Icom launched the long awaiting ID-52 at the end of 2021. It is the most expensive dual band handheld on the market. What does £519.95/$649.95 get you?
Just after the 13-minute mark he mentions that he bought it with his own money. It's a decent vid--the only suggestion I have to offer is about his mention of schmutz falling into the case, potentially damaging the radio's screen. Maybe covering the screen with the same kind of screen protector material used for smartphones would prevent that from happening? You can buy one and cut it to size. All told, a user might spend around a grand for the radio, an extra battery, software, case, and other accessories. I'd be interested in buying one, but that's a lot of money to listen to dead air. (Welcome to Ceti Alpha 5.)
This looks like a very effective upgrade of the ID-51's features, functions, and controls... with a nicer display and interface. I wonder how the "real life" performance (other than the improved T/R audio) of the ID-52 compares with that of the ID-51. He was fortunate to find a case (LC-193) so easily... few dealers have any in stock, and many do not even list it.
Never will spend that on a handheld. Won't spend that on a cell phone either. Maybe that's the difference.
Looks like a solid rig, and I'm an Icom fan usually. But I'll stick with my Kenwood TH-D74A. Triband Tx/Rx, D-STAR, GPS, APRS, KISS TNC via USB or Bluetooth, and wide-band receiver capability.
@M0JSX Well presented, Sir. I just can't seem to get excited about VHF/UHF FM/digital radios though. £519 is a hell of a lot of money, do excuse my ignorance, what would a radio of lesser value, say £300-£350 give you, please? It's a genuine question as my one and only handheld is a Baofeng UV5R from quite (one of the first ones...) a few years ago. When I listen to the local 2M and 70cm chatter via SDR, it can be quite painful to say the least. Really glad to hear you made it up to Lancaster, was it GB3LD you used or (if still going?) GB3LF in Lakeland? My old territory and GB3LD saw my first ever licenced transmission. ATB. Kev
Thanks, gents. Not being an HT enthusiast, though I started watching the video, I didn't quite make it to the 13-minute mark.
What if he hadn’t? The gentleman used to work for the largest Radio store in the U.K. so I’m guessing in future he may borrow items to review. Now I know you well from these forum’s and I know you will hate his content so I’d suggest you didn’t watch anymore for your own sanity.
An unwarranted attack. I watched most of the video as I was unfamiliar with the presenter and was curious about Icom's latest/greatest - even though not being an HT enthusiast. I found the video well made and enjoyable to watch and the presenter refreshingly unassuming. My question was innocent curiosity, considering the price of the HT. Nothing more. Nothing less. Calm down.
A good handheld, but much to expensive for hamradio. The ICOM devices comes first from the professional sector and got a downgrade to hamradio. For me the company ICOM is on the same level like AOR. And when somebody does a look through the offered devices of them, that explains the prices. Some devices of them are things which are not really for to use at home.
Good presentation. I believe if China could produce a sub $400 ID51+(if possible), there are not enough features on the ID52 to make the purchase worthwhile, unless you like looking at a waterfall of the Simplex portion of band. A 50 watt mobile rig with a much larger antenna is a better radio to chase simplex than a HT. A cheap Chinese knockoff and Hams would flock to them just like DMR radios. I laid my 51+ on desk while you ran the review. Most notable missing 1) Black on White or White on Black color screen 2) Waterfall 3) Bluetooth. Thanks for the look see.
