| AF5CC |
Rating:  |
2024-05-10 | |
| Good on satellites with some quirks |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Most of my satellite work has been done with a Kenwood TS2000, Yaesu FT847, and Icom 820. I have had a Yaesu FT736R and Kenwood TS790 but never used them on the satellites. Owning the Icom 820 for a couple of years helped get use to some of the procedures on the 910.
I have owned both an Icom 910H and an Icom 910D-Japanese model, 50 watts output, limited to 144-146mhz and 430-440mhz.
Compared to the TS2000 and the ft847, the Icom 910 may appear somewhat limited-no HF, no 6 meters, built in keyer but non CW memories (as the TS2000 has), no voice keyer option (as the TS2000 has). No SWR meter (same on 847), DSP is an option, CW filters are a option (same on 847).
So how does the 910H fit into the satellite niche? First, I think it heard better than the TS2000 and maybe slightly better than the FT847. Very sensitive receive on it. The QST product review didn't think the receiver was that good for VHF/UHF contesting, but I never used it in that application so no comments on that but I did run it on some weak signal nets.
The front end seems better than the TS2000 and FT847 when it satellite mode, at least. I could run it with a diplexer and a signal dualband antenna and have no crosstalk from my uplink signal when receiving the satellites. I couldn't same the same for the TS2000 or FT847.
The Icom 910 will do true dual receive on all modes. The FT847 couldn't do this at all, and the TS2000 could only do dual receive in FM mode. However, the 910 cannot do dual in-band receive whereas the TS2000 could do this on FM.
The 910H does 25 watts more on UHF than either the 2000 or 847, and 50 watts more on 2m than the FT847. You can install the 1.2ghz module yourself in the 910H. There is no 1.2ghz option for the FT847 and the TS2000 requires factory installation of the 1.2GHZ module.
The 910H is noticably more compact and lighter than the TS2000 and FT847, which makes it easier to take roving or portable. I took it on several multi-grid roves with good results.
It doesn't have the birdie on the SO50 downlink that the TS2000 has.
Some of the quirks:
1. On 2m with the tone encoder enabled, the encoder turns off if you change frequency. This required storing multiple memory channels for PO-101 since you have to change the transmit frequency on that satellite.
2. When it satellite tracking mode it isn't as easy to adjust for doppler shift than the other rigs are. It is too bad that you can't stay in satellite mode and just turn off tracking when you need to make an adjustment (as the TS2000 does). You have to push 1 button to adjust your uplink, push a different button to adjust your downlink, and the button setup isn't that intuitive. You do get used to it after a while but it could be easier. It is still easier than the Icom 820 where you have to hold down the button while adjusting the VFO frequency.
3. I wish it had more than 10 satellite memories. The FT847 has 12, although right now that isn't a real problem with fewer satellites active. I believe the 9700 fixed that issue.
So, if you don't need HF or 6m on your satellite/weak signal rig, and you can find one of these for $500 or so, it is a pretty good satellite radio, especially if you plan to do much roving. I enjoyed having both of these radios and got used to the quirks pretty quickly. Good for VHF /UHF contesting if you want to listen to both calling frequencies at the same time, and the extra power helps as well. |
|
| WD4ELG |
Rating: |
2018-02-24 | |
| Never did get comfortable with it |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Got it used from W4AS (Sebastian, an honest ham who took good care of the rig before he sold it to me). Included the 1.2 GHz module, CW filter and TCXO.
For some reason, the rig never "clicked" with my brain. Hard to explain, but Kenwood seems intuitive and so does my Yaesu FT817ND.
I worked a couple of EME contacts, did a bit of weak signal work on 2 meters, did a couple of satellite QSO's. But I prefer my two 817ND rigs for satellite, and now I like my Flex 5000 with V/U module.
Maybe it was too much rig for me for V/U band. But the satellite tuning/setup just did not make sense.
I sold it through HRO in Atlanta. No regrets. |
|
| G0VHS |
Rating: |
2017-09-21 | |
| The best VHF/UHF available |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Having had radio experience (Kenwood fan) spanning more than two decades mainly on weak signal/satellite work, I feel relatively qualified, by saying that the IC-910 is a cracking little set.
