IC-910H

[KD8COO]

I've been hunting around for something to use as a base station. I most immediately need a good 2m/70cm device, and I'm interested in satellite operation too (eventually, after I get my license upgraded, I'll probably be adding a 703+ to the shack here to start to explore HF, but that's still a ways off),. The only thing out that really seems to fit exactly what I need right now is the IC-910h. Unfortunately, while it looks good on paper, I've read quite a number of mixed reviews on it... What's the opinion of QRZ folk?

[wa9cwx]

You will likely find that this is top of the line.

I have owned for a LONG time, the Icom 821H and the Kenwood 790A.
They are both excellent rigs. but as I understand it, the 910 far surpasses them.

You are talking serious VHF/UHF radio at this price level.

[W0LPQ]

Used to have one, but not much 70cm SSB stuff. It is a darn good radio. Useable for Sat's and so on. It will do FM as well, but mine never was on FM. Strictly SSB.

Good audio quality on both transmit and receive.

Bill, W0LPQ

[kg4kww]

The ICOM910H is a damn good radio, 100 watts 2m 75 watts 70cm and with the optional 1296 chip it's 10 watts. I have made 2m ssb and 70 cm contacts from VA to Canada and as far sw as ARK. This is the best all mode UHF/VHF rig out there. I have also heard the birds (satellites) too , check this out, scroll down to bottom of page and click on link to listen to transmission from C)56 satellite, thanks to my ICOM910H and my m2-44018 at 70 feet.

Link to Satellite co56 transmission, check it out (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=117833;st=10)

I would say if you are serious about working 2m,70cm and 1296 ssb and sats this is the rig for you.

[k9kjm]

The Icom 910 does get pretty good reviews.
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1274
Those I have talked to that own them like them. I have both an Icom 820H and a Icom 821H. both work great. (I see both the 820 and 821 selling used for around 500 or so bucks nowadays) #All of these radios are what should be considered "semi-serious" VHF/UHF radios. The really serious operators use high end down converter types.........
The "less serious" use radios like the newer Kenwood TS2000 Jack of all trades.
But remember the old saying, "Jack of all trades and master of none"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KD8COO]

Thanks for all the input, I may just have to go ahead and get one!

[ne3r]

Good radio, I almost bought one, I really enjoy VHF and satellites, but I had just passed my code exam and also needed a radio for HF and the budget couldn't support an IC-910H, and an IC-718, and then there is six meters. I ended up going with an FT-847. I probably should have done things a little differently, the Yaesu is great on VHF+ but not so on HF.

73
Joe
N3PAQ

[K0RGR]

I really like the 6 and 2 meter capability in my old IC-746, and I believe the receiver in the 910 is better.

If I were investing in serious DX hardware for VHF/UHF, I would have to go with a Software Defined Radio ala Flex-Radio (http://www.flex-radio.com/) . I have seen this thing in action, and it's pretty unbelievable. Of course, it was coupled to some pretty impressive antennas at the time, and that's even more important than the radio.

I hope you get on the weak signal modes! Try some meteor scatter - it's a blast and you don't need a moonbounce array to do it.

I've worked the Toledo area from here in Minnesota on 2 and 432 - the big lakes are magical.