Icom: IC-92AD Upgrade?

[joncleve]

I currently have an Icom IC-92AD that I purchased used to try out D-Star. So far I really like the radio and D-Star. Of course no radio is perfect and they all have their quirks, no exception here. But I am considering selling the 92AD and getting an ID-51A or A+ to get a larger screen and some additional features. So my question, is it worth it? I would like to hear from anyone who has owned or owns both radios, the 92AD and one of the 51 models, and give me some pros and cons of each and opinion.

Thanks

 

[KE5MC]

Only used a 92 for a short time several years back. I have 51Plus2 now. My recollection is they streamlined the user interface to make it easier to use DStar and made some changes to memory, increase storage. I was gifted a zumspot which got me reenergized using DSstar and desided I had to replace my original 51 with the Plus2. In hindsight I could of stayed with the original.

You can get the PDF file for the 51 online at the iCom website.

Mike

 

[kayn1n32008]

I currently have an Icom IC-92AD that I purchased used to try out D-Star. So far I really like the radio and D-Star. Of course no radio is perfect and they all have their quirks, no exception here. But I am considering selling the 92AD and getting an ID-51A or A+ to get a larger screen and some additional features. So my question, is it worth it? I would like to hear from anyone who has owned or owns both radios, the 92AD and one of the 51 models, and give me some pros and cons of each and opinion.

Thanks

I own both(IC-92AD and ID-51). The IC-92AD is easier to program from the keypad(for analogue) D-Star is significantly easier to program from the ID-51. The IC-92AD does not have built in GPS, and requires a really expensive GPS speaker mic to add GPS functionality to it. The ID-51 has built in GPS. I have a GPS speaker mic for my IC-92AD but honestly have NEVER used it. The IC-92ad has the proprietary speaker mic plug, where as the ID-51 has the old school 2 pin. BUT the speaker mic for the IC-92AD is solid, excellent audio and not cheap feeling like most hammy speaker mic’s. Down side is the speaker mic options for the ID-51 suck. Small and lousy audio.

Other than that they are both great radios in their own right.

They are about the same height, but the ID-52 is thinner, and the belt clip is not nearly as sturdy as the one on the IC-92AD. It is also attached to the battery on the ID-51

It’s a toss up for me. If you want a light grab and go radio the ID-51 is the ticket. Want a tough radio that will take a beating? The IC-92AD is it. I really like both radios. Each has their good and bad points. The common one between them is the lack of audio power and super small speakers.

Stock antennas suck on both. Get something aftermarket.


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[joncleve]

Thanks for the info.

 

[kayn1n32008]

The ID-51 also has a microSD card slot. No need for a programming cable. Plus the Icom software is pretty decent for free.


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[k7ng]

I have an IC-92AD (and a Kenwood TH-D74). I spent some time with an ID-51 as well. Compared to the ID-51 and TH-D74 the IC92 is one generation older in technology and capability, as I'm sure you are aware. The 'DR' mode does make prowling for D-star repeaters easier, but as nice as DR mode is, I wouldn't break into tears if it wasn't available. Compared to the ID-51 or the Kenwood, the IC92 battery life is MUCH better. If there's any real shortcoming of the ID51 or the Kenwood, it's battery life, IMHO.

If I hadn't gotten the Kenwood for some of its other features not available on the ID-51, much less the IC92, I would still be perfectly happy with just the 92AD.