Best protective cases and field kit ideas for the Icom IC-705?

Many thanks to Geoff (VK6HD) who writes with the following question:

Hi Thomas

Love your site, the HRWB podcast and your enthusiasm.

I recently won an IC-705 in a raffle – woohoo – which is a quantum leap from my first txcvr which was an Atlas 210x which first saw the light of day in the early 70s.

Anyway, as I come to grips with the complexities of the 705, I wondered if anyone had any ideas on a field radio kit based on it. I know it is an expensive radio, and one many people may not be keen on dragging through the outback, but who knows?

Keep up the great work

Geoff (VK6HD)

Thanks for your question, Geoff. And congratulations on winning the IC-705! WOO HOO indeed!

I thought I might post your question here on QRPer so folks might comment with IC-705 kit ideas. Oddly enough, at time of publishing this post, I have no examples in our Field Radio Kit Gallery!

I can fix this now, though, because I recall a few ‘705 field kits from our archives:

I’m sure there are more IC-705-based field kits in the archives--feel free to jog my memory, readers.

Out of all of the radios I own, the IC-705 is the only one that is primarily stored and transported in a larger watertight case–a Pelican 1400 to be exact, you can read about that here.

When I want to tuck the IC-705 in a backpack, for a little POTA/SOTA action, I protect it in a $18 Ape Case Camera insert (affliliate link). It’s not perfect, but fits it well. I know some others have used Maxpedition padded water bottle pouches as well. Perhaps someone can comment with size, etc?

7 thoughts on “Best protective cases and field kit ideas for the Icom IC-705?”

Not sure if still available, but I use the Lowepro DroneGuard CS 150 Case (Black/Fractal) LP37093-PWW. Got mine from Amazon.

Fits the IC-705 very well with room left for battery, cables, key, etc.

Thomas, I sent you my IC-705 field kit info and pictures for the gallery on November 19th via e-mail. You probably have a lot in the queue, so maybe you just haven’t gotten to it yet. If you missed it or need me to resend, let me know.

Thomas Witherspoon says:

December 13, 2023 at 11:24 am

I’m so glad you mentioned this, Thomas. For some reason, your submission went straight to my Gmail archive folder. I’ve no clue why. I’ll get this in the queue to post very soon!

Cheers,
Thomas

Reply

Since day one, I’m using the Magnum Castor size 4.5 first-aid bag, that perfectly fits my IC-705 with the protective cage on. You can find it in my field report from January this year: https://qrper.com/2023/01/pota-in-poland-damian-activates-five-parks-in-five-hours/
So far I’m super pleased with it 🙂

I wish I’d take more pictures of this item in action… It’s barely visible in my report, but I bet one can find proper images in the internet.

Geoff, Thanks for the post. The case and insert do make for a handsome, well protected kit. I also like the bin with the gear pouches, and the antenna jacks.

I don’t own an iCom IC705, but I have toyed with the idea of a case for my Elecraft KX2. I’d also house a battery, front-facing speaker, DigiLink, and a tablet.

Thanks again Geoff! 72 de W7UDT

I have my IC705 in a 14″ x 12″ x 7″ Apachee 3800 case. I am not a hiker going into the woods on long walks. I am into POTAs at picnic tables in shelters. I want a lot of accessories with my IC705 like good battery, keyer paddle, tuner, etc. So I use a larger suit case style kit for my IC705.

73, ron, n9ee

I make a 3D printed cage for the IC-705 that provides protection for the front mounted controls and the screen, and tilts the rig back to a good viewing angle. Tom has reviewed these frames for a couple of other rigs on the blog – you can see the IC-705 version at https://hamgear3d.com/ic-705-protective-frame/
Thanks Tom for letting me post the link
73
Mike N2HTT