Icom: Icom ID-52a Plus S-Meter ?

[W6HMS]

Okay, does anyone happen to know what the s-meter incremental scaling is for Icom amateur radios (ID-52a, ID-50a, ID-5100, et cetera)? I know on older ham radios I've used, each bar was supposed to represent 6dB, scaled S1 through S9. I've noticed that Icom portables and mobiles seem to have 14 bars instead of 9, even though their larger base station style radios (IC7300, IC7610, IC9700) follow the traditional S1-S9. Is there a reason for the difference on the portables? If so, does anyone know what the increments work out to? I realize the s-meters typically aren't accurate, but this is bugging me for some reason.

Backstory... I haven't used an amateur radio in years. I've used mostly Kenwood and Motorola commercial rigs. Anyway, I wanted to start playing around on HF so I thought I'd buy a new IC7300. I also figured I'd buy a new amateur portable, so I've been looking at the Icom ID-52a Plus, the Icom ID-50a, and the Kenwood TH-D75a. I have no idea how my brain even noticed the s-meter discrepancy. I've read through the radio manuals and searched various forums and social media posts for the answer, but couldn't find anything. If anyone here can satisfy my OCD that would be greatly appreciated.

73,
W6HMS - Trace

 

[K6GBW]

Just my experience, but the meters on the ID series isn’t really accurate at all. If you’re receiving any kind of a readable signal it will show full bars. Signals out on the edge show flashes of one or two bars. Personally, I’d forget it’s there and just use your ear. I also have an IC-7300 that I use daily. I ride the RF-gain on it a lot so the S meter really doesn’t mean much. I have to put the gain at 12 o’clock to give people signal reports, but usually I just use the old MK IV Mod 0 ear device.

 

[W6HMS]

Just my experience, but the meters on the ID series isn’t really accurate at all. If you’re receiving any kind of a readable signal it will show full bars. Signals out on the edge show flashes of one or two bars. Personally, I’d forget it’s there and just use your ear. I also have an IC-7300 that I use daily. I ride the RF-gain on it a lot so the S meter really doesn’t mean much. I have to put the gain at 12 o’clock to give people signal reports, but usually I just use the old MK IV Mod 0 ear device.

Yeah, that's what I figured. The only ham radio portable I've ever owned was a Yaesu FT470. I remember the audio output on it being crappy at best, which is why I've used commercial rigs since. It's been a long time, so I thought I'd check out a new model just for kicks. Anyway, I appreciate the follow-up. I'll just pick a portable and give it a go without worrying about the s-meter. I'm more interested in playing on HF anyway.

 

[K6GBW]

The ID series of radios are actually really good. Good transmitters and nice tight receivers. The D-star thing is only mildly interesting to most of us. I think DMR kind of leads the pack as far as digital goes, but Icom stubbornly refuses to cave. But you certainly don't have to use that part of it.