VK4MJF (John) IC905 arrived in May 2022, well nice.Lots of things to learn many new functions and modes, lucky I have other Icom radios so the menu’s etc. were easy to negotiate.
Have had the IC905 for over a month now, expensive small in statue. I took this rig out on a UHF/VHF winter field day atop a (1000m Mt), six operators with bands 6m to 10GHz were used. Our Club members first impressions, the ease of setup, no extra cables and transverters to connect, althought we did have a 3.4GHz system to attachusing the IF of 430MHz, still hook up was one cable.
So there we were ready to go with about 2-4 watts on 2.4/ 3.4/ 5.7GHz bands, called CQ Contest on 2.4GHz, a contact; nice, then ask to try 5.7GHz. just push the frequency read out and we were there. Well 5 minutes past and a phone call to confirm all was well the other end and the contact was made, we past the contact onto the our other members 6/2/70/23cm bands and made ready for the next contact.Called CQ Contest on 3.4GHz and we were away again, this went on for the rest of contest.
I have nothing but praise for the IC905 as away to enter the microwave part of our hobby, even price is good. After building several complete systems from 23cm to 5.7 GHz on a budget, staying away from the costly European bands I would say IC905 wins come on one radio ease of operation on all bands.
Several other member have taken on the IC 905 all are seasoned microwave operators, using bands above the IC905 24GHz (expected some day.) This includes DATV/ATV Clubs as well, now there is a bit of fun.
We have a M A D (Microwave Activity Day) here, between Contest to test our new equipment, a contact of 90 Klm ATV so far with VK4APV (Peter), really looking forward to our next UHF/VHF Field day.
Extra to these activities a couple of us have been building some functional amplifiers for 3.4 GHz 25 watts and 6 GHz 20 watts. We have been at it for about 8 weeks with commissioning by VK4AMG (George) See Here: for the reports on both Projects.
Our next endeavor will be a amplifier pwr/ PTT extender. Watch this space.
By vk4mjf John Morris 2/2 · #50 · Edited Feb 23
