ICOM IC-V800 2 METER RIG

[WA3TJO]

I just purchased a brand new Icom V8000. I had it out of the box for exactly 10 minutes before I put it back IN the box and returned it. I wanted this rig for home use. The problem: The FAN! When you transmit for even one second the fan comes on at low speed and STAYS on for 2 to 3 minutes without any further operator action. It will come on REGARDLESS of the rig's temperature. It is NOT a quiet fan even on low speed. I find it unbelievable that as advanced as this rig is that the designers could not have incorporated the necessary logic to keep the fan OFF if it is not needed. The rig's heatsink/chassis was 60 degrees F. when I tried it. Hardly a need for cooling. I had it on low power also. There are NO provisions for fan options other than ON at all times in one of three speeds.

I phoned Icom to find out if there were any "cure" or fix in the works. They said they had received other calls on this but they did not have a clue as far as any proposed changes. If it were for a mobile then it would not be too bad. Want a noise free shack. Not with this rig. Really too bad. I truly wanted a new transceiver. Back to the SILENT and reliable IC-2100h. 73, Len

[w9gsd]

i have had the v-8000 for approximately two months. I really enjoy the new mic which makes it easy to change channels, power output, squelch, scan and so on. The fan doesn't bother me. I really do not notice the noise from the fan in the car. Have had great reports from people on the receiving end of my qso's and the receive works bettrer than many other units I have tried.
Have had no problems since I purchased the unit, and the only thing I could say negative about it, is the price is a bit high for a two meter only rig/

[n9brb]

I bought two of the rigs a couple of months ago. One I have installed in the dash of the car. I find the fan is very temperature dependent. I can pull out of the garage and have a long conversation without the fan ever coming on. On the other hand, if the car has been sitting out in the sun and I didn't put up a sun screen, the transmitter will be hot enough that the fan will come on immediately when the unit is turned on.

A question for the folks who say the fan is always on... is your power setting at the highest output? The default power setting for all the frequencies/repeaters I have programmed into my unit is the next to highest setting. I will use the highest setting only as a last resort, and so far that has not been necessary.

The other I unit will be installed in the wife's truck.

Brian WD0HBG http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N7ZXP]

I have a V-8000 and the fan does come on but I have to say the noise is very little. If you only gave it 10 minites then you are spoided and mabee should give it a chance. It is a fine radio. If it did not have a fan would that be the complaint.

[KD5TVV]

I notice the noise as well.. but it is not much more than my IC-207H... No complaints

73s
-KD5TVV