Anyone using an IC-208H

[WA5VFA]

I've been looking at the IC-208H as a dual-bander for home and car. I used to have a 207H and was pretty pleased with it, though did have some minor intermod problems. I wonder if the new rig is any better in that regard?

Ron
WA5VFA

[W2NJS]

I recently (July 2003) installed a new Icom 208 in my Outback. #I'd had the radio for about ten days and had a chance to test its sensitivity at my country place where it was able to "hear" my local home FD in MD at a range of about 150 miles straight line. #The old IC-2100 I used to run at the place could not hear this Mayland system well, and the improved reception with the 208 was not due to ducting or cloud cover situation. #I was able to hear the FD on 154.16 24 hours a day almost full quieting, S2.

The main thing, to me, about the 208 is the radio's sensitivity and the fact that it is programmable for both wide (25 hKz) and narrow (12.5 kHz) channels. #The bandwidth selection function DOES work well, by the way.

The control head fits perfectly in the lower dash console space on my Outback, backed up with sponge foam which also fills in the open side space. #It looks pretty slick, I think, and with the big display is easy to use mobile. #Beats the heck out of my FT90R, which the 208 replaced, due to the much better display on the 208, overall ease of operation and superb loud audio output.

Tom, W2NJS
Washington DC

[WV4I]

Compared to FT-1500M, IC-208H seems far better at rejecting out of band and/or front end overload type signals. Examples are going thru drive thrus (employees using wireless intercoms) and toll booths here in FL (transponder system for paying tolls).
Vy pleased with radio overall after 3 months +- use several times/week. Did not want full duplex capable IC-2720 for slightly more money, because of larger control head and full duplex too distracting while mobiling in hvy traffic. Hope this helps.

[VK5MRD]

Sometimes on 2m I notice a little bit of inter mod. The squelch function has a built in Att which works like a dream. The rx on my 208H is nothing but out standing, a very good sensitive rx. Tx audio is also very good, crisp and clean. I have not had this radio in a mobile situation yet but hope to soon. Full thumbs up Icom on a very good dual band radio.

Best 73 de Dave VK5FDMR