ICOM ID-52 Unboxing and Review - Dual Band D-Star Digital Transceiver
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- The ICOM ID-52 is an amazing dual band D-Star digital transceiver. In this video we unbox and provide a mini review of the device. Is it worth the extremely high price, well only you can decide on that but watch my video and see what its all about.
There are two variants of this device. ID-52E for Europe and ID-52A for the Americas. Some differences between the models but mainly band plan coverage differences between jurisdictions.
Useful links:
D-Star info for latest repeater download information
www.dstarinfo.com/RepeaterDown...
ICOM Japan
www.icomjapan.com/lineup/prod...
ICOM Japan Firmware Downloads
www.icomjapan.com/support/fir...
ICOM UK
icomuk.co.uk/ID-52E-Dual-Band...
ICOM America
www.icomamerica.com/en/produc...
Martin Lynch and Sons UK retailer
www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-ra...
Moonraker UK retailer
moonrakeronline.com/id-52e-d-...
If you would like to buy me a coffee and help support the channel then please follow this link www.buymeacoffee.com/nlkmedia Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you so much. - Наука та технологія
Get well soon. Glad you are beating the virus. Nice video. I passed my examination this morning in the USA...and saw one of these radios in the hand of one of the people facilitating the test. I really like this radio! OK I am a rookie but I know quality when I see it.
Congratulations Andrew and welcome to the global club of radio enthusiasts. Now you have passed your exam and have a call sign it’s time to treat yourself and if UHF/VHF DStar handheld is your primary area of interest then jump right in with the ID-52. It’s not like a mobile phone where you replace it every year or two for a new model, you will have the ID-52 for many many years and you will appreciate the quality and reliability of the icom. If your interested in HF as well and don’t mind the size difference of mobile radio vs handheld then the IC-705 is worth looking at. All the very best, 73 MJ7NLK
Excellent! Wish there were more that explains and demonstrated so clearly!
Thank you David, much appreciated and thanks for watching.
An extremely well presented useful and comprehensive video, helped me greatly, many thanks.
Thank you for the feedback which is greatly received. Thanks for watching, all the best MJ7NLK
Good Video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Get review,have a subscription 😀I’m stuck between buying this or waiting for the new Kenwood that Kenwood said would be coming out in 2022
Hi Simon; thanks for watching and subscribing, very much appreciated. It’s a difficult choice because Kenwood are excellent as well. The TH-D74 has the advantage of also having HF coverage so if there is a new Kenwood coming and if it covers HF as well then I will be getting one. The ID52 is amazing so if UHF/VHF and Dstar is your thing then get the ICOM. I am not aware of any confirmed dates re Kenwood so you could be waiting for some time. Which ever you decide to go for you won’t be disappointed. My ID52 is the best handheld I have and the audio quality on send and receive is staggeringly good. All the best, 73 MJ7NLK
When did Kenwood “say” that seems unlikely
@@neoretrophoto9198 I saw it on a website,I don't remember which one,it was when the D74 was cancelled, it said that a new HT was scheduled to be released in 2022-the statement didn't say much more that that but, the big Japanses Ham radio show is in October so fingers very much crossed!
Baofeng shouldn’t even enter a discussion about a caliber of radio like the 52a…but unfortunately the audience for the cheap radios don’t think that far.
You are correct, the Baofeng isn't anywhere near being in the same league as the ID-52. The ID-52 is a super high-quality £550 device packed full to the latest tech and the UV5-R is a cheap low-quality device made to retail at under £35. There are people out there that will compare them as they are both radios and they cover some of the same bands. It's like comparing a Wuling Hongguang Mini EV to a Tesla Model S. Thanks for watching, all the best
Can it pair to a Bluetooth PTT?
You should do a review on the new ic 10 dual band when it comes out - you seem to get the cost of quality in a world of unprecedented supply chain issues - most reviewers just say it’s more than a cheap yaesu- ( not saying all Yaesue are cheap as I really like my ft3dr)
Hi, will definately keep my eyes out for the IC-T10 when its available. Looks like a nice rugged unit and will be interesting to see the cost when available. Will be great when these chip shortages are over and production is back to some form of normality. I also like the Yaesu devices, the FT5DE is a nice compact unit. I do prefer the ICOM radios and the ID-52 is a really special device with amazing audio send and receive. All the very best and thanks for commenting. 73's from MJ7NLK
Are you saying that you can broadcast on the airband and the 2 m band with this radio?
No, they are restricted, definately no TX on very restricted bands such as air band. All the best and thanks for watching MJ7NLK
I have a THD-74, should I sell it for an ID-52.
Hi KB9OAK, well I was hoping that no-one was going to ask me that question as its rather difficult to answer that one. The Kenwood TH-D74E is a really nice radio as well. The Icom is waterproof, has a much bigger screen, that waterfall scope and Dstar dual receive along with the best audio on any handheld RX/TX. The Kenwood on the other hand has the full keypad, also has HF and full APRS. I think the answer is buy both 🙂. I really would have liked HF in the ID-52 so if you frequently use that feature on the Kenwood then changing might not be the best thing to do. Really, you need both in your life. All the best, thanks for watching
Hi
Radio Amateur Bands, are there any designated calling channels? I am just about to do my foundation license in the next two weeks, as I am new to amateur radio, and I am looking at ICOM ID-52 & ICOM IC-705
So, can you suggest anything?
