Icom IC-905 Installation guide

BASIC MANUAL
ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER
|905

i
BASIC MANUAL
Thank you for choosing this Icom product. This
product is designed and built with Icom’s state of the
art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care,
this product should provide you with years of trouble-
free operation.
This product combines traditional analog technologies
with the Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio
(D-STAR), for a balanced package.
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely
before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL— This
instruction manual contains basic operating
instructions for the IC-905. For advanced operating
instructions, see the Advanced manual for details.
The Advanced manual is available at the following
internet address:
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/
FEATURES
• 144 ~ 5600 MHz/10 GHz* coverage
The IC-905 has 144 ~ 5600 MHz/10 GHz* coverage
with all modes.
* Optional CX-10G transverter is required.
• The separate conguration
The IC-905 consists of the controller and the RF
unit that is mounted directly under the antenna.
• RF Direct Sampling System
The IC-905 employs an RF direct sampling system.
RF signals are directly converted to digital data in
the ADC, and then processed in the FPGA. This
system is a leading technology, marking an epoch
in amateur radio.
L1200 MHz and higher bands use a down conversion IF
sampling.
• Real-Time Spectrum Scope
The spectrum scope is class-leading in resolution,
sweep speed, and dynamic range. When you
touch the scope screen on the intended signal, the
touched area is magnied. The large 4.3 inch color
TFT touch LCD o󰀨ers intuitive operation.
• D-STAR operation (DV/DD Mode)
The IC-905 has the D-STAR Repeater (DR)
function.
• A 4.3 inch touch panel color display
• Multi-function control for easy settings
• ATV (Amateur TV) in the analog FM mode
LYou cannot transmit to or receive from the conventional
transceivers (IC-1271A/IC-1271E/IC-1275A/IC-1275E)
in the ATV mode. Only ATV in the analog AM mode is
compatible with them.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
LSome accessories are not supplied, or the shape is
di󰀨erent, depending on the transceiver version.
Speaker microphone
(0.8 m: 2.6 ft)
DC power cable
(1.5 m: 4.9 ft)
CW key plug
( 3.5 mm: 1/8 inch stereo)
Spare fuse
(250 V/8 A) Cushion Sheet
Control cable for connecting
Controller and RF unit
(5 m: 16.4 feet)
U-boltsPole clamps
GPS antenna
Assembled screws for bracket
(6 × 15 mm)
Bracket
Accessory connector
Screws and washers
for attaching to a pole
Rubber vulcanizing tape
Ferrite EMI lter
About weld lines
This product’s surfaces may have streaks called
“weld lines,” that occur during the molding process,
and are not cracks or aws.

ii
BASIC MANUAL
DFCC SDoC
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the condition that this device
does not cause harmful interference.
Responsible Party
Company Name: Icom America Inc.
Address: 12421 Willows Road NE Kirkland, WA 98034
U.S. Contact Information
800-USA-ICOM (800-872-4266)
Monday – Friday 7 AM to 5 PM PST
FCC INFORMATION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment o󰀨 and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit di󰀨erent from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modications to this device,
not expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void
your authority to operate this device under FCC
regulations.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORD DEFINITION
RDANGER! Personal death, serious injury or an
explosion may occur.
RWARNING! Personal injury, re hazard or electric
shock may occur.
CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.
NOTE
Recommended for optimum use. No
risk of personal injury, re or electric
shock.
DISPOSAL
The crossed-out wheeled-bin symbol
on your product, literature, or packaging
reminds you that in the European
Union, all electrical and electronic
products, batteries, and accumulators
(rechargeable batteries) must be taken
to designated collection locations at the end of their
working life. Do not dispose of these products as
unsorted municipal waste.
Dispose of them according to the laws in your area.
ABOUT CE AND DOC
Hereby, Icom Inc. declares that the
versions of IC-905 which have the “CE”
symbol on the product, comply with the
essential requirements of the Radio Equipment
Directive, 2014/53/EU, and the restriction of the use
of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment Directive, 2011/65/EU. The full
text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at
the following internet address:
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/
Icom is not responsible for the destruction, damage
to, or performance of any Icom or non-Icom
equipment, if the malfunction is because of:
• Force majeure, including, but not limited to, res,
earthquakes, storms, oods, lightning, or other natural
disasters, disturbances, riots, war, or radioactive
contamination.
• The use of Icom transceivers with any equipment that is
not manufactured or approved by Icom.

