Icom: New D-STAR handheld: Icom ID-52A/E

[N4DJC]

Yeah the CS-52 works fine, there were/are some bugs in the RT version (always are with new versions it seems). I don’t program a lot of memory channels, don’t travel very much anymore. About all I do is set up the frequency steps, band edges, and a few groups.

When the beta is finalized and made public, the Repeater Handbook app will be able to send repeater information to the 52 via the Icom app. That should be pretty cool if it works as well as I’ve seen.

 

[Hit_Factor]

I have thousands of entries in my radios. DR mode with FM repeaters and their locations works really well. On top of that, GMRS, Marine, MURS, and some old school Public Safety.

 

[W3APX]

Got some memories programmed up and imported a repeater list. does anyone have a good percentage of FM repeaters? I had 80 then went down to 50 ive definitely got plenty in there for anywhere ill ever go. There didn't seem to be a difference as there isn't many DSTAR repeaters around me. One DSTAR repeater wasn't in the near repeater list which is local to me. Guess thats not a big deal I added it into the standard memory. I've always been confused when it comes to programming. The ID52s software uses the near repeater list. your call is CQCQCQ for RPT 1 it uses the RF repeater. In my case W3FDK B I then set RPT2 to W3FDK G. Is this correct? its weird that the software doesn't put this in but I guess it doesn't know where you want to talk to.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Got some memories programmed up and imported a repeater list. does anyone have a good percentage of FM repeaters? I had 80 then went down to 50 ive definitely got plenty in there for anywhere ill ever go. There didn't seem to be a difference as there isn't many DSTAR repeaters around me. One DSTAR repeater wasn't in the near repeater list which is local to me. Guess thats not a big deal I added it into the standard memory. I've always been confused when it comes to programming. The ID52s software uses the near repeater list. your call is CQCQCQ for RPT 1 it uses the RF repeater. In my case W3FDK B I then set RPT2 to W3FDK G. Is this correct? its weird that the software doesn't put this in but I guess it doesn't know where you want to talk to.

The B suffix is typically for 70cm, C suffix is typically 2m, and the G suffix denotes gateway (internet connected). Using the G is OK even if it's not connected, it might be someday.

Always 8 characters long, pad the spaces between the call and suffix as needed.

 

[AK9R]

The B suffix is typically for 70cm, C suffix is typically 2m, and the G suffix denotes gateway (internet connected).

And A is for the 1.2 GHz module. Though, a local group had 2 440 MHz repeaters in their stack and used A for one of them since they couldn't have two Bs.

 

[bearcatrp]

I ordered last night from HRO. Just got my shipping confirmation. Mine is coming out of milwaukee.

 

[Hit_Factor]

I ordered last night from HRO. Just got my shipping confirmation. Mine is coming out of milwaukee.

I would have bet two or three weeks ago you were going to be an early adopter... even though your words said otherwise.

We have been in similar threads (ic705?) Where you purchased early. I think you sold it though, could be wrong entirely.

 

[bearcatrp]

Yes, I sold it. One of my big mistakes. Am doing good with the 8500 though. Still learning it. I do miss the waterfall display. Some day, I will get the 8600. With the 52A coming in, contemplating selling the VX-7R.

 

[prcguy]

Icom ID-52A VHF/UHF Digital Transceiver *NOW SHIPPING*

Free shipping over $100, great deals on cool stuff, ham radio, icom, kenwood , yaesu, wouxun, MTC, scanner, two way, commercial

www.mtcradio.com

At $629 it should wear a Motorola badge. That is way too much for a hamster hand held.

 

[W3APX]

So I received my 52 this morning. I will say for the $650 you get what you pay for. Its a solid radio and definitely feels good in the hand. It also doesn't have that cheap plasticky feeling imo that even the D74 has. I don't think its big in the hand like others have stated. It fits well in my hand but everyone is different. I got it programmed and now its charging. The screen is super nice to look at and I definitely like the gray background versus the white. Speaker is plenty loud indoors. Ill try it in a few days in the car. Definitely looking forward to playing with this one overall im very impressed so far and I didn't even wait 2 years for it like some of you!