Hi Simon, Sorry for the delay in responding, I hope you did well with your foundation and have your call sign all sorted out. I would have to say that the IC-705 would be an easier radio to use fresh out the blocks. The ID-52 is a lovely handheld but the 705 is easier to navigate and has more options and features available. You can get some lovely rigs and stands for them and they make an excellent home station and mobile station. The ID-52 is super quality but the 705 trumps it. My advice would be, get yourself the IC-705, a nice MyDel carry cage, a couple of the genuine Icom BP-307 batteries (i think thats the right model), and your all set to have lots of fun. Hope this helps and thanks for watching
Yes passed the exam so now MM7OLC and I went for the IC-705 and a SPX 300s with a mu
Please check and tell me if it can TX up to 450 MHz? Not up to 440, but up to 450. Maybe A or E?
Hi, the UK version ID-52E will TX between 430Mhz and 440Mhz and if you go higher than this it displays Off Band on the screen. This is the UK coverage and is legal in the UK. The ID-52A shows as TX between 430Mhz and 450Mhz which is legal in the USA. I do not have a ID-52A to confirm this but the manual is consistent with the ID-52E so I dont imagine it would be wrong for the USA version. If you need TX up to 450Mhz then the ID-52A is the device you need but you will need to check if that is allowed in the band plan in your region. All the best and thanks for watching.
@@NLKMediaGroup Everything is possible in Russia! Thank you so much for the great response!!!
Why would it be a problem to broadcast ATC transmissions on a UA-cam video? I'm a commercial pilot and also an extra class amateur radio operator and I know with hundred percent certainty that there would not be an issue here in the States but just wondering if there's some weird thing in the UK to would prevent you from doing so
Hi SP. It is technically illegal in the UK to listen in on ATC transmissions unless you are a pilot or ATC officer or someone in the industry that has a legitimate reason to do so. If you go to an air show here in the UK you can see loads of people openly walking around with scanners listening in so its generally not enforced (unless every single one of them is a pilot). It is not legal to listen to communications that are not intended for you and that includes Business, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Military, etc. This article helps clarify the do's and don'ts (www.essexham.co.uk/using-a-radio-scanner) on this side of the pond. It's just not worth me taking the risk and being the unlucky one who gets hammered for it. I guess you would'nt have an issue being a pilot so have a legitimate reason to listen. Anyway, thanks for watching and for commenting, all the best. If the law in the UK has changed then hopefully someone will jump in and clarify.
What happens if you program that airband frequency to a memory slot?
No difference, you can only save the frequency and kHz step as per the video. Its not much of an issue but am just used to the RC30 and being able to step in 1kHz blocks when needed. You can get close enough and it works well. All the best, Happy New Year, 73
@@NLKMediaGroup I meant using the cloning software.
@@OllieVK thanks for clarifying, the cloning software does not allow for anything different to the devices UI. You can enter the frequency and it auto changes to the nearest based on selected stepping.
@@NLKMediaGroup in the cloning software you should be able to change the channel spacing under Common -> TS -> TS (Air Band) - at least you can on the 705.
@@OllieVK As mentioned in the video, the TS steps for AM on the ID-52 are 25k or 8.33k steps only. That means that if you enter 134.680000 the closest you can get is 134.683333. This is consistent in the UI of the ID-52 and the CS-52 cloning software. The IC-705 has more steps (0.1k, 0.5k, 1k, 5k, 6.25k, etc) as does the IC-R30. It is a shame that the ID-52 does not have a 5k and 1k option so you could dial it in to the exact frequency.
Amber plus 2 chip dual simaltaneous dstar receive the waterfall is ok but compare to the 705 is poor .
The 705 waterfall is much better than the ID 52 but it’s considerably bigger and more than twice the cost. The 705 is a much better unit and also has HF. If you want a handheld then the waterfall in the ID 52 is better than not having one. Thanks for watching, all the best.
X6100 is next on my list. I know it’s not as good as the 705 but with inbuilt tuner and hopefully the buggy firmware resolved it looks decent.
All all i ask for easy operation like old School No Programing user Friendly???
Hi John, the ID52 menu system is easy to use compared to some radios. I personally like the Icom menu systems but most of these radios are much easier to program via a computer. The software needed is also free with the ID52 which is not always the case. The larger screen helps on the ID52 and it has good outdoor visibility. You can easily operate the radio completely from the menus, you don’t need to use the software if you don’t want to. The quick menu is very helpful. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK
@@NLKMediaGroup Thank you Have always Been interested in Radio
@@johnbelcher7164 the ID52 is at the top end of the handheld radios but will last you for many years if looked after. The audio quality on send and receive is the best of any handheld I have used. All the best and thanks for watching.
