Ham? Icom 51A Plus...yay/nay

[4Running303]

Ham techs and anyone who knows a lot more about ham transceivers than me...which is probably most of you. I just passed my tech exam and am looking into getting one HT or mobile to start with. I might supplement my primary with a baufeng later.

Anyways my local HRO has a great deal on a Icom 51A Plus, and currently there is also a $50 mail in rebate with Icom through the end of the year. I am leaning towards the 51A Plus because of its portability, D-star, and its packed full of features for a dual-freq HT. I have a Comet SBB-5 antenna to mount to my 4R to boost its signal when mobile.

Question...is it worth it? I know the Yaesu 60R is a solid HT too with a little less features and about $200 cheaper. Should I scratch the 51A Plus and go with a mobile Icom 5100A transceiver?

Thanks!

 

[LawnDart]

Honestly I say go with a mobile, then pick up a couple of Baufeng handhelds. I carry a mobile unit in my truck, a yaesu handheld, and 2 baufengs, reason being is that the baufengs are so cheap if you lose one you won't cry. And I'm often on trail runs where CB sucks, and you can pass out the HAMs to people in front or back to at least police the line of trucks when CB fails.

I also really like having a handheld so I can get out of the truck if we're doing a recovery or guiding someone up a trail.

Ham techs and anyone who knows a lot more about ham transceivers than me...which is probably most of you. I just passed my tech exam and am looking into getting one HT or mobile to start with. I might supplement my primary with a baufeng later.

Anyways my local HRO has a great deal on a Icom 51A Plus, and currently there is also a $50 mail in rebate with Icom through the end of the year. I am leaning towards the 51A Plus because of its portability, D-star, and its packed full of features for a dual-freq HT. I have a Comet SBB-5 antenna to mount to my 4R to boost its signal when mobile.

Question...is it worth it? I know the Yaesu 60R is a solid HT too with a little less features and about $200 cheaper. Should I scratch the 51A Plus and go with a mobile Icom 5100A transceiver?

Thanks!

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I am the same. I have a unit mounted in the truck for more power and range. Then I carry a handheld cheapo with a nice antenna, probably get a second soon. There always tends to be new people in the group which dont have a radio yet. That way the can at least hear directions and transmit in an emergency, at least until they get their license.

 

[4Running303]

Thanks [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] , I think I remember seeing your ham picture and you run a Icom, right? Do you remove the head unit a lot? For me, I worry about theft and my thoughts with the 51A Plus is that I have a HT when I need to leave the vehicle, or when I'm traveling for work and want to listen to dispatch (I work for the Nat.Park Service and we have park radios for our boats, but not in all non-law enforcement vehicles). I will definitely get some baufengs...at that price its a no-brainer.

For in the 4R I wanted to set the 51A up as if it were a "mobile" unit. It has a lot of the same features as the mobile 5100A, minus the amplifier and wattage...but talking to the folks at the HRO, running the 51A with my SBB5 2m/70cm antenna, I should have more than enough coverage on a trail...anyone disagree with that?

Are my thoughts out of whack? Feel free to knock some sense into me.

 

[LawnDart]

I just disconnect the display/control face and tuck it somewhere else in the truck. The actual unit is mounted under the seat. And I use a Yaesu FTM-400XDR.

So personally I think a handheld is fine for trail runs, but not really gonna be great when you're by yourself or trying to hit repeaters from longer distances. So again I say go with a mobile if you can swing it, and then get a handheld. Having both is ideal.

Like I said I carry handhelds to pass around. I usually am the designated technician, and we did this at FJ Summit when the CBs crapped the bed. I told the trail leader and tail gunner to avoid transmitting as much as possible but realistically it's okay. Yes it's violating the rules because they're pirating but I have them call out my callsign and it's only in simplex. but it was done for safety since the groups got spread out.

Either way having a few spares are great. Someone walked off with one of my Baofengs at FJSummit and while it sucked, it was only 40 dollars.

Thanks [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] , I think I remember seeing your ham picture and you run a Icom, right? Do you remove the head unit a lot? For me, I worry about theft and my thoughts with the 51A Plus is that I have a HT when I need to leave the vehicle, or when I'm traveling for work and want to listen to dispatch (I work for the Nat.Park Service and we have park radios for our boats, but not in all non-law enforcement vehicles). I will definitely get some baufengs...at that price its a no-brainer.

For in the 4R I wanted to set the 51A up as if it were a "mobile" unit. It has a lot of the same features as the mobile 5100A, minus the amplifier and wattage...but talking to the folks at the HRO, running the 51A with my SBB5 2m/70cm antenna, I should have more than enough coverage on a trail...anyone disagree with that?

Are my thoughts out of whack? Feel free to knock some sense into me.

 

[4Running303]

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice...I'm going to have to re-think what I want to run and how.

For the most part, I figure we aren't hardcore ham radio operators like the folks at the clubs or HRO. Their advice is great and they are all super knowledgeable, but often I feel like their advice may be over-kill for what we do and what our needs are. I'm never going to sit at home on my couch and listen to chatter like they do (well, I don't imagine I will, but who knows)...but I do want to buy once, and get the most applicable transceivers for trail usage...either multiple HTs, mobile+stronger HT+baufengs, or mobile+multiple baufengs.

Ah, more toys for the t4r!!

 

[cartrouble]

I agree with LawnDart. Mobile radio is going to be the ideal option. Not only is it really nice having 50w but mobile radios are built to be operated on the road.

As for the Icom 51A, if you're really interested in this radio, make sure you have some DStar repeaters around otherwise it won't make much sense. If you really want DStar you might take a look at the new hot rod HT, the Kenwood D74 which does DStar and APRS. Personally though, I'm more into APRS and DMR.

 

[4Running303]

Agreed...came home with an Icom-2730A Deluxe. Happy with the decision...have a baufeng UV-5R with a Nagoya 771 antenna coming from amazon for my HT.

Can't wait to install this radio! Maybe tomorrow.