[ICOM] DREAM RADIO - New ICOM IC-906A (D)

[Mike Olbrisch]

I am just dreaming here.  A few of us got together and started talking about
what we would like to see for a new ICOM mobile radio to replace out aging
IC-901As.

Add your comments or dreams.  If it gets good enough I will send it to ICOM
- maybe they will build it.  IF they build it, will YOU come? 


1.  FREQUENCY range: 28.0 - 30.0, 50.0 - 54.0, 144.0 - 148.0, 219.0 - 225.0,
420.0 - 450.0, 1240.0 - 1300.0 MHz.

2.  MODES of operation:  USB.  LSB.  CW.  FM.  AM.  (D-Star optional). 

3.  DISPLAY:  Should show all three bands, displaying frequency and
alpha-numeric message. S-meter etc... Display like 706 or 7000. 

4.  BANDS available:  Should be able to monitor 3 bands at a time, bands
A-B-C.  Talk on A and listen on B-C. 

5.  MEMORIES:  At least 100 memories per band, 250 memories per band better.


6.  MEMORY Scan:  Band A and B should memory scan one selected band.  Band C
should scan the rest.  (see note-1) 

7.  CTCSS tones:  Include all current CTCSS/PL tones (67 to 250 Hz). 

8.  OFFSET:  Tunable offset splits, in minimum steps (5 KHz). 

9.  POWER output:  Three selectable power settings.  50w, 20w, 5w.  (25 and
5 watt for 1240 MHz). 

10. REMOTE operation:  Control head, speaker and mic should be remote-able
via wire or fiber optic. 

11. DTMF tones:  16 button DTMF pad for control functions. 

12. CROSS-Band repeat:  Should cross-band repeat between bands A and B or A
and C. 

13. RECEIVER bandwidth:  Receiver bandwidth should match the transmit range.
Helical filters.  (note-2) 

14. DIGITAL call signs.  Should be capable of digitally transmitting call
signs to receiving stations. 

15. DISPLAY brightness:  Selectable display brightness.  5 to 10 levels. 

16. DISPLAY dimming:  Automatic level selectable or variable display dimming
for nighttime driving. 

17. SIZE:  Dimensions set for ease of mounting in trunk or under seat. 

18. COOLING:  Good cooling so radio is never in danger of overheating.
Multi-speed fan. 

19. BASE MODEL:  This radio could also be made in a base model with a 756
style display later.

20. Priced under $1500.  Rather higher price than less features. 


Note-1.  Example.  Band A is set to 144.0 MHz band (or selected band).  Band
B is set to 440.0 MHz band (or selected band).  Bands should be switch-able
of course.  Scanning band A should only scan the 144 band (or selected
band).  Scanning band B should only scan the 440 band (or selected band).
Scanning band C should scan all the other bands not selected in bands A or B
in sequence, like 28, 50, 220, 1240 in this example. 

Note-2.  If I want a scanner, I will buy a scanner.  This is a ham radio,
NOT a scanner. 

Did we miss anything?  ICOM, are you listening???

Mike - KD9KC. 
M.A.R.I.E. 
El Paso, Tx. 
www.w5dpd.org 

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