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IC F521~ reivew and software

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epdexplorer

Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
43
I'm thinking of getting a IC F521 off of ebay and was wondering if anyone has used them in the past?
Also, I have been looking around to buy programming software offline.. Looking at dealers and so forth, any places you suggest? I'll update if I find the software.
 

MtnMike

Member
Joined
May 5, 2010
Messages
7
Location
Spokane WA
I've been using it's cousin, the Icom F510, for about 6 months. It seems to be a solid radio for my purposes (Ham radio and two different part 90 frequencies). The software is relatively easy to obtain...most online dealers will give you the software if you make a purchase. I bought a DTMF microphone and a programming cable from GMRS Outlet. They sent me the software at no additional charge. The Icom software is very intuitive and easy to run on any computer. My only complaint is that sometimes it's hard to figure out which COM port to use on my lap top.

More recently I bought a new Icom F5021. On paper, it's a step down from the F521. However, I like it better because it's got programmable bank names. I've also heard it's a more reliable radio, but I've had no problems with either.

Have fun and good luck.
 

ElroyJetson

Getting tired of all the stupidity.
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
3,844
Location
Somewhere between the Scylla and Charybdis
I've been selling IC-F521s and related radios for years. They are highly reliable IF you follow a few simple rules.

You need a good installation with solid grounding, and you need to ensure that you are not running the radio at more than 35 watts output power.

Yes, it's allegedly a 50 watt radio but if you run them at 50 watts it will eventually cause problems in them as some of the post-PA circuitry can't handle 50 watts for long. I have seen several that were run at 50 watts (or more) and in time they burn out the PA filter circuitry.
At 35 watts the radio will run forever.

Keep the power to within this limit and they're dependable radios.


Elroy
 

ard991

Newbie
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
1
Hey Elroy I just purchased a couple of these radios and they work great but I'd like to follow your advice as far as reducing the transmit power down to 35 watts cause they do get warm quick at 50 watts. I have the software to program these but I didnt see a setting for transmit power level adjustment for 35 watts. I did see the L1, L2 and H settings but these are 5W, 25W, and 50W. Is there a way to get it to 35 watts with the software? The software is version 2.0. Thanks!
 

stilako

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2010
Messages
4
Location
Williams Lake, BC, Canada
British Columbia (canada) Search & Rescue Association bought a bunch with a government grant several years ago, one/two/three to each group in the Province, along with packs of 6/12/18 handhelds. The F521 seem to be good, have a lot of bells-and-whistles which you might not need (and which can make the programming a pain -- learning a new language!) Having said that, if you can get the program and patch cord needed, the transfer of program to the radio is easy once you get it built up in a computer. One bulletin board I read warned not to run them at full power -- they won't last. 30 watts is maximum allowed for commercial VHF in Canada, and ones I purchased from Alaska I'm checking to make sure they're down to that level. That programming is a lot more involved, and should be done (or checked) by a radio tech with the proper equipment.
 
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