Rig with controls in the microphone

[cquirk]

Hi Some of you may be familiar with the Motorola Spectra radio that has an optional microphne where all controls and displays are in the microphone. Is anyone aware of a 2 meter rig that has a similar feature ? This is going in a high end car and mounting a display etc is not desired by the owner or his XYL

Chris

 

[AK9R]

I haven't seen a ham mobile with the display in the microphone since Standard left the U.S. market. They were swallowed up by Yaesu/Vertex several years ago.

Full controls in the microphone is a concept that came into amateur radio with the Icom IC-2700 and Yaesu FT-8500, but it has mostly disappeared from the market. There were lots of complaints about the "Mr. Potato Head" microphone on the FT-8500--a radio which had virtually no controls on the radio itself. Most manufacturers have gone back to simpler microphones with just a few basic functions like UP/DOWN frequency/memory buttons and a DTMF keypad that, in some cases, can be used to enter frequencies or select memory channels.

In a quick survey of current models, it looks like the Icom IC-2820 still has lots of functions on its microphone, but no display. You'd still need to mount a display somewhere. It is a dual-band 2m/440MHz radio that can be used in the D-Star digital mode with an optional module. Prepare yourself for sticker shock, though. Even without the digital option, the IC-2820 is still an expensive radio.

 

[cquirk]

As you suggest these radios have a remote display that requires mounting. They are looking for a mic that can be dropped into the center console and not be visible when not used. I would use the Motorola Spectra however you cannot really field program these things with out cables computers etc.

They spent $400 on a disguise antenna so the money does not seem to be the issue

 

[mrweather]

Not an ideal solution but there are some Motorola vehicular adaptors ("convertacoms") that have full-function/display microphones.You slip your handheld in the unit and the microphone replicates what's on the radio's display including being able to change zones, use DTMF, etc.

I have a Saber convertacom and it required a bit of work to set everything up. The unit only puts out the RF of the handheld which is ~5-7 watts so I needed an outboard RF amp to bring that up. I also needed to provide and external, amplified speaker. Plus, it's a single-band device which means if you want UHF you'll need to pull out the VHF Saber and put in a UHF Saber, and vice versa.

The Saber line stopped being supported by Mother M about 10 years ago but I believe there is one for the XTS line of handhelds called an XTVA. Same concept.