I have a KX3, Icom 705 and have owned a KX2 and FT-817. The KX3 is a lot of radio and competes with some of the finest radios out there in performance. There is a lot of engineering and smarts in the KX3 and you pay dearly for that. There is also a 2m module for the KX3 which makes it into a very high performance 2m SSB radio but at only 3 watts. The optional PX3 spectrum/waterfall display is fantastic but adds weight and complexity for portable use. For base station use its a must have.
The KX2 is smaller, lighter and a little more suited for backpacking. Its not as frequency stable for running sensitive modes like FT8 and it doesn't have 6m or 160m. Both the KX3 and KX2 have internal HF auto tuner options and these two radios will out talk any other radio in their class with super loud punchy audio, except for maybe the Icom 705.
Yaesu FT-817, where do I start.... Ok, this is a well known radio with lots of reviews and I don't own it any longer for far too many reasons to mention here.
The Icom 705 is a dream in a box. After getting one I sold my KX2 since it would never be used again and I haven't turned on my KX3 with PX3 spectral display since getting the 705. The 705 has just about anything you could ever want and its only a little larger and heavier than a KX3. The only two drawbacks I have found is the lack of an HF autotuner and I'm afraid of damaging the radio.
Both my KX2 and KX3 had the excellent aftermarket side panels with protective handles and Lexan cover from Gemsproducts and with those on you can literally throw the radio across the room and it will survive.
Side KX Scott at Gemsproducts decided not to make a similar product for the 705, possibly due to the complexity and then he bought a protective carry cage for his 705 from Peovi here
IC-705 CARRY CAGE - Peovi Then Scott announced he is partnering with Peovi to make a snap on protective cover similar to the Elecraft line and that will be out soon.
At first I didn't want to spend the $$ on the Peovi cage but eventually got one and its really nice and will protect most of the 705 just fine, at the expense of a little more weight. After getting the Peovi cage I can see its actually worth more than the asking price due to its over the top engineering, very high quality and you have to wonder how they even made the thing. I have a prototype snap on cover from Scott for the Peovi cage and a production version will finish off the package making the Icom 705 my first choice in a do everything lightweight portable QRP rig. Add a tiny Elecraft T1 HF auto tuner and small Manfrotto camera tripod which completes the package and I may never use my KX3 again.
T1 ATU Antenna Tuner
With this setup you have similar features and performance of an Icom 7300 on HF and many of the features of the Icom 9700 on VHF and UHF for base station use and you can take it to the park or go backpacking and run it from its internal battery, which lasts a surprisingly long time. You can later add an HF amplifier and the Icom 705 becomes the center of your amateur world.
Hey, can I get any kickbacks from Icom, Peovi or Gemsproducts over here please??? OK, even without any kickbacks the Icom 705 with all the stuff mentioned is my new dream QRP rig that I can highly recommend.
