Icom IC-905 VHF/UHF/SHF SDR transceiver – 144MHz to 10GHz
Icom has just announced the IC-905 SHF SDR transceiver that covers 144MHz, 430Mhz, 1.2GHz, 2.4GHz, 5.6GHz and (with the help of an optional module) 10GHz.
- 144 MHz
- 430 MHz
- 1.2 GHz
- 2.4 GHz
- 5.6 GHz
- 10 GHz (with optional CX-10G unit)
Originally dubbed “project SHF” and then “SHF-P1”, the new IC-905 sports a control unit is based on the portable HF/VHF/UHF IC-705. However, because of the challenges of such high frequencies, all RF circuitry is installed in a separate unit designed to be mounted very close to the antenna. The two units are connected via a LAN cable and even more suprising, the RF unit uses POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) technology.
Main specs at a glance for the Icom IC-905:
- frequency coverage: 144MHz, 430MHz, 1.2GHz, 2.4GHz, 5.6GHz and (optionally) 10GHz Amateur Radio bands
- power output: 10W on 144/430/1.2GHz, 2W on 2.4/5.6GHz, 0.5W on 10GHz
- modes: SSB/CW/FM/AM/RTTY/DV/DT/ATV
- AV Input and Output for ATV
- USB-C connector (finally!)
The 10GHz module (CX-10G) is optional but it sure makes for a great QO-100 earth station. Frequency accuracy is guaranteed thanks to a GNSS (GPS) unit that keeps the OCXO in check.
As I said, the control unit is based on the IC-705 and while from front they look almost identical, the side connectors are completely different.
The RF unit (or “module”) meant to be installed at the antenna is an IPX-5 rated waterproof solid piece of metal, using N and SMA antenna connectors.
ATV operation is also a first for Amateur Radio transceivers. The IC-905 can even display vidoe directly on its screen, which I find is the coolest feature yet.
There are also new optional accessories being introduced, for example the AH-24, AH-56 and AH-100 antennas for 2.4, 5.6 and 10GHz.