[CTSARA] Mobile Rig? IC-2820 thoughts

[Chris- KB1QXR]

If you don't mind spending a bit more than average, I recommend the Icom
IC-2820.  Large graphical LCD is very easy to read, and the menu system is
more intuitive (for a techie like myself at least) than most other rigs with
small 6-8 character displays.  

Not intending as a flame war, rather as a real complaint- One problem I have
with Yaesu is every radio of theirs I've used has unlabelled functions- to
do certain actions you MUST memorize to hold down something or push two
buttons at once (and this is not written anywhere on the radio or the
button, you have to remember it).  If this were for obscure 'set once and
never again' functions that would be one thing, but it's for simple things
like storing memory slots.
Also, the one-level menu system on many Yaesus mixes global items (such as
inactivity power off time and PTT timeout) with per-freq items (like TX/RX
split and CTCSS options).  It makes a lot more sense to me to separate them,
either into separate submenus or by range.  IE, setting up a new repeater
should involve menu items 1, 2, 3, 4 not 2, 8, 12 and 15.

The 2820 in contrast has a very nice menu system with most options written
in relatively straightforward English.  You do have to memorize the
abbreviations used on some of the softkeys, but once you do there aren't any
hidden functions like with Yaesu.  On the 2820, pushing the button does
what's written on the top of it, holding the button does what's written on
the bottom of it, and if you push Menu first the buttons become softkeys-
but everything is always labelled.  Configuration and repeater setup (CTCSS
etc) is done by an easy to use nested menu, which separates out per-freq
stuff into one area and global settings into another.  It's also worth
mentioning you can adjust the volume and squelch from the mic pad- this can
be very useful for operation while driving (don't have to put down mic and
reach over to turn somebody up).

Radio-wise it's pretty solid.  Standard 50w output, dual simultaneous RX,
memory slots shared between both sides.  Supports packet radio via standard
Mini-DIN connection to TNC or computer- I believe a RigBlaster Plug&Play
will connect directly without an adapter.  
Worthy of note is the diversity RX- if you connect two antennas, it will use
the second one for diversity receive, constantly switching to whichever
antenna is getting a stronger signal.  This produces noticably less noise /
picket fencing while driving, and an indicator on the display shows you
which antenna is in use.  Transmitting always goes through the main antenna.

The 2820 is also D-Star Capable, but you have to pay a few hundred bucks for
the upgrade which consists of a daughterboard for the radio and a GPS
receiver antenna.  I don't have this upgrade so I can't really comment on
it, but there are a few D-Star repeaters around here.

Also useful to note for installation- the separation cables are standard
telephone/cat5 cables with standard modular jacks.  The mic uses an RJ-45,
the control head cable is RJ-14 (6 position) on one end and RJ-9 (telephone
headset plug) 4-position on the other, I think the two extra wires are for
shielding but they don't go into the radio.  All of these jacks can be had
at Radio Shack or Home Depot.  I ran everything in my car using Cat5 cable
and it works great.  Not having a proprietary connector made things nice and
easy.
The radio can accomidate two speakers (for the left and right sides), or it
can deal with almost any combination of using its internal and/or external
speaker.  I set it up to all use one speaker, mounted under my dash.

If you want to check it out at the next meeting I'd be happy to give you a
demo...

73
Chris KB1QXR

-----Original Message-----
From: Jonathan Solomon [mailto:jonstv at gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:35 AM
To: ctsara Mailman
Subject: [CTSARA] Mobile Rig?

Hi Everyone-

I may be in the market for a new mobile rig.  I am thinking a dual band (at
least) with detachable (remote) face.  What are people happy with?  (And
please, we don't need a flame war about whose rig is better.)  Just looking
for some places to start.

THANKS!
Jonathan
W3EIC
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