I’ve added an Icom IC-910H to my ham shack. My big interest is in adding 2 meters and 70 cm for weak signal work, although I’m also interested in trying my hand at some satellite communication.
I had looked seriously at the IC-9100, but realized it would serve better as a replacement for the K3 that’s already in my shack, since it covers HF and 6 meters as well as 2/70. I also looked at adding the 2 meter internal transverter to the K3, but then that would require an external amplifier as well. In the end, I settled on this superb radio with just the right footprint to fit into my shack. I watched eBay and was able to purchase a reasonably priced unit.
Fortunately, I found a used Astron RS-35A power supply at HamCom. That matches the power supply I’m using for the K3. The next trick was connecting the rig to the computer. Icom has an RS-232 interface for about $125 but I was able to find at FTDI USB cable on eBay for around $25. It works well with N1MM+ and with Ham Radio Deluxe.
I set up N1MM+ as SO2R and used the Winkeyer USB to key both radios. I works pretty well. My next requirement is to interface audio for JT-65 and FSK-441. That’s going to be a bit more challenging as I’m using the same computer audio for the K3.
To make room for all this I added a full length shelf over the bench. This allowed placing the IC-910H and rotator control on the desktop on either side of the K3/P3. Then I extended the LED light strip over the full four feet of shelving. You can see the full set up in the gallery below.
I’ve been able to work a few contacts in the CQ WW VHF and in the ARRL UHF contests. My next post will talk about the Par Electronics Omniangle antennas I’m using. I will also be adding some WA5VJB cheap yagis to my push-up mast.
[…] this year’s September VHF Contest I deployed my new Icom IC-910H on 2 meters and 70 centimeters in addition to my Elecraft K3 for 6 meters. I entered in the […]
[…] up at 5:30 AM and turned my IC-910H to 144.200 MHz. Heard some stations making noise and started working not only new grids but new […]
Hi, may I kindly ask you what is reasonable price for IC-910h? I’m willing to buy it however there is only one offer @eBay. No idea if the price is reasonable.
I’ll appreciate your advice,
Thank you
Sky
Sky,
I recommend that you monitor eBay and perhaps other sites to see where the pricing runs, which includes options, condition, seller reputation, etc. Once you’ve been able to see several units available for sale you’ll be able to better to answer that question. Following this same approach, I have only purchased one and have had no reason to monitor pricing since that time.
Hope that helps.
73, Jim, K5ND
Hi Jim,
many thanks!
73, Sky
[…] 2015 I acquired an IC-910H to add 144 and 432 to my VHF contesting. It served me well in VHF contesting and DXing and engaging […]
Hi Jim,
I also have a ICOM 910 H. It was given to me for work I did on a car. I know cars but I know nothing about these radios. It is like new in original box. It was tested by previous owner at ICOM and found to be 100% working when boxed. It came with two UT-106’s (new in boxes and not installed) and was missing power cord and mic so I purchased new ones. I wonder if you know a good place to sell or trade one of these and what you think it is worth, you seem to know what you are doing judging from your set up. I welcome any information or interested parties you can connect me to. Thank you for your time.
Hi Tony, it sounds like you’ve got a great rig and some upgrades as well. I recently sold my IC-910H as part of a bunch of satellite gear. I posted what I had available on a local ham club’s website. I was very fortunate to sell everything that way. There are, of course, many other approaches to selling ham gear. I’ve recently sold amplifiers, power units, etc., on eBay. While I may not have gotten the best price on everything, the eBay system ensured payment and provided an easy way to ship the units. Plus, it found interested buyers. There are also ways to sell gear on some ham radio websites. But I’ve not tried them. As to pricing, with eBay, you can set a low opening price, and then it’s bidding from the interested buyers. To get an idea of pricing, search eBay for the IC-910H to see listing and selling prices. Good luck.