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Reviews For: ICOM IC-03AT

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Hand-held

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Review Summary For : ICOM IC-03AT
Reviews: 3MSRP:
Description:
220 mhz Hand-held Transceiver
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0034.7
VA7BC Rating: 2008-12-20
Good choice for 220 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned a 03AT for about 4 years. Over the past 20 years, I've had 3 IC-02AT's. The 03 and 02 are very similar.

The 03AT follows the 0_AT tradition in operation. No need to use a manual to program the 03AT if you have experience with an 02AT.

The 03AT is big and bulky with mediocre audio output. Keypad is basic and knobs are big -- which, from my perspective are good factors.

I've dropped my 02AT's many times in the past and they have not suffered any ill effects -- although I have not done the same with the 03AT I expect the same.

Battery life is not great. This series of radios is well known for their judicious use of current -- even on standby. Hence operators familiar with this series of radios always carry many spare battery packs. Good thing is that these battery packs are still readily available as they worked with two generations of ICOM ham radios as well as their marine and commercial line at the time.

If you are looking for a "cool" vintage radio to operate, this is it. On the other hand if you are looking for a reliable 220 MHz portable this will also fit the bill.



Batteries are big and bulky -- but heh, this is a vintage radio.
N7MYW Rating: 2008-07-23
Great radio!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This HT was the first i ever owned as a ham way back in the late 80's.A brick of a radio and never a problem.Good audio.No real gripes.The batteries and accessories are inexpensive at hamfests as well as plentiful.
I own the whole 0 series and all are wonderful!

K0UC Rating: 2006-04-19
good old radio Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I give it a 5 based on comparing it to other radios of it's vintage. Sure there are certainly radios out with more memories and bells and whistles now, but if you want a basic radio that works well, this is it.
10 memories is obviously pretty weak in today's market, but it's plenty for the repeaters here in Minneapolis. 220 Just isn't all that populated. I love the 12 volt direct plug-in for power and charging. Lots of battery options.
RX and TX audio are very good.

It's a big radio by today's standards, but I think if you are looking for a basic 220 rig, this is a good choice.

And if you are looking for a used 220 HT, there aren't too many choices to pick from!