Hi Dee,
Looks a great unit, the preliminary spec is at http://www.icomuk.co.uk/getFile.asp?categoryID=3508&cCID=16907&fFID=...
I noted the 1240 MHz band coverage goes out to 1320 MHz, be useful in the UK as our 23cm band goes out to 1325. The incorporation of a USB port is good, wish all rigs had one.
The only disappointment is the absence of the 70 MHz band which we now have in much of Region 1. I look forward to the QST review which will should a good indication how it performs in practice.
Agree the price is steep, clearly aimed at the very top of the Amateur market, it makes the IC-910 look cheap, but there are lots of other options for equipment for low cost satellite working.
73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio Email/RSS News: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email Your News To: editor at southgatearc.org Or Upload Using Form At: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news_1.htm ----
--- On Tue, 18/5/10, Dee morsesat@optonline.net wrote:
Date: Tuesday, 18 May, 2010, 20:30 Satellite enthusiasts, To give everyone the actual Pre-release specs, I have attached the copy (specs only) of the Icom pamphlet I was offered at Dayton about the IC9100. I think that if Yaesu comes in with a $2000 version, they will corner the market- I own 2 (yes, two) IC910's and love them but the price of this IC9100 is out there with the satellites somewhere. The estimated cost of $4000 is out of reach for the average satellite enthusiast. This is a hobby, not a profession...and while it looks great, the satellite users need something they can afford so they can also donate to & support a Launch fund to allow AMSAT-NA to put up another HEO bird. (One of the top questions to AMSAT at the Dayton 2010 booth while spending 14+ hours assisting with fund raising & fielding members questions.) Similar obstacles are being encountered by AMSAT-DL. Putting together a satellite our members have asked for is within sight, however, launching them is presently out of reach. AMSAT-NA is presently putting together several LEO projects to keep the spark alive. Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Alinco, & other manufacturers, a campaign for the launch costs for the benefit of all is needed to re-kindle the satellite spirit of yesterday. (AO-10, AO-13 and AO-40) DARA has started in this direction with their matching funds offer(Thanks). Let's continue with this support. See you on the birds. 73, Dee, NB2F AMSAT Life member and Satellite enthusiast