 

[N4DJC]

So I received my 52 this morning. I will say for the $650 you get what you pay for. Its a solid radio and definitely feels good in the hand. It also doesn't have that cheap plasticky feeling imo that even the D74 has. I don't think its big in the hand like others have stated. It fits well in my hand but everyone is different. I got it programmed and now its charging. The screen is super nice to look at and I definitely like the gray background versus the white. Speaker is plenty loud indoors. Ill try it in a few days in the car. Definitely looking forward to playing with this one overall im very impressed so far and I didn't even wait 2 years for it like some of you!

I really like the 52A. The 74A is about the same size, just a different shape and slippery to hang on to

The 74A as an APRS rig is unbeatable, but it’s not exactly a rugged radio. I just used mine for an ISS pass a few minutes ago, works great as usual.

 

[eskimoke]

I walked into an HRO in CA and walked out with an ID-52 yesterday (12/29). They said all the backorders were fulfilled so they were selling from available stock. It looks like there are still some available....

First impressions: yes, the waterfall display on an HT is "all that". It changes the way you interact with the radio from using the memories to more of a scanning around and seeing who's talking approach. Of course the 705/7300 have this but with the GPS, waterfall display and portability, this seems like a game changer for roaming use. I'm still keeping my Yaesu HT's but this is already one of the best I've used.

The CS-52 software is functional, but I immediately grabbed the RT Systems ID-52 programmer and it works fine. Standard USB micro cable but Windows OS only on both.

I guess the only downside is that it is a little pesky to figure out how to enter frequencies manually (no num pad etc..) and I haven't popped it open to see if the MARS/TX mods will work like on the ID-51's. Pretty scary to kill a $700 radio so waiting to see how that develops....

 

[W3APX]

I really hate to be making this post - It appears I may have received a defective ID52. The PTT button only works intermittently. I have to press the PTT on the very bottom edge of the button to key the radio and keep it keyed. Anyone else's like this? I registered the warranty so that should be covered imo.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Sarts1.com is one of the authorized service centers.

However, the dealer might swap it out for you.

 

[W3APX]

Sarts1.com is one of the authorized service centers.

However, the dealer might swap it out for you.

Thats a good point. ill send HRO an email and go from there

 

[W3APX]

Spoke with Steve at HRO Woodbridge Va. He had me reset the radio to factory settings to see if that fixes it and if not they would replace it. No such luck on the factory settings. So next step is replacing it. While frustrating its a very nice radio that I plan to use on a daily basis and its nice that HRO is willing to exchange it out. Hopefully ill have another one soon.

 

[bearcatrp]

Sucks to get a lemon but it happens. Hope they take care of you.

 

[Hit_Factor]

There are so many refinements to the ID-52. I'm really pleased. I'll probably sell my id-51, it seems so archaic in comparison.

 

[W3APX]

Got the desktop charger BC-202IP3L and the corresponding power cord (and brick) for it. I never pay much attention to chargers but this is quite a nice desktop charger. it looks like you can power 6 chargers off the power cord. I haven't figured out how to do that as I only have the one and there was only one plug on the AC cord. But theres a little warning that makes me think it's possible somehow. Thats good for those who have multiple of the same radios or radios that use like batteries.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Got the desktop charger BC-202IP3L and the corresponding power cord (and brick) for it. I never pay much attention to chargers but this is quite a nice desktop charger. it looks like you can power 6 chargers off the power cord. I haven't figured out how to do that as I only have the one and there was only one plug on the AC cord. But theres a little warning that makes me think it's possible somehow. Thats good for those who have multiple of the same radios or radios that use like batteries.

Charger BC-123SA (1A) used with one BC-202IP2 (single base only).

Charger BC-228 (4A) used with up to 6 BC-202IPL3 (connect up to 6 to form a bank).

I think the BC-228 and BC-123SA have the same plug, so both can be used with the BC-202IP2.