First Look at IC 7100 for POTA

Considering using your 7100 for POTA while mobile? This video will give you some idea how that might work. Still working on the kinks, but want to share my initial thoughts. This is not an installation video, but an overall view of the radio and how it operated for in during POTA.

[@ifrarrow7039]

This guy is the best. His how to video's are so crystal clear. Thank you Frank

[@ve6kk]

Good comments Frank. As hams we have been really spoiled with the choice of gorgeous SDRs for fixed and small portable use. But the gap for all band mobile is astounding and the 7100 although a nice radio has been out since 2012 (2016 for the IC-7300). So we are already 8 years into low cost SDR yet no new mobiles are available. That is why used prices are not high but stupid. My IC-7000 is still my best choice for HF mobile and I could sell it for what I paid used in 2014. 73 Peter

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Franck nice job 73 from kb2uew

[@ohaya1]

Love this video!

[@PNW_Hawk]

So, a year + later what are using now? I just passed both my tech and general at the same sitting and still waiting on my call sign. I am researching radios, the 7100 specifically, and that is how I ran across this video of yours (nicely done by the way!), and I am curious what is your daily driver mobile setup now? I am interested in POTA, which is why I went ahead and tried for General. The purpose of my search is looking for a radio that is both UHF/VHF as well as HF, and is Mobile, Base and POTA friendly, especially for a newbie. Trying to save funds here. What are your thoughts on this, currently $1200 , radio that may cover all of my situations?

[@frankwc0o]

I'm now using an FT-857D. Check out my videos on that radio. Unfortunately, that radio has been discontinued. It has UHF/VHF which makes it a great radio. As for POTA, I use the FT-857D in the car and on the field. It's a great radio for both uses. One advantage that the 7100 has is that, it's still available and had many great features like recording, a port to do digital, and other ports that might assist you in obtaining more contact. Good luck! -73

[@PNW_Hawk]

Thank you for the reply and explanations! Great video and I will continue to watch some of your other videos as well. 73 @@frankwc0o

[@pixeluser175]

0.68A is not approx. 70 milliamps, but 700 milliamps

[@martidav1]

Nice.
What’s your antenna?

[@frankwc0o]

At that time most likely a Diamond HF20CL.

[@forgetyourlife]

.68 ain’t bad power draw for a full featured rig like that. I thought it would be more. The POTA darling ft-891 takes a full amp.

[@frankwc0o]

I've had the FT-891 and the only thing I didn't like was that it didn't have VHF for the June ARRL VHF contest. And it is power hungry.

[@mrjikey]

For a mobile HF radio, I think I would look at the IC-7100 (which you obviously have), and the FT-981. The 891 is considerably cheaper…
Downside to the 891 is the menu system (icom wins there) and it draws closer to 1amp on receive vs the 0.68amps your 7100 was drawing.

[@frankwc0o]

Another radio to consider is a used FT-857. That radio draws about .7 amps, and it's a shack in a box. With the Collins filter, you will have a great mobile radio. Sure, nothing like the IC705, but well worth the price.

[@mrjikey]

@@frankwc0o I’ll have to look closer at that one. Haven’t looked too hard at it before, but not really in the market for a mobile HF. I used to be a road warrior and had considered it before, but now I fly more for work. Always have my 705 with me which is a great travel companion in hotels and for some impromptu POTA while in other parts of the country.