[amsat-bb] IC-2730A: Full-Duplex, Odd-Splits, SatPC32?

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

​Ken,

I have had an IC-2730A for almost a year. Nice radio for
FM satellite work. Answering your questions...

1. Yes, it supports true full-duplex operation. Put the
uplink and downlink in the two VFOs, and adjust the squelch
and volume so you only hear the downlink VFO. Set PL tones
as needed in the uplink VFO, and - if not using memory
channels - confirm the tuning step is 5 kHz. You can also
use narrow FM, should you decide to use that in either
VFO (or both VFOs) when working AO-85.

2. No, you cannot program memory channels to handle odd
splits where the transmit and receive frequencies are in
different bands. You can program a receive frequency and
the size/direction of an offset for a memory, but this
requires both frequencies to fall within the same band.
This is, unfortunately, a common "feature" with Icom radios
made in at least the past 15 to 20 years. With access to
both VFOs, including the separate knobs for each VFO, you
don't have to flip-flop which VFO is the "main" VFO, or
use function keys to go between the VFOs whenever you want
to change something.

3. Other than a quick scan through the PDF manual, I have
never looked into any CI-V functionality with this radio.
I see CI-V settings listed for the radio, but that's probably
as far as I will go with that. Manually adjusting the VFOs
isn't difficult with this radio, given the separate controls
for each VFO. I don't see any accessories listed that relate
to CI-V in the manual; just the cloning cables and extension
cables for the faceplate and microphone.

The IC-2730A does not include a DATA port for 9600bps data.
I think Icom was trying to keep this radio as a lower-cost
2m/70cm FM mobile, yet offering that and other options in the
more expensive D-Star capable mobiles. Other than how Icom
chose not to include a mobile mounting bracket and the kit
to mount the faceplate directly to the radio "box", I like
this radio.

Good luck, and 73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/
Twitter: @WD9EWK





On Mon, Apr 10, 2017 at 1:32 PM, Ken M <va7kbm at outlook.com> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I'm looking for a mobile radio that, among other things, will work well
> for FM satellites. I'm familiar with the Kenwood and Yaesu products, but
> I'm interested in the ICOM IC-2730A. I've found it difficult to get
> definitive opinions on these points:
>
> 1. Does it support true full-duplex operation? (It supports
> "simultaneous receive", but is it full-duplex?)
>
> 2. Can you program memory locations with odd-splits? (It looks to me
> like it doesn't.)
>
> 3. Can it be controlled by SatPC32? (It does support ICOM's CI-V
> protocol, so I think a basic level of control might be possible.)
>
> As an aside, if I don't end up with the IC-2730A, I will likely get the
> Yaesu FT-8900R - a much older design - but for sure does full-duplex and
> odd-splits (although no control protocol).
>
> Thanks & 73,
> Ken VA7KBM
>
>