Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors, Paul and John (KC8RZM), who share the following press release from Icom:
Icom releases the ID-52A/E Amateur Handheld Transceiver with Color Display and Bluetooth® Communication
Icom Incorporated (Headquarters: Hirano, Osaka, Japan/President: Masataka Harima) releases the ID-52A/E*, VHF/UHF dual band digital transceiver that supports D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio).
* ID-52A is the USA version, ID-52E is the European version
The ID-52A/E is equipped with a color display. The display size is increased to 2.3 inches (1.7 inches for the ID-51A/E), and a transflective display is used to achieve excellent visibility, even in bright sunlight. The transceiver also supports Bluetooth® communication as standard. Wirelessly connect to Android™ devices with ST-4001A/ST-4001I Picture Utility Software and RS-MS1A Remote Control Software installed, the optional VS-3 Bluetooth® headset is also available, for hands-free operation.
And the following features are enhanced from the previous ID-51A/E models. Simultaneous reception in V/V, U/U, V/U as well as DV/DV. Air band reception is expanded from VHF to UHF (225 to 374.995 MHz). The new model can be charged via micro USB connector. Audio output is significantly increased from 400 mW to 750 mW. The latest function of D-STAR enables you to send, receive and view saved photos on an installed microSD card using only the ID-52A/E.
In addition to the above, the ID-52A/E has a variety of attractive features such as the DR function with easy set-up, built-in GPS receiver, micro SD card slot, IPX7* waterproof construction, and Terminal/Access Point modes. The ID-52A/E is a product that leads the amateur radio digital communications with enriched features that satisfy any users, from beginners to even heavy users who want to fully enjoy D-STAR.
Main Features
- 2.3″ large transflective color display that is easy to see outdoors
- Bluetooth® communication as standard
- Simultaneous reception in V/V, U/U, V/U and DV/DV
- Enriched D-STAR® features including the terminal mode/access point mode
- UHF (225?374.995MHz) air band reception
- Significantly increased audio output power to 750 mW (400 mW for ID-51 series)
- Accessories for the ID-51A/E such as battery packs and microphones can be used
Does anyone have a projected time as to its availability here in the USA ???
THANKS [email protected]
Agreed about the full duplex. I assume it doesn’t support APRS, either. D-PRS is fine, but not so much when not near a D-STAR gateway. Icom hits a double. No one was on base.
Digital rigs.
You spend more time getting cable
drivers to work or config files loaded
then you will ever have making QSO’s.
And when you do make a QSO, your
rewarded with poor audio.
if rather buy an analog rig and
talk through a sock to get the same effect.
And a lot chesper too.
What in the world is this? Some kind of typo?
UHF (225?374.995MHz) air band reception
I thought the same thing! I assumed maybe it was some new FM protocol somewhere in the world?
Military aviation use that part of the RF spectrum.
Too bad it is not full duplex for satellite use like the TH-D72. That would have been a killer combo.
Maybe a firmware update could fix that?
John
KC8RZM
A very attractive looking new handheld from Icom.
Being a very recent convert to Bluetooth glad it has this feature and I’m sure the ID-52A will connect instantly and seamlessly to in-ear earphones/headphones since my IC-r30 did (in contrast to my Kenwood TH-D74A and Yaesu FT3DR where I gave up after over an hour of trying to make those two handhelds connect).
Wish it covered the HF bands like Icom’s discontinued ID-92AD does (and for a handheld pretty serviceable HF reception at that).