Lots of enjoyment for the money: one gets out of it easily what the monetary cost is …
Buy this
It's a top shelf radio thats for sure. Its a pleasure to use and the transmit quality is amazing. The only downside is the price and feeling like you have to treat it with care as dropping it would be painful. Icom make super radios and its 100% worth every penny in my book. Although, I do use Anytone D878UVII plus radios as my daily drivers and the ID52 comes out on special occasions. All the best and thanks for watching. 73 MJ7NLK
👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for watching John Doe, all the best
The Icom IC2E was £159 in 1981 when I started. Totally out of my league as a 14yo. £159 is £628 in today's money. So the ID52 is cheaper in real terms.
It really is worth the money in my view. I know lots of people moan and say its over priced but if mine got damaned I would have it repaired or I would replace it. Can't say that about many radios. It is the strongest handheld for RX and TX quality. I just wish it had HF as well like the Kenwood. There are really only two radios I would 100% replace if damaged and that woudl be the ID-52 and the President Richard (or the Walker 2 which is remarkably simular as an upcoming video will show). If you havent yet grabbed an ID-52, you need one in your life :-) Thanks for watching, all the best
p.s. some impressive trumpeting skills there Gordon.
@@NLKMediaGroup Thank You! Definitely getting an ID 52. Like you, I had to work out the accessory list and I buy a spare battery too. Need to find time to do the set up.
Nice radio, but uhh that cracking when you screw in the antenna quite hard 13:35 but its a quality radio, so likely made of decent plastic housing.
the waterfall bandscope, looks sexy as..and nice to see that in a handheld.
the only handheld I got with that is my SDR but that unit goes from like 22Mhz to just under 7Ghz and is another beast.
ua-cam.com/video/Wd-Ao7KhO6o/v-deo.html
but also not cheap at around 85 euro, but its an old device.
but I do like that waterfall displays for general items LTE calls, or recording RF signal and reply them etc,, though the native output power is quite low.
ua-cam.com/video/_vtfKZbF41U/v-deo.html
Hi Jakob, The ID-52 is a really nice handheld with the best TX/RX I have seen on a handheld. When speaking with others they cannot tell its a handheld, its that good. The waterfall is a very welcomed addition and works well although its a lot smaller display than my Malachit-Sdr which is also surprisingly good for the money. It really does make a difference having a waterfall. All the best and thanks for watching
Already not selling well in USA
It really is a lovely little radio packed full of features but it’s just so darn expensive. We will be unboxing an Anytone device soon so will see how it compares. Thanks for watching.
Where did you get your information?
@@DixieGeek it’s selling well in the UK as out of stock in most places, not sure why he said not selling well in the states. Having spent a few weeks with the ID52 I absolutely love it, it’s my favourite hand held radio by far. Have just posted a video on the Anytone D878UVIi plus. It’s a nice radio but it’s not an ID52. There is something special about the Icom radios.
@@DixieGeek 2 years of pre orders taken by HRO were fulfilled in just days. Now in stock numbers are showing at every store. Not hard to figure out.
@@NLKMediaGroup It is expensive, much more so in the UK than the U.S.; Damn VAT! :-) However, every review I've read has said it's an incredible radio.
I ordered mine yesterday. I've been looking for an upgrade from my RS HTX-202 and Alinco DJ-162. If the ID-52A gives me as much longevity as either of them, then it really isn't that expensive when amortized over time. :-)
Not worth it maybe half the price maybe !
Hi Dennison, thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. You can get the same functionality for less money but I can honestly say it’s a really good quality radio and a pleasure to use. I just wish it had HF as well like the Kenwood does. If your a heavy UHF/VHF user then it’s worth the money. All the best. 73 from MJ7NLK
To much focusing on other things and not enough on the I’d-52
Thanks for the feedback Adrian. All the best and thanks for watching.
OK Karen. Perhaps you should post something of use.
The Baofeng U/V 5R is a piece of shit compared to the ICOM ID-52 or Yaesu FT5DR. I will continue watchin your video now..... I just have no experience with D-Star.
I agree, as stated in the video, you cannot compare finest steak with cheap dog food :-)
A few weeks in with the ID52 and it just gets better and better. Best UHF VHF handheld so far. Thanks for watching. All the best.
thanks for this review ! 73 PD8B Berrie
Hi there PD8B, thanks for your comment and thanks for watching. All the best, 73's MJ7NLK
Baofeng shouldn’t even enter a discussion about a caliber of radio like the 52a…but unfortunately the audience for the cheap radios don’t think that far.
You are correct, the Baofeng isn't anywhere near being in the same league as the ID-52. The ID-52 is a super high-quality £550 device packed full to the latest tech and the UV5-R is a cheap low-quality device made to retail at under £35. There are people out there that will compare them as they are both radios and they cover some of the same bands. It's like comparing a Wuling Hongguang Mini EV to a Tesla Model S. Thanks for watching, all the best