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write your own review of the Icom IC-820H.
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WA3TWG
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 1, 2011 08:06
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Sounds great! Easy to use, all the features I need.
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I replaced a TS-711A with this rig. I am a diehard Kenwood fan, but in this case, with this class of VHF+ transciever (for me), I find the Icom to be the easier and more intuitive radio to use. For starters, the control panel isn't nearly as busy on the Icom as is the Kenwood. After that, it's pretty much a draw between the two.
This rig has great recieve audio, coupled with the SM-8 mic, I get reports of impressive audio, very distictive. Programimg repeaters is a snap, and with the dual VFOs I can flip back and forth beteen SSB and FM simplex band portions quickly and easily.
The rig was built for sat work, and it's not the best, but it will do so, sooo... for that reason I rate the IC-820H at 5/5 - it does what it was built to do, and all else it does great!! Hope this is in my shack for quite some time!!
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DF9CY
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Rating: 4/5
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May 19, 2010 22:59
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It has all what i need
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought my IC-820H as used gear from a friend in 2003. It is heavy used on VHF and UHF. Worked a lot of DX with it and with a homemade interface (see www.df9cy.de) WSJT for Meteorscatter and Moonbounce is easy.
Sensitivity of the receiver is very good - the selectivity of the filters not, but this is not so important for me as I am not working contests from a hilltop.
The preowner added a power control which makes operating the PA (4cx250) easy.
But now in 2010 the rig IS old and develops faults mainly with the ribbon cable connectors (which is bad when you're just working THE DX). This is now really bad and I have no good solution to this issue. In most cases the internal software sets the rig into an undefined status, where you cannot control anything anymore. Others seem to have similar problems with their IC-820/821 sets.
Christoph DF9CY
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GW4PJQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 12, 2009 12:48
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Good used buy
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This radio is one of those all time greats. If you have one keep it. It runs rings around these new HF/VHF/UHF radios.
For goodness sake dont be tempted to swap it for the later IC 821H. Just because it is a later model that doesnt mean it is a better radio!
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AA9OC
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 19, 2007 20:05
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Chirpy CW
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I agree with the positives that many have stated about this transceiver. It has a sensitive receiver and is well worth the current used price. I have one criticism, however. If you take a look at the QST review you will find that the first CW character is almost totally clipped on transmit. This results in a noticeable (chirp) every time the relay closes on CW and makes for a funny sounding transmitted signal.
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KE5GBY
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 13, 2006 07:56
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Great All Mode Dual Bander
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Since receiving my used IC-820H I haven't found one complaint.
I use it everyday on 2m FM, repeaters and simplex. Everynight I work 2m SSB if there are any stations on the air.
I used to check in to the Deep South SSB Net 3 times a week about 250 miles away until it was recently cancelled.
There isn't much 70cm action around my QTH but I have a dual band collinear and an Arrow 5 element SSB 432MHz antenna just in case.
The antennas I use with this rig are a Cushcraft 148-20T dual polarized 2m beam, a dual band collinear, and the Arrow just mentioned up around 35 feet, though soon to be about 65 plus feet.
Hooked in line is a TE Systems 1412G 200 watt VHF amp.
I have made several hundred mile SSB contacts as well as very long distance FM ragchews when conditions are good. When the band is wide open, well this setup is just fantastic.
The dual receive is great for monitoring satellites, repeaters, band conditions, etc.
Good power output, though I wish it were adjustable from low to full output.
Bright display, analog and digital meters, scan, plenty of memory, big VFO(dual), ATT, RIT, SAT function, Preamp button for mast mounts.
I haven't done the Cross-Band Repeat mod yet, but at least I know it can be done which is a nice feature.
Sensitivity to me is great and even better with a preamp. Also has great audio.
I bought mine for a very, very good price. They seem to go for about $500 on ebay which I feel is a good price for this great dual band all mode for the serious VHFer.
My Icom IC-820H will be in my shack for a very long time.
-73
-Bill
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KE6PID
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 17, 2005 22:21
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10 years later, still great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The 820H was the second radio I bought when I was a freshly minted ham. I have worked satellite (like AO-10 &13 RIP) local repeaters and some DX. Worked west coast to Hawaii once when a very rare 2 meter opening was in. It's never missed a beat, never been back for repairs.
The RX is HOT! Very good sensitivity on SSB and FM, both 2 & 70cm. In sat mode the 2M Rx and 70cm Tx link up for easy tuning. It's got just about all the features you’d need.
The only nit about it is the Low/High power control, low being about 2 watts and high being full blast. It is not possible to set the drive properly for an amp, I needed to purchase an attenuator to put between the Tx and amp…then a co-ax relay to bypass it on RX.
It's a good radio. If you see one used it's a good value.
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VK4APN
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 12, 2005 16:14
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Excellent Workhorse
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Very good RF performance compensates for counter-intuitive programming, satellite operation. A keeper.
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VE2DC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 23, 2005 11:18
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Problem free
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used it for about 5 years. No problems whatever... Some VCO phase noise. RX gain seems a little low without a pre-amp. I use one from SSB Engineering, and I can hear more than I can work with my 170W amp. I haven't used it for satellite work. A nice "appliance" for the moderately serious VHF/UHF enthusiasts.
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KI4FRG
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 24, 2004 15:06
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Great to own!!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I am new to the Ham world so can use all the straight forward and simple equipment available. The IC-820H is such a transceiver. Great instructions and simple controls make this a dream piece for me. Strong TX and RX signals. Coupled with a SM-20 have nothing but positive reports. The standard mic worked well but had to hold very close. I can't find any fault although haven't gotten into the satellite features. E Bay purchase at approx. $500 and thrilled to have it.
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KC2GOW
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 7, 2003 15:32
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I got to operate the radio for about 10hours and it was flawless. On the two meter side I used a 13ele. yagi and the 432 side a 19ele. yagi. This radio performs like a dream at max power barefoot under contest operation. It did not quit once.
73's
Andy
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