iii
BASIC MANUAL
ABOUT SPURIOUS SIGNALS
Spurious signals may be received near the following
frequencies. These are made in the internal circuit and
does not indicate a transceiver malfunction:
• 144.3823 MHz • 430.0783 MHz
• 438.5853 MHz • 1261.7196 MHz
• 1273.0623 MHz • 1276.8433 MHz
• 1277.9504 MHz • 1287.0387 MHz
• 1287.0466 MHz • 1287.7261 MHz
• 1291.9673 MHz • 1295.5182 MHz
• 1297.6387 MHz • 2402.5185 MHz
• 5666.2705 MHz • 5687.9985 MHz
• 5701.6305 MHz
This product includes RTOS “RTX” software, and is
licensed according to the software license.
This product includes “zlib” open source software, and is
licensed according to the open source software license.
This product includes “libpng” open source software, and
is licensed according to the open source software license.
This product includes “mbed TLS” open source software,
and is licensed according to the open source software
license.
Refer to the “About the Licenses” page at the end of the
manual in English for information on the open source
software being used in this product.
This software is based in part on the work of the
Independent JPEG Group, and is licensed according to the
open source software license.
VOICE CODING TECHNOLOGY
The AMBE+2™ voice coding Technology embodied
in this product is protected by intellectual property
rights including patent rights, copyrights and trade
secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This voice
coding Technology is licensed solely for use within this
Communications Equipment.
The user of this Technology is explicitly prohibited
from attempting to extract, remove, decompile,
reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object Code,
or in any other way convert the Object Code into a
human-readable form. U.S. Patent Nos.
#8,595,002, #8,359,197, #8,315,860,
#8,200,497, #7,970,606, #6,912,495 B2.
TRADEMARKS
Icom and the Icom logo are registered trademarks
of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in Japan, the United
States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Spain, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and/or other
countries.
Adobe, Acrobat, and Reader are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated in the United States and/or other
countries.
AMBE+2 is a trademark and property of Digital Voice
Systems Inc.
All other products or brands are registered trademarks
or trademarks of their respective holders.

iv
BASIC MANUAL
IMPORTANT NOTES
DWhen using the GPS receiver
• The GPS antenna is attached to the RF unit’s
top panel. Therefore, when the GPS receiver is
activated, do not cover the antenna with anything
that will block the satellite signals.
• GPS signals cannot pass through metal objects.
When using the transceiver inside a vehicle, you
may not receive GPS signals. We recommend you
use it near a window.
• The Global Positioning System (GPS) is built and
operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Department is responsible for accuracy and
maintenance of the system. Any changes by the
Department may a󰀨ect the accuracy and function of
the GPS system.
• The GPS receiver may not work if used in the
following locations:
- Tunnels or high-rise buildings
- Underground parking lots
- Under a bridge or viaduct
- In remote forested areas
- Under bad weather conditions
(rainy or cloudy day)
DElectromagnetic Interference
When using the transceiver in the 2.4 GHz or 5.6 GHz
band, pay attention to the following:
These bands are also used by other devices, such as
Wireless LAN products, Bluetooth devices, microwave
ovens, RFID systems, and so on.
When using this device near such devices,
interference may occur, causing a decrease in
communication speed, and an unstable connection.
In such cases, use this device away from the other
devices, or stop using those devices.

v
BASIC MANUAL
ABOUT THE TOUCH SCREEN
DTouch operation
In the Advanced manual and the Basic manual, the
touch operation is described as shown below, with the
beep tone ON.
Touch
If the display is touched briey, one short beep
sounds.
Touch for 1 second
If the display is touched for 1 second, one short
and one long beep sound.
DTouch screen precautions
• The touch screen may not properly work when the
LCD protection lm or sheet is attached.
• Touching the screen with your nger nails, sharp
topped object and so on, or touching the screen
hard may damage it.
• Tablet PC operations such as ick, pinch in, and
pinch out cannot be performed on this touch
screen.
DTouch screen maintenance
• If the touch screen becomes dusty or dirty, wipe it
clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• When you wipe the touch screen, be careful not to
push it too hard or scratch it with your nger nails.
Otherwise you may damage the screen.
ABOUT THE MANUALS
You can use the following manuals to understand and
operate this transceiver. (As of February 2023)
TIP: You can download each manual and guide from
the Icom website.
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/
Enter “IC-905” into the Search box in the site.
• Basic manual (This manual)
Instructions for basic operations.
• Connection guide (Leaet)
Instructions for connecting the controller and RF
unit.
• Advanced manual (PDF type)
Instructions for advanced operations in English.
• CI-V Reference guide (PDF type)
Describes the control commands used in remote
control operation (serial communication with CI-V)
in English.
• About the Share Pictures function (PDF type)
Describes how to use the Share Pictures function in
English.
For Reference
• HAM Radio Terms (PDF type)
A glossary of HAM radio terms in English.
To read the manuals or Guide, Adobe®Acrobat®
Reader®is required. If you have not installed it, please
download the Adobe®Acrobat®Reader®and install it
to your PC. You can download it from Adobe Systems
Incorporated’s website.

