Alan's figures on the icom preamp draw match mine. FWIW I use ARR mast-mount preamps with my IC-821. Unless something major changed between models. Also, if you are using the RF-sensing ARR preamps (which the 200mA draw would be), then in one sense you are semi-protected from reversing modes by the RF sense/PTT in the preamp. However, that semi-protection has been known to fail, which is why the weak-signal community is so disposed to sequencers. Personally (again, on my IC-821) I found it so painful to switch the preamp power from one mode to another than I ended up running preamp power separately and just using lit toggle switches. You have to go into the menu on the '821 to set the preamp power to 2m/70cm/both/none...too many button pushes and opportunities for error.
-- Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di
---- WB2LLP wb2llp@optonline.net wrote:
I am trying to improve my satellite receiving capability but find it interesting that I can not find anything in the IC-910 literature that specifies how much current the radio can supply for a pre-amp. It is also interesting to note that they do not specify the current drawn by their pre-amps, or their noise figure.
I want to use ARR preamps but can not determine if the radio can safely supply the 200 ma they want. I would certainly not want to damage the radio trying to improve the hearing. I assume that there is someone on this reflector who is using those pre-amps on a 910 and confirm that it works or does not work.
The other question might be is it safer to power the pre-amps from a separate supply. This might make it safer when reversing the up and down bands.
Gene WB2LLP _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb