. They are really go to deal with. On another note thanks for the park videos. I used to live in Dallas NC now live in MI.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikeroberge5488 I'm certain your retailer will sort this out for you and send a replacement unit! Icom will stand behind the radio and your purchase, so fear not. I just hope they can get you a replacement soon, I'm sure you're eager to get the IC-705 on the air! So glad you like the videos! 73 Thomas K4SWL

Man, how do you hear anyone in the pileups?!

At the end of vid the blast from your 705 hearable is BC breakthru?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Peter! Do you have a time code at that spot? When I'm back home, I'll review it. TNX! Thomas

@petrok1rp254

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasK4SWL 36:45 Tom. Maybe it is just SSB nearby...

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

@@petrok1rp254 Yes, that is SSB on frequency.

Is it rude to always do a "?" with a partial call? and should I line up a list of partials before answering anyone? and how do you do partials with everyone jumping in after a contact?

@ThomasK4SWL

Жыл бұрын

No, it's not rude to send "?"--not ever. In fact, I do this multiple times in almost every activation I perform. It's also never rude to send "QRS" if stations are calling you at a speed that's too fast for you to reliably copy. Your question is simple, but the answer is very complicated. I think I'm going to write a post specifically about this in the near future! Stay tuned to QRPer.com.

Are you really liking the 705 now?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed I am. I wish the form factor was a little more trail/backpack-friendly, but I do love this radio. I'm not selling post reviews as I had planned. :)

How do the ops you are contacting know what park you are in?

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

99% of all contact I make are chasers/hunters who've found me on the POTA spots page which has the park number in the spot. It's not a required part of the exchange and since it takes up a bit of space in a CW exchange, most ops only give it if asked (then we're happy to do it). Very similar in SOTA (perhaps, even more so as their site numbers are a fist full!). Cheers, Thomas

in inglese non si capisce niente.

@ThomasK4SWL

3 жыл бұрын

98/5000 Scusa, ma non parlo italiano. Però stavo pensando di produrre un video in francese.