IC-905 - Commercial FM ATV Transceiver

[G8GKQ]

For those of you who looked at the IC-905 at the RSGB Convention or Newark HamFest, these is a more recent video of it at HamCation which actually shows the ATV Receive page (and a screen of FM noise). Interesting that it seemed to work when the RX was tuned to 10 GHz.

Don't expect any expertise from the Icom salesman - spot the "Smith Charts" that are nothing of the sort!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiZX2mJReFg

Dave, G8GKQ

[G4GUO]

I will give that one a miss, it doesn't even have 3.4 GHz.

- Charles

[G3GJA]

Not surprising as 3.4GHz is not available in the US now.

Clive

[radiogareth]

Think I'll keep my Porstdown/Langstone combo thanks....
Gareth

[SkyVision]

Hi Folks

As an Icom Dealer, I've noticed a great deal of interest in this product, FM ATV isn't it's only focus
Sadly, I think the price will scare most away, release date here in VK is a couple of months away at this stage
I'm sure people who do buy, will simply build their own transverters or adapt it to other modes
Finished products are popular with those unable or unwilling to build stuff, the Japanese will love it

This is the first mainstream tranciever brand to encourage ATV for a while with this new product
All activity is good activity in my book, let's face it the BATC "encourage all forms of ATV", not just cutting edge Narrow Band DATV..... I hope
Icom also take feedback seriously and if they get it wrong, they will address it, but they are going where no main stream brand has been
Wait till it's released, I'm sure someone clever will hack it to what it needs to be, no doubt new or third party modules will become available

Remember IC-9700 wasn't stable enough for the puritains, that got sorted out in a flash, now Leo Bodnar is a household name

Cheers Roger VK5YYY

[G8GKQ]

Hi Roger

I, and the other BATC Committee members that I have spoken to about it, see the IC-905 as a really positive development. Not just for amateur TV, but for amateur microwave activity in general. Sure, the price will put many people off, but it can only encourage other people to build and use cheaper solutions to make ATV and microwave contacts with IC-905 owners.

Arrangements are being made for an early review of the ATV features of the IC-905 to appear in RadCom, with a more detailed description to follow in CQ-TV. In preparation for that, G8GTZ and I were out portable last weekend checking that our existing 5.6 GHz FM ATV kit is in good order so that we can make side-by-side comparisons.

Looking forward to it being available.

Dave, G8GKQ

[SkyVision]

Hi Folks

My Icom Rep still can't/won't say a release date in Au and price, someone released an Icom in house video and got their bottom spanked
Usually Icom does things by Japanese financial year which starts on 1st April, Australia usually gets early release dates
Icom has navigated the chip shortage fairly well, but has still been affected on a few models, hopefully that won't delay things

It's a pitty about only being FM ATV, but what choice do they have, it's probably better than ISDB the Japanese TV standard or the US ATSC
With Digital Radio, Icom went Dstar for Amateur and IDAS for Commercial, indicating they like proprietary
The chances of a DVB (European) standard being incorporated are low, we have to accept that, unless there is a compelling argument otherwise

To me, the BATC is the Worldwide Peak Body for ATV, therefore getting the message out in Japan/US more is the only chance to standardise
Maybe the Committee should break out some bursary funds to attend Hamventions in the US and Japan, I'm sure there would be volunteers
Get some Portsdowns and other kits on Ebay.com/jauce.com spread the word a bit, through local clubs maybe, appoint BATC shop agents

Icom is a company of Hams, the only way to make change is from within, Hiroshi Nakaoka probably doesn't know about the BATC, go see him!
Tell him you want a robust DVB based standard with low overheads, good FEC, sandard PIDs and PCR and a couple of Msyms to chose from
They can call it DTVstar TM, it will be a world wide smash hit and then I'll wake up from my dream

Cheers Roger VK5YYY

[G3GJA]

Can't see the IC-905 getting much interest at this price:

905.png (259.97 KiB) Viewed 16500 times

Not when you can put a 5.6GHz station together using PoV equipment for under £50!

The 10GHz narrowband optional extra is a further £1500.

Clive

[G8GKQ]

If it gets a few extra people on to the Microwave bands, it has to be a good thing. But as a home-constructor it does seem a lot of money....

Dave

[SkyVision]

Here in VK

INDUSTRY FIRST! (03/03/2023)
Icom Australia expect to release the IC-905 VHF/UHF/SHF All Mode Portable Transceiver in late April,
Subject to Australian Type Approval process.
The expected Recommended Retail Price for the IC-905 will be $5,500-$6,000
CX-10G 10GHz transverter will have a Recommended Retail Price of $2,100-$2,300.

My note: There is a fair bit of price gouging on Icom and I would expect the "Street Price" to be around 20% cheaper.... still pricey
Cost/Benifit Analysis: Beyond economical justification to the XYL....that's allot of Christmas and Birthdays to be amortised
Now the concept has been established maybe a knockoff or copycat unit might emerge...Portsdown/Langstone add ons?

Cheers Roger VK5YYY