You will do just fine with the 910H as is... The first one I ever tried had no options installed, and I loved it so much I promptly bought my own. I have added the DSP and high-stability oscillator over the years (good eBay finds), but neither is a necessity for FM, SSB, or CW satellite operations, by any means. I am keeping my eyes out for a 1.2 GHz module at a *reasonable* price, but again, I don't consider it all that important to my needs - just a "would be nice to have someday" item.
The best bang for your buck is investing in your antennas, low-loss coax, and a UHF preamp: as the saying goes, you can't work 'em if you can't hear 'em!
George, KA3HSW
----- Original Message ----
From: chuck allen callen1155@yahoo.com To: "amsat-bb@amsat.org" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Thu, June 14, 2012 10:37:30 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] IC-910H options ?
Hello folks.
I'm totally new to sat operation and VHF/UHF operating (kind of bored with HF).
Since I already had a very nice HF and 6 meter rig, after a bit of research on the candidate rigs in my price range (the IC-9100 would have been nice except for the $$) I recently purchased an ICOM IC-910H. The used market for the IC-910H rigs is not exactly cheap at that. The Unit is a very late model in new condition which is why I made a quick decision and hit 'buy'.
It is a 'stock' unit with no optional modules; no DSP, no narrow cw filters, no 1.2 GHz module. There doesn't look to be much satellite activity at 1.2 GHz but I'm questioning my purchase now due to the lack of options and my lack of experience.
So is the stock unit going to be a problem in working the sats (i'm interested in working FM, SSB, and CW ... perhaps later digital)?
Thanks for any advice? chuck AF4XK