The amateur radios below are found in my shack along with links to related posts and projects.
The Icom IC-905 is a groundbreaking microwave transceiver designed for serious amateur radio operators who want to explore the higher frequency bands. Covering the 144 MHz (2m) to 10 GHz bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5.6 GHz, and 10 GHz, it is ideal for weak signal work, satellite communication, and line-of-sight experiments. The IC-905 features a compact, all-in-one design with a separate RF unit that can be mounted near the antenna to minimize cable loss, and it connects to the main control unit via a single coaxial cable. It includes a high-resolution 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, real-time spectrum scope, and waterfall display, similar to other high-end Icom transceivers, ensuring precise signal identification and tuning. With modes such as SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes, and a built-in GPS for precise location tracking, the IC-905 represents a significant leap in microwave transceiver technology, offering unmatched performance and flexibility in a compact form factor.
Release date: April 2023
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The Icom IC-705 is a versatile, portable HF/VHF/UHF transceiver designed for amateur radio enthusiasts. Compact and lightweight, this radio offers coverage from 160 meters to 70 centimetres, supporting a wide range of modes including SSB, CW, AM, Fhttp://IC-705M, and digital modes like D-STAR. With a maximum output power of 10 watts on battery and 5 watts with an external power supply, the IC-705 is ideal for portable operations like field days or hiking. It features a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen display, built-in GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing easy operation and integration with other devices. The IC-705 also includes a real-time spectrum scope and waterfall display, making it a powerful tool for radio communication in a compact form.
Release date: August 2020
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The Icom IC-7300 is a popular HF/50 MHz transceiver known for its advanced performance and user-friendly design, making it a favourite among amateur radio operators. It features a high-resolution 4.3-inch colour touchscreen display that provides intuitive control and a real-time spectrum scope with a waterfall display, allowing users to visualize signals and fine-tune their operations effectively. The IC-7300 is built on a direct sampling SDR (Software Defined Radio) architecture, which ensures superior signal clarity and reduces unwanted noise. With a 100-watt output power, it supports a wide range of operating modes, including SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, and FM, making it versatile for various communication needs. The transceiver also includes built-in automatic antenna tuning, multiple filter settings, and a USB port for easy connectivity with computers for digital modes, logging, and control, making it a comprehensive solution for both casual and serious amateur radio enthusiasts.
Release date: January 2016
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The Icom IC-9700 is a high-performance VHF/UHF/1200 MHz transceiver tailored for serious amateur radio operators who focus on satellite and weak signal communication. With coverage across 2 meters, 70 centimetres, and 23 centimetres, the IC-9700 supports all major operating modes, including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes like D-STAR. Built on a direct sampling SDR architecture, the IC-9700 delivers exceptional signal clarity and real-time spectrum monitoring. Its 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, coupled with a high-resolution spectrum scope and waterfall display, allows operators to easily identify and zero in on signals. The transceiver offers a 100-watt output on VHF, 75 watts on UHF, and 10 watts on 1200 MHz, making it versatile for a wide range of applications. With built-in satellite mode, full-duplex operation, and dual-watch capabilities, the IC-9700 is a powerful tool for both terrestrial and satellite communication, providing advanced features in a user-friendly package.
Release date: January 2018
The pictures below show an IC-7300 breakout board, an IC-7300 Accessory loop-through board with an IC-9700 breakout, and an IC-7300 automatic antenna switcher. They’re available as kits from the shop.
