ICOM IC-705 (QRP, Sensitive Front End)

Before Calling CQ

• RF Power set appropriately (5–10 W typical POTA)
• Preamp ON for weak signals (OFF if band is noisy)
• ATT OFF unless band is overloaded
• AGC set to MID (avoids pumping on noisy bands)

Antenna Resonance & Tuning

• If using an external tuner, tune for minimum correction
• Watch the spectrum scope — strongest signals should also look clean, not smeared
• Confirm SWR is reasonable (<2:1), but don’t chase perfection

705 tip: The waterfall is a resonance diagnostic tool — detuned antennas often show wider noise haze.

SNR & Audio Validation

• Listen to noise floor before tuning
• Retune antenna and look for noise reduction + signal peak
• Verify RX audio clarity before transmitting

Transmit Audio (Don’t Mask Antenna Problems)

• Mic gain set so ALC just barely moves
• Avoid excessive compression — it amplifies noise if SNR is poor
• Ask: “How’s the audio?” and listen for clarity reports

Mid-Activation Check

• If audio reports worsen, retune antenna before touching mic settings
• Recheck after band change or antenna reposition

Before Calling CQ

• RF Power set (10–20 W as conditions allow)
• Preamp OFF initially (turn ON only if band is quiet)
• Noise blanker OFF until needed (can distort weak signals)

Antenna Resonance & Tuning

• Manually tune antenna as close as possible before using tuner
• Run ATU — confirm it locks quickly (fast lock = close to resonance)
• If tuner struggles or clicks repeatedly, antenna is likely far off

G90 tip: Long tuning cycles = poor antenna resonance → higher losses.

SNR & Audio Validation

• Compare noise level before and after ATU
• If noise rises but signals don’t, antenna is mismatched
• Adjust antenna length/coil instead of forcing tuner

Transmit Audio

• Set mic gain conservatively
• Compression minimal — let antenna efficiency do the work
• If hunters say “strong but rough,” retune antenna immediately

Mid-Activation Check

• Re-run ATU after rain, wind, or antenna height changes
• If copy degrades, lower power first, retune antenna second

Before Calling CQ

• RF Power set appropriately for POTA (20–50 W typical)
• IPO ON (preamp off) for noisy bands
• Preamp ON only if band is quiet
• AGC set to MID

Antenna Resonance & Tuning

• If using external tuner, tune antenna mechanically first
• Keep SWR reasonable — FT-891 finals are less forgiving
• Resonance should be close before applying power

891 tip: Poor resonance can sound “harsh” even at higher power due to SNR imbalance.

SNR & Audio Validation

• Monitor RX noise while tuning antenna
• Aim for lowest noise floor + strongest signal
• Use IPO/PRE to confirm antenna—not receiver—is the issue

Transmit Audio

• Mic gain so ALC barely flickers
• Speech processor OFF or LOW for SSB POTA
• Don’t “process your way out” of a bad antenna

Mid-Activation Check

• If reports say “loud but noisy,” reduce power and retune antenna
• Retune after band changes or antenna movement

Universal Rule Across All Three Radios

If audio reports degrade, retune the antenna before touching the mic, EQ, or power.

That rule alone will fix 80% of POTA audio complaints.