It will never be high end transvertor class, but for the price, it's a cracker.
RX can be enhanced if you are a little electronic savvy - http://www.w6pql.com/ic-910h/ic910h.htm
Grab one if you can. |
|
| N2EAC |
Rating: |
2017-08-13 | |
| Great Under Rated UHF/VHF Rig |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned my IC-910H for almost 15 years now. Except for a pin diode going out, the radio has operated flawlessly. Now let's briefly compare what it does/the pros and what it doesn't do/the cons IMHO.
What it does/ the pros:
1. It gives you all mode 2m at 100 w and 70 cm at 75 w. I do not believe there are any Rigs at this price (I am excluding the HF/UHF IC-9100 and the older IC-970H) that can put out that amount of power without and external amp.
2. If you want to work sats... no problem.
3. SSB sensitivity is very good, even w/o a preamp. But, if you are working DX, you'll of course want a GasFet Preamp at the antenna, and of course, transverters attached to an SDR Rig blow it away. But, you need the whole SDR set up first.
4. It works any repeater, except the exotics like D-Star and Wires, where you would need a specialized FM Rig. But, it's no big deal.
5. It has a simple band scope.
6. A lot packed into a rather small package.
What it's not/ the cons:
1. Easy to set up. The learning curve is more steep than other Rigs.
2. Easy to see from an an angle. It is very particular about you looking dead to read the display.
3. I am sorry that Icom did not include (a) the AF-DSP UT-106 modules 2 x $150.00, and the CR-293 High Stability Crystal Oscillator $300.00 plus cost to install it at time of purchase. While the UT-106's were easy to install, the CR-293 needs a confident and steady hand to install it, or pay someone to install it. All in all, they make it a better radio.
4. It has a simple band scope. Oh, well. It is 17 y/o.
5. No D-Star or Wires-X functionality.
Summary:
Even though discontinued, I am not aware of any radio that can stand up to the constant use and punishment that the IC-910H can withstand (I feel the old FT-857D and the IC-706mkIIg are ok for occasional use or mobile use. But, for higher duty U/VHF, on SSB or FM the IC-910H is still a good bet.) I use mine almost daily and still enjoy using it.
73, Ed, N2EAC |
|
| K4TB |
Rating: |
2016-03-08 | |
| Good Basic Weak Signal & Satellites Radio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
After trading for it, I've had my Icom 910H for about two years. I finally got around to installing the last of the accessories. My unit is fully loaded: 2-DSPs, both CW filters, 23 cm transverter module, sound annunciator module, TCXO, and even the carrying handle and feet. I've used the radio for both weak signal SSB/CW and for satellite communication, and occasionally for local FM. I won't bother going into the plusses and minuses since they've been well covered in other reviews.
Suffice it to say that it was definitely designed with weak signal and satellite work in mind, not local FM (which it can do of course but not with all the extra features like memory labels, etc.) It seems to have good RX sensitivity, great TX power out (as long as SWR is low) and very good frequency stability (as long as you're using the optional TCXO unit). I like the fact I can work on the 23 cm band although there isn't much activity around here on that band. (Wish I had some EME antennas and amps to use with it!)
When I give it a 4 rating, I'm not comparing the radio with contemporary radios like the Icom 9100 or the Yaesu FT-991. Instead, I rate the 910H a 4 because of the difficulty I had with installing all the accessories, and the cost they added to the radio at the time it was new. I think that may have been why the 910H was not more popular than it was. Installing the accessories was like performing open heart surgery it seemed, but at least they all worked. I did have to recalibrate the TCXO because it was pretty far off frequency, and that wasn't too easy.
Bottom line: If you want an Icom 910H for weak signal or satellite work it's still a nice rig. It works well with SatPC32 for satellite communications. I still use mine for uplink due to it's TX power, but I'm using an FT-991 for downlink due to it's nice RX and finding it easier to work satellites with separate rigs. |
|
| K1FPV |
Rating: |
2015-05-15 | |
| Has Worked Great For 10 + Years ! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned my IC-910H for over 10 years and have nothing but good things to say about it. I've used it on FM, SSB as well as CW and it has performed admirably!
After reading a previous review about phase noise and similar issues, I took a look at my unit using my Spectrum Analyzer. Harmonics and other spurious emissions were 65dB or better down! On SSB, the opposite sideband was over 50 db down.
I've used this for weak signal contacts running it into amplifiers, and use it for satellite work. I have made a number of 10 meter/2 meter CW contacts using it on Oscar 7 when it is in sunlight. Each time I was told my 2 meter CW signal sounded great.
Recently Icom has had some issues with some of their newer rigs, but for sure, the older IC-910H isn't one of them!
Besides my IC-910H, I still have an old IC-740 in use which is over 30 years old. Other than changing a few old electrolytics, it still purrs like a kitten!
Bill
K1FPV |
|
| W0LD |
Rating: |
2015-05-14 | |
| Very Good VHF/UHF Radio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned 910H's since they were introduced to the market. Frankly, I have not experienced the issues some have talked about here. It is an excellent weak signal radio and drives a high power linear with a good signal. I have one that drives a 700 watt linear on 1.2 GHz. and a 1,500 watt SS amp on 2 meters. People have commented on how clean the signal is. In my book, if you can find a mint used radio, but it!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by W0LD on 2011-12-17
I sold my first IC-910H and wish I hadn't! I ended up buying another 910H used. The rig works well and is a lot cheaper with 1.2 Ghz. unit than the IC-9100. I have an HF radio and the IC-910H for half the price of the IC-9100. I have not had the problems some of you have had. The IC-910H makes full power, hears well and is an all around good VHF-UHF rig.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by W0LD on 2003-11-20
I have had my IC-910H for two months and am very satisfied. I have the 1.2 Ghz. module installed and the c.w. filter. The receiver is as sensitive as my old IC-275H, which I considered the best all mode I had used up to this point. The rig is portable and the same size as the X75 series radios. The radio delivers an honest 100 watts on 2 meters and 75 watts on 70 cm. On 1.2 Ghz. I use a GaAsFet preamp and the rig works great. I am very satisfied. |
|
| M0AFJ |
Rating: |
2015-05-06 | |
| Phase noise |
Time Owned: N.A. |
This rig may look like a good solution to your multiband V/UHF requirements but it is not a good choice. The rig has very poor phase noise performance both on tx and rx, the transmitter radiates broadband noise which can affect locals and from a hill top hams many miles away. Contest groups who have used these have been penalised because of the interference caused. I have one locally and cannot operate on 23 cams when it is in use...
Should be consigned to the skip ( dumpster to my US readers) |
|
| CR7000 |
Rating: |
2012-10-23 | |
| The Best VHF/UHF |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have a european ( UK )model right from the end of the production run - fully loaded, and it performs excellent.
When using an aerial that has SWR higher than 1:1.5 it will start to reduce the power, a good safety feature. When using an aerial with closer resonance it outputs full power as spec.
A lovely base station that does exactly what it says on the tin !
I thought about buying one of these for a long time - only wish i had done it sooner
If you can find a good one - do not hesitate....Buy it ! |
|
| N5XO |
Rating: |
2011-08-14 | |
| A little better |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Okay, after playing with the power cable, crimped down tight the fuse connectors to insure solid contact, tightened up the molex connector for better contact the 910H is now putting out decent power about 92 to 98 watts.
Couple of quirks still rearing up....after a few minutes of talking it drops the power as it heats up...as loud as the fans are, you would think it would suck the heat out better and not need to reduce power.
But holy crap this thing hates SWR, my stacked beams are narrow and have a solid SWR on the call freq, but slide a little up or down and the SWR begins to climb. Nothing that should bother the radio, but power drops rapidly so that 30 to 40 watts is all that is going out. THAT IS SAD.
My review of the receiver has dramatically improved, while the S meter shows a low signal, I was pulling in some very good weak signals that were very easy to copy. So happy with the receiver but with out an amp, this transmitter sucks.
Come on Icom a dedicated VHF/UHF radio base station at the price you sold this for new should work one hell of a lot better than my cheap little yasue mobil for $105. |
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