Hi Pete,
I will be interested in seeing what kind of answers you get to this, as it is also a question that I have wondered. I remember when the 970 was out-it was definitely a top of the line VHF/UHF radio but I would never have been able to afford one at that time. THere was also an H model that did 45 watts on both bands.
Not only did Icom offer a 1.2ghz module for it, they also offered a 2.4ghz module. It was for the satellite portion of 13cm, though, and not the weak signal portion which is 100mhz lower. That brings me to another point, in that I wish Icom would realize that satellite rigs also make good weak signal and VHF contesting rigs. It would be nice if they would have offered a 6m module (or made 6m standard) on the 910. Yaesu seemed to figure this out much earlier with the FT726 and FT736. A 910 with 6m would be awesome-being able to do dualband operation with dual receive on 6m and 2m would be ideal for contesting and big Es openings where you want to work 6m but also want to keep an ear out for that elusive 2m Es opening.
Another place that I have heard good things about for Icom is Comtek in Oregon. I think the website is www.w7jv.com.
I have also heard good things about www.ham-repair.com and www.landaircom.com. Neither of those specializes in Icom but fixes most brands of gear.
73s John AA5JG
--- On Mon, 11/30/09, Peter Jordahl [email protected] wrote:
From: Peter Jordahl [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-970 vs. newer rigs To: [email protected] Date: Monday, November 30, 2009, 6:33 PM Have been following the "910H vs. TS-2000" thread. Wonder how the older IC-970A (good in its day) compares with these newer rigs, acknowledging the lower power (25W) and lack of any DSP in the receiver. My 970A is currently in semi-storage waiting for me to have the old-style trimmer capacitors replaced; the synthesizer no longer locks on 70 cm. Hope to get that done soon.
Any suggestions as to the best repair site for an older ICOM rig welcome; I already know about MTS and absent any really glowing alternative suggestions will probably send it there.
Pete K5GM AMSAT LM-1618 Pete Jordahl, K5GM [email protected]
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