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Reviews For: ICOM IC-2100H

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

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Review Summary For : ICOM IC-2100H
Reviews: 196MSRP: 140
Description:
Two meter mobile
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/2mmobile/ic2100hmain.asp
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001964.5
W6SWO Rating: 2022-08-14
Nice radio with some flaws IMO. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this radio around 2000 and have since put it in four different vehicles. This is a great radio as evidenced by subsequent models (IC-2200 and 2300) being based on it. Audio is clear and it's reliable. My only issue with this radio is that without the RT Systems programming software, it's difficult (for me) to figure out how to program. I've had to keep the manual close and re-read it many times. If you have the programming software though, it's easy to upload your favorite repeater freqs, and it's very reliable. Screen is easy to read from a wide variety of angles. I don't regret the purchase of this rig at all.
KE2SJ Rating: 2022-01-02
After 25 years, I'll miss it Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Someone alerted me that the IC-2100 was on a major sale. I bought one. That was 25 or so years ago. It's a simple radio with no bells and whistles. It's easy to program. And it performs pretty well for such an inexpensive radio. Mine got bashed around in my trunk, probably took on moisture, and only recently began to rapidly decline to the point where it's no longer usable. Maybe someone can fix it. Look for it on ebay selling for parts. I'll miss it.
AA7BI Rating: 2018-10-13
Great Output Audi Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had a 2100 for 5 years now. I first heard how clear and natural other hams sounded using these and found one used for about $100. I kept bumping the MR button on the mic and ended up lost in VFO mode, so I had to do something uncharacteristic: I read the instructions.

I live in a bitterly cold climate without a garage. The radio is in my car year round and experiences temperatures from -46 real degrees up to 100. The fact that it works every time impresses me deeply. Reliability under such stress engenders trust, and I trust this radio to work.

Sounds good, easy to program via CHIRP and 55 watts is a good strong output. Been a ham 44 years and expect this radio to outlive me. Highly recommended!
W3DBB Rating: 2018-09-25
Best in the 2X00 series Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased 2 IC-2100H, one in '01 and the second in '03. The second one is the "25N" model, serial number above 25,000. Those came with the updated microphone Icom may still be using. The 2100H purchased in 2001 was shipped with the earlier microphone which has a detachable keypad cover. Both are high quality microphones with coil-cords that do not deteriorate. These microphones are noticeably higher quality than those supplied by Yaesu. Yes, I also like Yaesu but they had a struggle with Motorola playing the role of private equity gangsta. Alinco would do well to emulate the coil-cords used by Icom and Yaesu. So much for the airing of grievances.

Both IC-2100H have been virtually trouble free. The 2001 model was in stalled in a 1976 Mercury which is kept inside under cover. The 2003 model which is used exclusively indoors developed noise attributed to too many dissimilar metals where the main unit is attached to the heat sink case with screws. Following the procedure outlined and soaking the screws overnight in PB Blaster before reassembly seems to have taken care of the noise. The repair, done 10 years ago, has held.

Both rigs are good for the advertised 55 Watts maximum output power but 10 Watts medium power is a better choice due to the lack of a cooling fan. The heat sink case dissipates a lot of heat. Icom cheapened the newer versions of the 2100/2000 and did away with the massive heatsink.

The best thing about the IC-2100H is the receiver. Hot, quiet, and intermod free. One of the best.
KN4DMM Rating: 2018-09-24
Great starter Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This was my first real ham radio. It had plenty of power, I got great audio reports, and the receive was excillent.
N8VIL Rating: 2014-06-27
Good radio after repairs Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Great radio until output went south. Replaced with a commercial radio output (M68702L) which has a wider bandwidth (135-160 MHz) than the original (144-146 MHz) but otherwise same specifications. The original output is an obsolete part. Did the star washer on the ground screws to eliminate the crackle in the audio. I also added a lead weight to the microphone to give a more solid feel. The microphone has a square recess like it was made for a weight to be installed. After my repairs and mods a great radio. I did the repairs in 2005.
N5NLU Rating: 2013-12-14
Great Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This radio was the replacement to my Yaesu FT-8000R Dual Band that went out after only 2 years. I think I got it back in 2002, used it for about 2 years, sold the truck it was in and then put it back in the box where it has sat until Nov 2013. I got the urge to key a mic again, ordered an antenna, coax, and a bracket for my truck. Hooked everything up and I was back on the air. I know this thing sat for 10 years in the box and I have used it pretty hard the last month.

it does have the heat sink body which works. Sucker gets hot for sure after talking for an hour straight on high power.

I'm sold on these types of radios and will buy something similar for the shack, when I get one going!
KB3YPP Rating: 2013-04-30
Hit or miss Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I own two of them, and really enjoy having a radio that just works. The first one was purchased locally, and hasn't given me a single issue. The second one was purchased on eBay, and had the crackle during transmit, flickering display, and a noisy pot on the volume. I replaced the screen, added star washers to the screws, and cleaned the volume pot. It works great now. I am using one as a base with a cushcraft arx-2b, and can talk simplex to the other one about 25 miles away with a quarter wave antenna. Audio is okay, no intermodal problems, but the radios are both overly selective when you use pl tones.
N9VO Rating: 2013-02-25
Servicable! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Decent serviceable rig. Intermittent prob with the microphone. Mine must be a different model of 2100H than others. Mine is only 55 watts (and confirmed by manual). Others reporting 60 and 65 watt versions. Guess I got short end of the stick. But I have had in mobile operation and it works well.
KI4ABS Rating: 2013-02-25
Solid Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just bought one of these used from a local ham for $100 to install in my 97 Jeep Wrangler. It does exactly what I want it do, great from local repeater work. The 65W out is nice when in a "fringe" area. The internal speaker is good (kinda thin as expected), however in my Jeep road noise is pretty loud, so I added an external speaker. Easily programmable. No fan is a plus!

Only two complaints : 1) had to do the ground mod, and #4 star washers aren't easily available from Lowe's/Home Depot, I had to go to a nut and bolt store. Once obtained, mod is simple and effective 2) the mic works fine, but just feels flimsy

All in all, classic Icom quality with a couple very minor exceptions. I would recommend and would buy another.