Thinking about the other iterations of the 51… Second version of the 52 will have a gold ‘Dual Band Transceiver’ and Type-C charging. And yes, WISH they would get on board with APRS.
The 50 seems like the "better" of the two radios. The features that it is missing aren't really deal breakers for myself. I only wish they went with an e-ink display for better viewing. APRS would also be nice, but Icom is really digging in on not including it.
@@kd9nrt Which is all fine. Where Icom, Yaesu et al are going to get left behind is when the Chinese release an HT with software processing. That microAPRS thing is a good example. Tiny little device running some kind of software with a ‘real’ band scope, I think? And it’ll make the big players look archaic in comparison… If it wasn’t a band scope it was some kind of graphic with 60fps smoothness; not this janky ID-52 click-clack of a scope.
I am ready to sacrifice not having 220Mhz for USB-C charging. USB-C will charge the battery much faster vs microUSB and its a port thats gonna stay with us for a long time. microUSB is a slow and obsolete port at this point in 2023. If Baofeng can do USB-C, so can any other radio manufacturer. 73
You are right, at this price level APRS and 222 MHz should be included. I would love to get this radio, but not having those two is a deal breaker for me. USB-C also needs to be standard at this point Q3 2023.
Thanks for the review. Helpful information. I did order the ID-52A recently, mainly for travel/vacations. Some of the features I like: D-Star (obviously), read that the mic gain is outstanding, screen size, the waterfall scope (I know it's not SDR but should be interesting to try), USB charging, and bluetooth capabilities. I don't have much use for APRS but I could see how some may find that a non-starter. Tri-band would definitely be nice, especially since I have no D-Star repeaters nearby and 440 repeaters are restricted (banned?) here (PAVE PAWS radar site nearby). Any way, I'm looking forward to taking the ID-52 on the road. 73, K1PRD
How do you find the audio on your FT5D? I’m getting complaints that I come in quiet even with a strong signal, maxed out mic gain and talking really close to the microphone. Basically useless without bluetooth headset or monophone because people aren’t hearing me properly. Now considering if I should send it back and get something else, like an icom (but no APRS 😢) or wait for the D75 and be without a radio for a few months.
@@kd9nrt Thanks for your reply. I will check with the store and see. I have heard others complain, and some have no issues so it seems very inconsistent.
I am new to ham this is the first radio I bought. I am frustrated beyond words. I find it to be overwhelming with so many functions. Had it for over 2 months now and have not talked to anyone as of yet. What was suppose to be fun has turned into the opposite. I bought it because I travel a lot but am about ready to put it on e-bay
Don't get frustrated. Documentation is written by those who are experienced, meaning that new users get left behind. Find a local club. That is really important. Find someone in there to mentor you through the process. If you still have problems, let me know and I'll see how much I can help you.
APRS is misunderstood and overrated. DPRS is a conversion spec to present ICOM GPS data to the APRS world. Since you have a GPS built in, you don’t need APRS on D-Star. That’s kind of the whole point and why ICOM implemented DPRS instead. If you have it enabled, most people can see where you are while talking anyway. A Tri-band would be nice, but I imagine that $600 price point would jump to $800. Many people think these are expensive radios, and for many they are, but since the P25 stuff (new anyway) cost so much more, I think this radio is a value at $600. I just know that no radio is perfect.
Thinking about the other iterations of the 51… Second version of the 52 will have a gold ‘Dual Band Transceiver’ and Type-C charging.
And yes, WISH they would get on board with APRS.
The 50 seems like the "better" of the two radios. The features that it is missing aren't really deal breakers for myself. I only wish they went with an e-ink display for better viewing.
APRS would also be nice, but Icom is really digging in on not including it.
1:03
@@kd9nrt Which is all fine. Where Icom, Yaesu et al are going to get left behind is when the Chinese release an HT with software processing. That microAPRS thing is a good example. Tiny little device running some kind of software with a ‘real’ band scope, I think? And it’ll make the big players look archaic in comparison… If it wasn’t a band scope it was some kind of graphic with 60fps smoothness; not this janky ID-52 click-clack of a scope.
Some really good thoughts. Thanks. I am about to order a 52A so found it enlightening.
I am ready to sacrifice not having 220Mhz for USB-C charging. USB-C will charge the battery much faster vs microUSB and its a port thats gonna stay with us for a long time. microUSB is a slow and obsolete port at this point in 2023. If Baofeng can do USB-C, so can any other radio manufacturer. 73
Hehehe ... keep upsetting people with your opinion. 😂 I appreciate your candid thoughts about owning this model of HT.
You are right, at this price level APRS and 222 MHz should be included. I would love to get this radio, but not having those two is a deal breaker for me. USB-C also needs to be standard at this point Q3 2023.
Thanks for the review. Helpful information. I did order the ID-52A recently, mainly for travel/vacations.
Some of the features I like: D-Star (obviously), read that the mic gain is outstanding, screen size, the waterfall scope (I know it's not SDR but should be interesting to try), USB charging, and bluetooth capabilities. I don't have much use for APRS but I could see how some may find that a non-starter. Tri-band would definitely be nice, especially since I have no D-Star repeaters nearby and 440 repeaters are restricted (banned?) here (PAVE PAWS radar site nearby). Any way, I'm looking forward to taking the ID-52 on the road. 73, K1PRD
How do you find the audio on your FT5D? I’m getting complaints that I come in quiet even with a strong signal, maxed out mic gain and talking really close to the microphone. Basically useless without bluetooth headset or monophone because people aren’t hearing me properly. Now considering if I should send it back and get something else, like an icom (but no APRS 😢) or wait for the D75 and be without a radio for a few months.
I have no problems with audio. I would look at starting to RMA it. Sounds like you may have a bad unit.
@@kd9nrt Thanks for your reply. I will check with the store and see. I have heard others complain, and some have no issues so it seems very inconsistent.
I am new to ham this is the first radio I bought. I am frustrated beyond words. I find it to be overwhelming with so many functions. Had it for over 2 months now and have not talked to anyone as of yet. What was suppose to be fun has turned into the opposite. I bought it because I travel a lot but am about ready to put it on e-bay
Don't get frustrated. Documentation is written by those who are experienced, meaning that new users get left behind. Find a local club. That is really important. Find someone in there to mentor you through the process. If you still have problems, let me know and I'll see how much I can help you.
Had mine less than a year and already have burn-in on the screen. I'm trying real hard Ringo.
I think now when the ID50 is out, it would be better for you :) No BT, small and USB-C.
I just ordered one a few days ago.
Review starts at 03:00
APRS is misunderstood and overrated. DPRS is a conversion spec to present ICOM GPS data to the APRS world. Since you have a GPS built in, you don’t need APRS on D-Star. That’s kind of the whole point and why ICOM implemented DPRS instead. If you have it enabled, most people can see where you are while talking anyway.
A Tri-band would be nice, but I imagine that $600 price point would jump to $800.
Many people think these are expensive radios, and for many they are, but since the P25 stuff (new anyway) cost so much more, I think this radio is a value at $600.
I just know that no radio is perfect.
Yea I don’t understand D-PRS or the civ whatever, I kick myself for selling my th-d74
Chooses Chinese radio cuz clips to pocket better. 👍
lol