[ICOM] Ham-Com 2007

[n5wv at eastex.net]

Hello Group ,  Ham-Com was really big this past weekend at Plano Centre. I asked Pat if Gary Fiber was 
there and there was no Gary at Ham-Com. Maybe next year. The show stopper for me was getting to feel and 
operate the Icom IC-R9500 receiver. Icom has produced a top notch receiver. I noticed one improvement that 
was very much needed. The keypad is larger with a more heavy duty and stiffer feel to them than the ones 
on the 781/R9000. They are not as tough as the ones on a Harris or Rockwell Collins product but have 
a "utility" feel to them. Although I might ad that I have never had a keypad failure on any of my IC-
R9000/9000L receivers or 781 transceiver. Looking at the brochure the color of the IC-R9500 didnt appeal 
to me but when viewing the receiver in person it has a very pleasing tint. I wish I had some prices to 
pass along for the 7000 but being that I wasnt buying one I did not ask or notice any prices.  AES and HRO 
was not present. I am now trying to figure out a way to be the owner of a new Icom IC-R9500 receiver. When 
I was a kid I mowed yards to buy my toys but I dont think I can mow that many yards now. All else aside 
the Icom IC-R9500 receiver is an engineering marvel. 73 , de Randy N5WV