vi
BASIC MANUAL
Instruction example:
DSetting the date
1. Open the “Date” screen.
» SET > Time Set > Date/Time > Date
2. Touch [+] or [–] to set the date.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTIONS
The Advanced and Basic manuals are described in
the following manner.
“ ” (Quotation marks):
Used to indicate icons, setting items, and screen titles
displayed on the screen.
The screen titles are also written in uppercase letters.
(Example: FUNCTION screen)
[ ] (brackets):
Used to indicate keys.
Routes to the Set modes and Setting screens
Routes to the Set mode, Setting screens and the
setting items are described in the following manner.
» SET > Time Set > Date/Time > Date
Detailed instruction:
1. Push .
2. Touch [SET].
3. Touch [▲] or [▼] to scroll through the items.
LYou can also rotate to scroll through the
items.
4. Touch “Time Set.”
5. Touch “Date/Time.”
6. Touch “ Date.”
• Opens the “Date” screen.

vii
BASIC MANUAL
KEYBOARD ENTERING AND EDITING
Keyboard types:
You can select the Full Keyboard or Tenkey pad in
“Keyboard Type” on the FUNCTION screen. (p. 8-6)
» SET > Function > Keyboard Type
LYou can also temporarily switch in the QUICK MENU
screen by pushing .
LYou can select the full keyboard layout in “Full Keyboard
Layout” on the FUNCTION screen. (p. 8-6)
» SET > Function > Full Keyboard Layout
Entering and editing:
Enters a space
Selects alphabet mode or
numeric mode
Enters an uppercase letter
Moves the cursor backward Moves the cursor forward
Clears the entered character
Selects the character type
Saves the entry
Cancels the entry and returns
to the previous screen
Alphabet mode
Numeric mode
Symbol mode

viii
BASIC MANUAL
USABLE CHARACTERS
You can enter and edit the items in the following table.
Menu Category Item Selectable characters Maximum
characters
SET My Station My Call Sign A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / 8 + 4
TX Message [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 20
Network Set Network Name A to Z, 0 to 9, ! " # $ % & ( ) + , - . ; = @ [ ] ^ 15
Network User 1/2 ID [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#]
• Illegal characters: \ (space)
16
Network User 1/2 Password 16*1
Network Radio Name 16
Time Set NTP Server Address A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, - . 64
SD Card Save Setting [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#]
• Illegal characters: / : ; * < > \ |
23
Export
MEMORY GROUP NAME,
MEMORY NAME
[AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
SCAN Program Scan Edge NAME [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
KEYER Keyer Memory A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / ? ^ . , @
• “ *” (asterisk) has its own unique use.
70
DECODE RTTY Memory
A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), ! $ & ? “ ‘ - / . , : ; ( ) ↵
70
VOICE VOICE TX RECORD [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
CS UR, R1, R2 A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / 8
DV/DD
MEMORY
Your Call Sign NAME [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
CALL SIGN A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / 8
Repeater List GROUP NAME, NAME [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
SUB NAME [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 8
CALL SIGN, GW CALL SIGN A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / 8
DV GW Internal Gateway
Settings
Gateway Repeater
(Server IP/Domain)
A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, - . 64
Terminal/AP Call sign,
Allowed Call Sign List
A to Z, 0 to 9, (space) 8
GPS GPS TX Mode Unproto Address [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 56*2
Object Name, Item Name [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 9
Comment [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 43*3
GPS Message [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 20
GPS Memory GROUP NAME, NAME [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
DTMF DTMF MEMORY 0 to 9, A B C D * # 24
SEND Direct Input 0 to 9, A B C D * # 24
PRESET Preset Name [AB] [ab] [12] [!″#] 16
DR TO SELECT Direct input (UR)/(RPT) A to Z, 0 to 9, (space), / 8
[AB]: A to Z, (space)
[ab]: a to z, (space)
[12]: 0 to 9, (space)
[!"#]: ! " # $ % & ′ ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | } ˜
(space)
*1Minimum of 8 characters
*2Normally 12 characters
*3The maximum number of characters you can enter
depends on the data extension and altitude settings.

