Note the radio is rated 50W,? moving up to 85W is a very marginal increase

and one I'd not persue.? ?Basically if you don't double your power its not worth

the effort.? I assume you using low loss cable (rg213 or better say lmr400) as

cable loss at 2m has an impact.? RG8X is ok for short runs (less than 25ft).

?

I use a small 30W amp for my Ft817 as 5W to 30w is a substantial increase.

?

I use an amp with mine... Not toptek but generally they are all the similar.

-? First TX power must be set to not damage the amplifier input.

? ?For my amp that is about 7W.

-? You need whatever cable? your amp uses to signal TX active, and also

? ? matches the IC7000 (the accessory jack).

- coaxial cables (obvious I know).

- power supply for the amp and the radio with 12A of additional current

? ?capability.

?

My experience and usage is that more antenna is cheaper than an amp

and it helps wth RX as well.? A small 4 element yagi for 2M aimed in the

desired direction will be far more effective than upping the power to 85W.

?

--

Allison