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

[Stephan Andre']

On Thursday 18 October 2007 22:33:26 Mike Olbrisch wrote:
> 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).

   What you've put in here is nice, but they aren't going to deal with
220MHz all modes again, unless the US/Canada/Mexico ham population
swells.  The IC-375a was not profitable.  Hence bands like 33cm aren't
going to be on the list either.

   What I would really *really* like to see from Icom, is an open hardware
specification for the radios, such that others could build modules for it
as well.  Think of the 736 multi-mode radio, but on steroids.  With an
open spec for the hardware, people could build 220Mhz modules, and
far more exotic things like a EME WJST DSP type module, or XXXGHz
band, or ...   Stuff we aren't thinking of today.

   Essentially this is a part SDR--software defined radio, but with the
ability to add other hardware into it.

   Whichever radio company that understands that releasing control
is a financial gain is going to do well.  I daresay that Elecraft has started
down this road with its K2/K3 stuff.  If they are a little more forthcoming
with how the VHF transverters work and let/encourage others to build
others, they will start to see increased sales.

   Openness, and software.  Thats what I want to see.

--STeve Andre'
wb8wsf  en82