The IC-705 is a very versatile radio, and because it’s a QRP device, it’s an ideal radio for driving microwave transverters. Here’s how to make an Icom IC-705 beeper without the soldering iron, audio jacks in CW sockets or external boxes. This process takes only a few minutes and even allows you to add your callsign in the beeper. It would also make an easy QRP beacon.
When it comes to optimising a signal path, beepers make life so much easier. The IC-705 can be easily configured to generate a loop of beeps by using one of the CW keyer memories, BK-IN, and a TX loop. Here’s how.
Test your programming skills by pressing the M5 key. You should hear all the ‘T’s and your callsign. Notice it stops after your call. To make the message loop indefinitely, PRESS and HOLD the M5 Key. After a second or so, the radio will start your programmed sequence again. This time you’ll see to red looping arrows. The radio will now loop your M5 text until you press the M5 key again to stop it.
Finally, to get your beeper on air, the radio must remain in the CW mode. Press the VOX button located under the power switch which is the BK-IN function in CW, then press and hold M5 to get your Ts on air. Press the M5 key again to stop then return to SSB. It’s also worth noting that you can fiddle with the mark/space ratio to alter how your beeper sounds on air. For a detailed look at how the CW features of the IC-705 work, have a look at page 2-3 in the IC-705 Advanced Manual.
