Info On Icom IC-2820H

[KD3NE]

Looking for User Feedback?

Anyone using one of these?

Opinions?

Is this your first Icom?

I've been reading reviews on eHam and they seem to be all over the place. In the near future our County RACES may have 3 D-Star repeaters on the air. 2m 440 1.2G

I am curious if anyone has any negative feedback, if they have prior Icom experience to base it against.

I recently sold some Icom gear that I have had for years with no problems.

I recently bought the 92AD really like the HT. I hope it performs as well as and for as long as my old W32 that I sold. Seems built well enough.

I'd like to put a 2820 online, but if there are build problems I might hold off.

Thanks
73

[KB1NXE]

I've have had mine for over a year now. It's a good radio. It's also a complicated radio and many hours reading the manual will be required.

If you buy one, I recommend getting the programming software and either build (for less than a 20) or buy the cable. You will not regret this purchase either.

I purchased mine with the D-Star board. Even if D-Star is not in your area, I recommend that as well. I live in New England and even though I don't live in an area with a D-Star repeater, New England is small enough that in my travels to family, I go by several. Using 2m or 440 Mobile, working other countries is a kick!

The dual receiver/radio function is very handy. I usually have one on the local 2 and the other on the local 440 machines.

All in all, I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5. The minus points are for the complicated menuing and setup. The hardware is a solid performer.

It was my first Icom mobile (not HT or HF). Previously, all my mobiles had been Kenwood (TM-2550As, TM-V708A, TM-2570)

[NJ3A]

I have to agree...the radio can be a little complicated to use...until you get used to it. Lots of menus. Programming software makes the job much easier. Rock solid performer. I have mine set up so I can grab it and go. Power poles on the power leads into the power socket, windshield mount for the head unit, put the GPS on the dash. Then just put the main unit on the passenger seat. I think we all tend to baby these rigs too much and expect them to get damaged from use. These are mobile rigs...how many have you seen for sale with the statement..."never been mobile"....what's the point in that. Does that mean, if you plan in using it mobile it might not work. Personally, I'd like to know that the rig worked as designed... Enough rant. Great rig. Solid performer...lots of banks for programming....very good receive. Can use dual antenna's for better performance..."diversity".
Thanks NJ3A:)