Icom: ICOM IC-2100 power

[Gun_papa]

Hello. I have this transceiver, but I do not know what is needed to power it on? Just this red and black wire attachment from the back.

Can somebody in the know, advise on what is needed to get this thing working? Thanks in advance.

 

[cmjonesinc]

Per the manual

So for most people a vehicle or regulated power supply. That antenna looks a bit questionable for transmitting but it won't damage the radio just to listen. Since I can't see the whole thing I may be wrong. Check the model and see if it's built for 2 meter amateur radio since that's what an ic-2100 is capable of doing legally.

 

[alcahuete]

You need a power supply or wire it to your car battery, etc.

You also need an amateur radio license to transmit on that radio.

 

[Gun_papa]

You need a power supply or wire it to your car battery, etc.

You also need an amateur radio license to transmit on that radio.

Thank you. I would like this for my shop. Is there a specific plug to a house wall outlet that I can get for it?

I understand the licensing. I have the books and am working on it.

 

[AK9R]

The radio requires 13.8 volts DC (+/- 15%). The wall outlets in your house supply 120 volt AC (if you are in North America). If you connect your radio to a wall outlet, at best, the fuse in the power cable will pop, at worst, something expensive inside the radio will pop.

You need a power supply which converts the 120 VAC from the wall outlet to nominal 12 VDC for the radio. Astron and Samlex are good brands. The power supply will need to supply 12-15 amps continuously in order to transmit with the radio at full power.

Or, you can power the radio from a car or marine battery. Be aware that automotive batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is explosive, so they should not be used in a closed space. If you use a battery, the power cable to the radio must have an inline fuse to protect you, and the radio, from the large amount of current that the battery can deliver.

 

[mmckenna]

You need something like this:

Amazon.com

You can get less expensive or more expensive versions, but Duracomm has been pretty good for me over the years.
That will let you plug into the wall, and get the 13.8 volts DC out the other side to run your radio.

 

[AK9R]

I'm sure the DuraComm LPX-14 is a good power supply, but I think it's the minimum power supply that I'd consider. DuraComm's specs say the PS is rated for 13 amps continuous. Icom's specs for the IC-2100H say it draws 12 amps at full power.

 

[Gun_papa]

I may just stick to my handheld ICom and sell this one off. A little more complicated than I'd hoped.

 

[AK9R]

Folks, lets try to provide helpful answers to the OP's questions.

 

[RU55]

Another alternative would be to use a battery. A deep cycle battery would be best, but a car battery would work in a pinch. The battery could be charged with a trickle charger. Of course, you probably wouldn't want to use the radio with the battery charger running.

You might want to try the radio, Gun_papa, before you sell it off, just to see what it is like.

 

[Gun_papa]

I have this one and I am very satisfied with it, listening in.

 

[RU55]

Your handheld transceiver is dual band, which is a big plus, but only 5 watts on transmit. The IC-2100 is 2 meter only. But, the IC-2100 is capable of 5, 10, or 55 watts. The higher power might be very handy when you get a ham license. Something to consider...

 

[N4KVE]

Your handheld transceiver is dual band, which is a big plus, but only 5 watts on transmit. The IC-2100 is 2 meter only. But, the IC-2100 is capable of 5, 10, or 55 watts. The higher power might be very handy when you get a ham license. Something to consider...

Many people say that, but I reply can you operate that 2100 while walking downtown, or on the beach? HT’s work everywhere, mobile radios do not.

 

[RU55]

That's very true, portability is one more advantage of the handheld transceiver.

 

[Gun_papa]

Your handheld transceiver is dual band, which is a big plus, but only 5 watts on transmit. The IC-2100 is 2 meter only. But, the IC-2100 is capable of 5, 10, or 55 watts. The higher power might be very handy when you get a ham license. Something to consider...

Thank you. I will do more research on how to best power it. I was hoping obviously that it had a wall outlet plug. I got a little discouraged there.

 

[Gun_papa]

I have a lead on some radio equipment for tomorrow morning. Lots of what I think are power converters or inverters. I may pick up some stuff. Some old radios there but not sure if any are worth it.

 

[mmckenna]

I have a lead on some radio equipment for tomorrow morning. Lots of what I think are power converters or inverters. I may pick up some stuff. Some old radios there but not sure if any are worth it.

Post a photo or a list of what you've got. People here will likely be able to assist you.

 

[Gun_papa]

Post a photo or a list of what you've got. People here will likely be able to assist you.

I am going grab as much can and post pictures.

Post a photo or a list of what you've got. People here will likely be able to assist you.

 

[Gun_papa]

I just ended up getting these silver eagle mics and a Geiger counter. I left my number with the Wife about radio stuff.