Icom dual band mobile

[KG4ZLB]

I have been warned off of the IC2720H, the reviews that I have read are in the main, less than complimentary. I want to stay with Icom but also want a true 2m/70cm mobile radio. Can anyone give me any comments on the available radios, the 207H and 208H? The 208 looks a bit basic and I am leaning towards the 207, shame it doesnt seem to have a dual display but nevermind. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks. BTW, its not clear from the Icom website or anything else that I have read that this is a true VV/VU/UV/UU etc, radio, can anyone confirm as I want to transmit on one and receive on the other. Thanks again.

[kb8wcn]

Well I use the 208H in the car. Love it. Easy to use and 55/50 watts VHF/UHF. No the 208 is not a true dual band in the usual sense. It has both bands but only one can be used/monitored at a time. You can't use one and listen to the other. Not to important for me as 440 gets little to no use anyhow but it may be a negative for you?

Bottom line, solid performer! BTW the 2710 is a nice radio if you can find one around.

[KD7HXF]

I also love my 208h. Only had it about 2 weeks, but been very impressed so far. Very small and everything can be done from the handset. Directions are easy to follow and not all that complicated to do the basics like program memroy channels, set up repeaters, etc... Only complaint is sometime the internal speaker is a little tinney, other than that, I love it.

[k9kjm]

I agree that the Icom 2710 is indeed a good radio. So are
the Icom 2410H and the 2350H if you can find one of those great old radios around.
You are correct to avoid the junk new 2720H. I got stuck with one of these $hitbird rigs.
There are problems with the other Icom mobil radios mentioned, None of them can do true dual band operation and "cross band repeat" Which is a really great
function. Not to mention true dual receive, Which is very important for some uses like Skywarn, etc.
I have been a real Icom fan over the years, But have now
ordered a new Yaesu FT8800 dual band radio.
Icom leaves us no choice right now. Find an old used
"good" radio, Or jump ship like I am and get the Yaesu.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[w1nb]

The 207H is the predecessor to the 208H. It, too, is not a crossband capable radio but it is a good, solid basic dual band.

[KS4HE]

After I had already bought the Icom IC-2720, I read the evaluations people had written. Some were good, many were bad.

I got the radio, tried it on the bench, it seemed to work, so I went to alot of trouble to remotely mount it and properly install it.

Well... I have to say it is the best radio I have ever owned. Very intuitive (I don't need the manual open in my lap to operate it), and it has every feature I've ever heard of (and some I haven't). It really is a true Dual bander. I haven't had a minutes trouble out of mine.

I usually listen to two different 2 meter repeaters at the same time. Or scan UHF and VHF while talking one one repeater. Or just put both sides on the same repeater for a stereo effect!

So if your looking for a good Dual bander, condsider that they may have the bugs worked out of the IC-2720.

[KG4LHQ2]

I agree with the last post with the IC-2720H Dual Band from ICOM. Its one hell of a radio in my opinion. I can monitor one side if I like or turn it down, crossband and pretty much whatever I want to do with it. Its one stout radio and I would recommend it to anyone.

KG4LHQ

[VK5MRD]

Although not a true dual/cross band radio like the Icom 2720 the Icom 208H is a fantastic little radio. #I can not comment on the Icom 207 but my experiences with my 208H is nothing less than perfect. #All functions controlled via the HM-133 mic. I agree with all that has been said in regards to the Icom 2720. #I have many VK friends here in Australia who run these radios and they all speak highly of them.

Best 73 de Dave VK5FDMR #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[VK5MRD]

Although not a true dual/cross band radio like the Icom 2720 the Icom 208H is a fantastic little radio. I can not comment on the Icom 207 but my experiences with my 208H is nothing less than perfect. All functions controlled via the HM-133 mic. I agree with all that has been said in regards to the Icom 2720. I have many VK friends here in Australia who run these radios and they all speak highly of them.

Best 73 de Dave VK5FDMR http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif