ICOM IC-905 Top Features and Applications Explained

The ICOM IC-905 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that's designed for serious operators. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich rig.

This radio is capable of handling a wide range of frequencies, including HF, VHF, and UHF bands. It's got a robust 100W output, making it suitable for long-distance communication.

In terms of functionality, the IC-905 has a user-friendly interface with a large color display and intuitive menu system. This makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings on the fly.

Here's an interesting read: List of Amateur Radio Transceivers

The IC-905 has some impressive features that make it a top-notch radio. The IC-905 supports VHF-UHF-SHF Allmode, allowing you to operate across a wide range of frequencies.

Its frequency range includes 144 + 432 + 1240 MHz at 10 W, 2400 + 5600 MHz at 2 W, and an optional 10 GHz at 0.5 W. This gives you plenty of options for finding signals, especially on higher frequencies.

The waterfall feature is a game-changer for finding signals, especially on 10 GHz where the beam width of high gain antennas can make it challenging to detect signals.

The IC-905's LAN port is a great feature that allows you to connect the radio to your local network. This could make it a great radio for VHF UHF contests, as most contesting software will become band aware.

Icom Australia has announced that the base unit will cost between $5500 to $6000 AUD. The IC-905's GPS locking feature is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the IC-9700, which had frequency stability issues.

The IC-9700 required GPS locking on 23cm, especially with digital modes, but the IC-905's GPS locking feature is a promising development.

The IC-905 has some fantastic features that make it a top-notch radio for amateur enthusiasts. One of the standout features is its ability to operate on multiple frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, SHF, 144, 432, 1240 MHz, 2400, and 5600 MHz, with a maximum output power of 10 W.

The IC-905 also boasts a range of output connectors, including N connectors for 144-1300 MHz and SMA connectors for 2.4 and 5.6 GHz. This versatility makes it easy to connect the radio to a variety of antennas and systems.

Another key feature is the remote RF module, which allows you to place the source of RF as close as possible to the antenna, reducing losses and improving signal quality. This is especially important when working with high-frequency bands like 10 GHz.

Here are some key specifications of the IC-905 at a glance:

The IC-905 is a highly versatile transceiver that can be used in a variety of applications, from portable operation to home station installations. It offers professional RF technology for high frequencies, with operation up to 10 GHz.

For portable operation, the IC-905's compact design and weatherproofed RF module make it ideal for use with a multiband microwave dish, such as the one mentioned in the user's review. This setup would allow for easy mounting of the RF module at the base of the antenna in the field.

The IC-905 can also be used as a home station installation, but the user notes that this would be less optimal due to their path and mast configurations.

The IC-905 is not for everyone. If you're planning to use only the N connector, the IC-9700 is a better option, offering more TX power for a lower price.

Using the IC-905 for microwave communication can be a great investment if you hold a standard license in Australia and plan to use the 2.4 GHz and 5.7 GHz bands.

However, the effectiveness of microwave signals is limited by terrain and obstacles. Signals don't go through hills or buildings, and can only travel as far as the line of sight, much like light from a torch.

In Australia, there are no repeaters above 23cm, and FM is rarely used above this frequency, making the IC-905 less suitable for certain applications.

The IC-905 is a versatile device that can be used in various applications, from portable installations to home stations.

For portable use, the IC-905's compact design makes it ideal for operation from elevated locations, such as hills or mountains.

The device can be mounted directly on a multiband microwave dish, like the one mentioned in Example 2, allowing for easy setup and use in the field.

However, as the author of Example 2 notes, using the IC-905 at home may not be as optimal due to potential path interference and the need to pull down the RF module for portable use.

The IC-905 offers operation up to 10 GHz, making it suitable for high-frequency bands like 13 and 6 cm, which were previously only accessible with self-built devices.

The device's compact design also makes it a great option for use with a CX-10G HF unit, which is connected to the HF unit via a control cable and passes on the GPSDO reference clock.

The IC-905's transmitting power on 10 GHz is 500 mW, making it a reliable choice for amateur radio operations in this frequency range.

For antennas, you've got plenty of options for the 2.4 and 5.7 GHz WiFi allocations.

2.4 GHz antennas are often grid packs or panels, while 5.7 GHz antennas prefer panels and dishes.

Grid packs aren't suitable for the 2.4 GHz band, so you'll want to opt for a different type.

Most panel-type antennas are rated to 6 to 8 watts, making them ideal for the IC-905.

Easy adjustment of antenna elevation is a must, especially with antennas that have very narrow beamwidths.