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 <[email protected]> > To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> > 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 _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