ix
BASIC MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT................................................................ i
FEATURES.................................................................. i
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES........................................ i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS.............................................ii
DISPOSAL...................................................................ii
ABOUT CE AND DOC.................................................ii
FCC INFORMATION ...................................................ii
DFCC SDoC ........................................................ii
VOICE CODING TECHNOLOGY...............................iii
TRADEMARKS...........................................................iii
ABOUT SPURIOUS SIGNALS...................................iii
DWhen using the GPS receiver..........................iv
DElectromagnetic Interference ...........................iv
ABOUT THE TOUCH SCREEN ................................. v
DTouch operation................................................ v
DTouch screen precautions ................................ v
DTouch screen maintenance .............................. v
ABOUT THE MANUALS............................................. v
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTIONS ...................................vi
DSetting the date ................................................vi
KEYBOARD ENTERING AND EDITING...................vii
USABLE CHARACTERS.......................................... viii
PRECAUTIONS..........................................................xi
1 PANEL DESCRIPTION..................................... 1-1
Front panel (Controller) ..................................... 1-1
Bottom panel (Controller) .................................. 1-2
Side panels (Controller)..................................... 1-3
Top panel/Bottom panel (RF unit)...................... 1-4
Speaker microphone ......................................... 1-4
Touch screen display......................................... 1-5
DFUNCTION screen........................................ 1-7
DMENU screen................................................ 1-7
DQUICK MENU ............................................... 1-7
DMulti-function menus ..................................... 1-8
Multi-function dial .............................................. 1-8
2 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ............ 2-1
Selecting a location ........................................... 2-1
Heat dissipation................................................. 2-1
Attaching the cushions ...................................... 2-1
Connecting a microphone ................................. 2-1
[DC 13.8 V]........................................................ 2-1
Connecting an external DC power supply ......... 2-2
3 BASIC OPERATION ......................................... 3-1
When rst applying power ................................. 3-1
Turning power ON or OFF................................. 3-1
Adjusting the volume level................................. 3-1
Selecting the mode............................................ 3-1
Using the VFO mode......................................... 3-1
DSelecting VFO A or VFO B ............................ 3-1
DEqualizing VFO A and VFO B........................ 3-1
Selecting the operating band............................. 3-2
Selecting the operating mode............................ 3-2
Setting the frequency ........................................ 3-3
DUsing the Main Dial ....................................... 3-3
DAbout the Tuning Step function ..................... 3-3
DChanging the Tuning Step............................. 3-3
DAbout the 1 MHz Step Tuning function.......... 3-3
DAbout the 1 Hz step Fine Tuning function ..... 3-3
DAbout the 1/4 Tuning function........................ 3-4
DAbout the Auto Tuning Step function............. 3-4
DDirectly entering a frequency......................... 3-4
DBand Edge Beep ........................................... 3-6
DEntering a Band Edge ................................... 3-6
Dial Lock function .............................................. 3-8
RF gain and SQL level ...................................... 3-9
Adjusting the microphone gain .......................... 3-9
Meter display ................................................... 3-10
DMeter display selection................................ 3-10
DMulti-function meter..................................... 3-10
Adjusting the transmit output power ................ 3-11
Transmit Power Limit function ......................... 3-11
4 RECEIVING AND TRANSMITTING.................. 4-1
Preampliers ..................................................... 4-1
Attenuator.......................................................... 4-1
RIT function ....................................................... 4-2
DRIT monitor function ...................................... 4-2
Monitor function................................................. 4-2
AFC function...................................................... 4-3
AGC function control ......................................... 4-4
DSelecting the AGC time constant preset value ... 4-4
DSetting the AGC time constant ...................... 4-4
Using the Digital Twin PBT................................ 4-5
Selecting the IF lter.......................................... 4-6
Selecting the IF lter shape............................... 4-6
Notch Filter ........................................................ 4-7
DSelecting the Notch lter type........................ 4-7
DSetting the Manual Notch lter ...................... 4-7
Noise Blanker .................................................... 4-8
DAdjusting the NB level and time .................... 4-8
Noise Reduction ................................................ 4-9
DAdjusting the Noise Reduction level.............. 4-9
Setting the transmit lter width .......................... 4-9
Setting the Speech Compressor ..................... 4-10
DSetting before using the
Speech Compressor function...................... 4-10
DUsing the Speech Compressor function...... 4-10
Split frequency operation................................. 4-11
DUsing the Quick Split function ..................... 4-11
DUsing the receive and transmit frequencies
set to VFO A and VFO B ............................. 4-11