Re: [amsat-bb] Icom user survey (interpretation)

[Mark Johns <mjohns@xxxxxxx>]

Miles Mann wrote:

> Hi all by reading the  survey we can make a few assumptions on what Icom thinks we
> want.

Yes, or if one is familiar with their products one can guess about what they already
offer that they may be thinking about changing.  At least they bother to ask for
input, for which they ought to get some credit.  I own no stock in the company, nor
to I have any other connection to Icom other than owning some of their products (as
well as some other brands), but I don't think they deserve the bashing they've been
getting here just because they were nice enough to ask for some feedback.

> Amateur Radio manufactures need things/options to make them stand out in
> the crowed and to help sell their toys. All ham radios are basically the same.
> The vendors need buzz words or options to distinguish themselves.
> Icoms fancy displays have helps.

All true.  Icom is no different from the rest in trying to create a unique selling
position in their market.  Kenwood, Yaesu, and others all do the same.

> Power
> 4 times icom asked about 200 watts.  It seems they may be leaning towards
> making their hf boxes 200 watt class.

Icom's top of the line HF radios have run 200 watts (DC input) since the early
'80's.  They aren't "leaning towards" it, they're questioning whether to continue
making radios that put out 150-175 watts or cut back to 100 watts out like the
competitors and put the resources elsewhere.

> DSP
> 3 questions about DSP.  Since DSP is the big feature of the dedicated
> we can expect to see more DSP power going into all future radios.
> Its is also usually more cost effective than other methods.

Again, this is a no brainer as all the manufacturers have already gone this way.
Icom's 756 Pro is the Cadillac of DSP radios at the moment.  They just want to know
if it's a fad or if they should keep on with these designs.

> More missing questions.
> What about 900 mc?
> General coverage VHF/UHF RX?
> ATV? (which is allowed on 400, 900 and 1200 mc)

My guess is that they don't think there's enough of a market for these things to even
ask.  Icom sold an ATV adapter for the IC-1271A a long time ago and very few sold.
They already lead the market in top of the line wide coverage receivers, first with
the R-7000 and now with the obscenely expensive R-9000.

> Satellite Modes:
> the ITU satellite bands include HF bands, including 80, 20, 15, 12 and 10 meters.
> The new HF/UHF radios will need to support satellite cross band operations.
>
> Data Rates:
> [ . . .etc.]

As satellite operators we need to tell all the manufacturers about these concerns.
Icom's survey obviously doesn't lend itself to this sort of input, so we will have to
get their attention some other way.  Same for the other manufacturers.  Kenwood
certainly hadn't gotten the message with that disappointing prototype they brought to
Dayton.  I hope they get it right before the production model comes out.

> Personal negative comment.
> Icom advertises their radios as "PC Ready".  Icom adds even show what appears to be
> a standard RS-232-C DB-25 computer cable in their Advertisements.  I challenge you
> to plug in a DB-25 cable into any Icom radio.
> If you read the fine print you will see the disclaimer *Optional equipment
> required.  I am very disappointed in the Federal government for not suing Icom for
> false advertisement.  In my personal opinion, if you need to buy Optional
> equipment, then you are NOT PC READY.

It may be a valid criticism, but the Federal government would not win such a case
because by including that disclaimer Icom complies with FTC regulations on
advertising.  They could tell you their radios fix your breakfast, balance your check
book, walk your dog, cure cancer, and ensure world peace -- and so long as the proper
disclaimers are in place they haven't broken the law.
--
Mark D. Johns, Cedar Falls, Iowa -- K0MDJ (EN32sm)
              http://pages.cfu.net/~mjohns/index.html
 "Heaven goes by favour.  If it went by merit, you would
    stay out and your dog would go in." -- Mark Twain


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