Icom 905

[Dan]

The IC-905 is the industry's first microwave rig in the 144, 430/440, 1200, 2400, 5600 MHz and 10 GHz* bands. Multi-mode operation including SSB, AM, FM, D-STAR DV/DD and FM-TV (Amateur TV). Output power is 10 W on 144, 430/440, 1200 MHz, 2 W on 2400, 5600 MHz and 0.5 W on 10 GHz.

The IC-905 is the industry’s first super efficient microwave base station with the RF unit designed to be at the base of the antenna, rather than in the shack. This design eliminates signal loss due to costly, long coax feed line runs found in legacy SHF designs. Optional 50 m (164 ft) or 20 m (65.6 ft) controller cable is available with the IC-905.

IC-905 | Products | Icom America.

Icom,America,Land Mobile,Marine,Aviation,Amateur,Network,Systems

www.icomamerica.com

 

[Dan]

Well, I’ve been thinking about it and decided to jump on that $500 savings that expires at year end. I pulled the trigger on a 905 last night. Kind of a Christmas present to myself. I just bought the base unit, although I’ll also purchase the 10Ghz unit after the first of the year. Watching the pennies at year end… lol. Not quite sure which antennas I’ll purchase - the Icom antennas or maybe some alternatives.

Lots of folks online are talking about the efficiencies (and cost) of the Icom antennas.

I’ll likely build a mounting system for portable use and will probably start with a tripod with a rotating head. I’m thinking through how important the pitch (up/down) ability when fine tuning the position of the antennas. I figure I can simply adjust the legs of the tripod for reasonable pitch, although the math side of me says use some trig to determine the angle of elevation/depression. Meaning having a ball head that will adjust 360 degrees and a reasonable elevation/depression range. I’m not at all opposed to building, although it wouldn’t be the first time I bought… maybe I’ll kick around the idea is using a surveyors tripod for sturdiness. It doesn’t need to be super elevated - figure that the majority of the microwave work I’ll be doing will be portable… iow, I’ll be the elevated guy.

Some additional thoughts/questions I’ve posted to a facebook page for those interested in the 905…

Also wondering of the beam width at significant distances. Are y’all doing math or are there some nifty apps available that will do it for you?

I’m guessing that some coordination for QSOs will be important (hence my post), and am guessing that pages like this one will be important - are there spotting type sites available that you guys are using?

I’m sure I’ll have many more questions but wanted to make a quick post.

Dan/N2DAN/EM92ng/Bluffton, SC. Also willing to travel on weekends to take the show on the road…!