IC-9100

Icom's basic idea about the best receiver circuit is to reproduce high fidelity audio without internal distortion. Our answer to achieve this goal is to adopt a double conversion superheterodyne system*. The double conversion system simplifies the electronic circuitry and reduces the number of components which cause internal distortion. The digital signal processing (DSP) technologies and image rejection mixer make it possible to adopt this system.

* A triple conversion system is used for the 1200MHz band.

As seen in the above figure, the IC-9100 has 3 independent receiver circuits from the antenna connector to the second IF mixer (image rejection mixer). One each for HF/50MHz, 144MHz, 430/440MHz bands. See the table below for simultaneous receive pairs.

Digital IF filters, manual notch filter and other digital functions are incorporated in the AGC loop management controlled by the DSP unit. The AGC effectively works for the desired signal and rejects blocking by strong adjacent signals out of the filter passband. The AGC time constant presets (slow, medium and fast) give the flexibility and speed needed for working pile-ups.

The IC-9100 DSP allows you to “build your own” digital IF filter. You can quickly choose bandwidth, shape factor, and center frequency, so that you can work that rare DX station. Three filter memories allow you to change filter settings instantly, a great help during contesting or other tough conditions.

The 16-step variable noise reduction can significantly enhance the receiver's signal-to-noise ratio, giving you a clean, clear audio signal that may make the difference between making the contact or not.

The digital noise blanker reduces interference from pulse-type noise such as engine ignition. The noise blanker allows you to change the threshold level as well as blank duration parameter and attenuation level.

The digital RF speech compressor boosts average talk power, improving signal strength and readability in SSB mode. It is useful for for breaking through the noise and complete the QSO.

The transmit bandwidth is selectable from 100, 200, 300, 500Hz at the low-pass edge, and 2500, 2700, 2800, 2900Hz at the high-pass edge, respectively. Three types of high and low combinations can be stored in the memory as favorite settings.

The built-in RTTY demodulator and decoder allow you to instantly read an RTTY message on the display. No external units or PC required. The built-in tuning indicator visually helps in critical tuning.

All of the following CW capabilities are included in the IC-9100:

• 4 channels of keyer with 70 characters of memory per channel
• Multi-function electronic keyer with adjustable keying speed from 6-48 wpm, dot-dash ratio from 1:1:2.8 to 1:1:4.5 and paddle polarity
• Bug keyer and full break-in function

• Two preamplifier types for HF/50MHz bands: Preamp 1: Increases low level signal improving intermodulation / Preamp 2: High gain preamplifier
• Triple band stacking register
• Quick split and frequency lock functions
• RIT and ⊿Tx variable up to ±9.999kHz
• SSB/CW synchronous tuning automatically shifts the carrier point when switching between CW and LSB/USB modes
• AH-4 control circuit  AH-4 (PDF)

• Built-in voice synthesizer announces operating frequency, mode and S-meter level
• User programmable band edge beep (Can be disabled)
• Microphone equalizer and adjustable transmit bandwidth
• 20dB built-in attenuator
• ±0.5ppm high frequency stability
• Audio equalizer function
• 1Hz pitch tuning and display
• Automatic tuning steps
• Program, memory, select memory, mode select and ⊿f scanning
• Up to 424 memory channels*
• Headphone separate function (left for main audio, right for sub audio)

* With optional UX-9100

When used with the optional CS-9100 programming software, memory channels, band edges, repeater list for DR mode, D-STAR callsign and GPS memory channels can be easily edited with a PC. A USB cable is required for PC connection.

The satellite mode synchronizes the uplink (transmitting) and downlink (receiving) frequencies, and tracks the frequencies in the same tuning step. This function matches both normal and reverse mode satellites. Compensation of the Doppler effect can be performed easily. 20 satellite memory channels store frequencies, mode and tone settings for quick set-up.

The optional UT-121 provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication. Linking of D-STAR repeaters over the Internet allows you to communicate virtually anywhere. In addition to 144MHz, 430/440MH and 1200MHz band, the D-STAR DV mode can be used in 28MHz and 50MHz band simplex mode.

• VSC (Voice Squelch Control) function
• AFC function (FM/DV mode)
• CTCSS and DTCS tone encoder and decoder
• 9600bps data socket
• Automatic repeater function* and one-touch repeater function

* USA and KOR versions only