Icom IC-U82

[searchrescueff]

I am looking to get an Icom IC-U82 (looking to get my ham license) and was wondering if anyone here had any opinions on them. I've looked them over pretty well through the internet, but no one in my area (to my knowledge) has any actual usage with this item.

If you have one that you use, PLEASE share you comments with me. Pros and Cons.

 

[Grog]

I played with one at the hamfest last weekend, looks like a basic, yet capable HT If I ever get off my cheap-ness, I'd get one for a local D-star repeater. But the $300 pricetag (with D-star board) has me thinking twice....

 

[searchrescueff]

Yeah, I looked at all the specs and everything. I think it is well worth the $130.00 I've found it for. Especially since it is Digital capable (not ready).

Well, how about anyone who has had ANY dealings with one? whether it be having seen one at a hamfest or local dealer.

 

[rescuecomm]

I have two U82's and a V82. They are a go in my book. Batteries are cheap. Software to program easy to use. Can inhibit transmit by channel. There are several things that I don't like, but learned to live with.
1. No battery level meter
2. Buttons don't backlight
3. Only one knob on top. We usually have it as volume control. I like having channel select and volume on top.

Bob

 

[searchrescueff]

Yeah, the one knob deal I'll have to adjust to as well. The battery meter wasn't a big deal for features (as we all went for years without one, one NEW radio without the meter wasn't going to kill met). And the button backlighting.. just have a flashlight on hand.

 

[rescuecomm]

I think that the U82 is the best UHF amatuer WT for the money. My son has dropped his many times and has gone through 3 antennas. Still working fine.The only othe amatuer radio in its class is the Yaesu 177 radio. I don't particularly like small WT's, but the 177 is supposed to be water resistant and tough. It seems to be the favorite survivalist's ham WT if you surf any of those websites. Icom for me.

Bob

 

[commscanaus]

I bought an IC-U82 a short while back- and I must say that I was not disappointed!!
It was a replacement for an IC-F4, which is also very good.

The U82 is an excellent radio- nice sensitivity and very durable. Feels as good in the hand as a Motorola MTS2000.

The antenna is a BNC- nice not to have to use an adapter and most of my UHF HT antenna collection fit it nicely. Batteries are cheap and plentiful. One I have is a 2000Mah high capacity which seems to last for ages!

Also managed to find a V82 VHF version going for next to nothing with 4 spare batteries- and one day I hope to fit the D-Star digital board- which was the main attraction to these radio's for me. The only drawback with the digital is that the board will cost more than the radio with speaker mic and batteries combined!

The only other drawback to consider is that this model of Icom does not have provision to accept external DC power. This means it is necessary to carry extra batteries.
At least the desk charger takes 12v so it could be used in the car.
The keys are not backlit- which can be annoying. The display is however.

If you find a U82 or V82 going cheap- don't hesitate- they are very good despite those small drawbacks- and especially good if you wish to go D-Star in the future.

Commscanaus.

 

[trace1]

I have the V82 and love it!

 

[searchrescueff]

So I'm gathering that my purchase will indeed be a good one. Thanks to everyone that replied. If anyone else has anything to add, go right ahead.

 

[Viper43]

I have the V82, great radio, recieve is really good. Transmit is OK too as I hit repeaters I didn't think I would with it... Get the optional batteries and charger though when you can as the "regular" battery doesn't last long when transmitting. Overall I am happy with the radio and will get a U82 sometime soon.

V

 

[trace1]

I have the V82, great radio, recieve is really good. Transmit is OK too as I hit repeaters I didn't think I would with it...

Yep, I've hit the D-STAR Tuscaloosa Tall Tower from my location in Anniston on 7 watts using a 5/8 mag-mount...

 

[searchrescueff]

Well, I purchased my IC-U82. I got it in earlier in the week and already LOVE IT!!! I have figured out most the operating features including duplex operation and tone scanning (which will be good for work). As posted, the non-backlite buttons are a pain but can be endured. Thanks to all those who posted their opinions and such. I greatly appreciate it and now see that I will thoroughly enjoy my purchase.

 

[rescuecomm]

The standard battery is a 600 ma IIRC. My son lost the U82 with the standard battery. I bought the U82 sport to replace it which comes with the alkaline case. I bought some 1400 ma batteries off of ebay. There are two types of batteries that work on the U82/V82 radios. One type has the belt clip held on with two screws and is standard with the ham units. The other one is the F3GS/F4GS type that has a snap in belt clip. The ham batteries are about the same price, but "don't" come with the clip which is about $10.00 more. The MB103 clip is superior if you are not using a holster, but wearing the radio on your belt.

Bob

 

[searchrescueff]

yeah, the small capacity stock battery is straining. The 600mAh battery just doesn't stay up as long as you'd like. But I take the charger with me to work and just plug it in and set the radio in the charger when not in use.n I've got a 1650 mAh NiMH at home for it, I just got to get a better charger to charge it with. The seller advised the BC-149 wasn't powerful enough to charge it.

I have noticed however that if you save a frequency to a Memory Channel, you'd better have all the specifics correct before saving. Otherwise, you'll just be going back and putting them in place to re-save and re-name.

Another cool thing I've found is a couple of TV stations in my area that I can pick up their audio feed. I've never done that before. Even with my scanners. Even though I have come across a neighbors tele convo before... oops.

 

[rescuecomm]

I found that the software makes it real easy to put in the data. You need the cable too. About $60.00 from an Icom dealer for both. If I just had one rado, I might think twice about it.

Bob

 

[Viper43]

I got the software and cable for around $35 from R&L.... why Spend $60

V

 

[searchrescueff]

why think twice about purchasing the software and cable. my Icom dealer, for whom I manage his website, has told me that when I need to make changes or add anything to let him know. I can use his laptop and cable to program it. HEHE

 

[rescuecomm]

I really don't remember what I paid for it. It was the CS-V82 and the OPC-478 cable. Probably got it from Universal Radio. Makes it alot easier when you are dealing with a whole pile of channels. Another good thing about the V82/U82 is the ability to scan banks.

Bob