From: fred-mckenzie@ksc.nasa.gov (Fred McKenzie)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Icom 2410 comments please
Date: 25 Aug 92 18:05:57 GMT
Followup-To: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Organization: NASA/Kennedy Space Center, Florida

In article <1992Aug25.035204.8692@vela.acs.oakland.edu>,
sdkuo@argo.acs.oakland.edu (Steve Kuo) wrote:
.......
> don't know as much about the Icom 2410.  Is it safe to assume the
> 2410 has everything the 732 has, but more?  If someone could
> comment and answer the following questions, I would greatly
> appreciate it.
>   -  How is out-of-band receive the 2410?  Does it cover air and
>      800 MHz?  Are the mods easy (resistors/diodes easy to get
>      to)?
>   -  Will the 2410 cross band and remote base right out of the
>      box?  How is its performance?
>   -  Can radio functions be performed from the mic?  Example,
>      entering frequencies from the mic keypad.
>   -  Can the 15 memories per band be expanded?  Fifteen seems
>      kind of low.  How is the scan rate?
>   -  Any other reasons to spend and extra 100 bucks for the Icom?
>   -  I assume it's DTMF and PL encode standard.  Has anyone used
>      the voice synthesizer, it sounds neat?

Steve-

I have the IC-2410H, but don't know all the answers to your questions!  It
is such a sophisticated piece of equipment, I'll probably never learn
everything.

I understand there are a couple of diodes to be clipped to access other
frequencies, but it might be receive only.  Haven't heard of an out-of-band
transmit mod, but wouldn't be surprised.  It reportedly has the AM detector
for the Aircraft frequencies.  It has the 800 MHz circuitry, but you have
to add a cable out to the antenna.  I haven't done it, but understand Icom
parts are available if you know what to order.

Crossband capability comes with the radio, but you have to know the
combination of buttons to press.  I think it is in the manual, but not
sure.

The microphone has its own microprocessor!  However, that is part of what I
haven't had time to figure out yet.  I think it has the capability you
want, but don't know.

Scan rate is quite good.  I have several channels locked out, and it scans
the remainder in about a second.  Yes, fifteen channels is kind of low. 
I've not heard of any expansion.

Any other reasons?  I don't know.  I like mine, but am not familiar with
the 732.

Yes, it seems to have DTMF and PL capability.  I got all three options, but
haven't figured out how to use the remote DTMF control, so don't know if it
is "standard".  (NOTE:  The PL can be progammed separately for each
frequency.  Be sure the 732 can.  I have an older TW-4000A, that can only
have one PL for each band at a time. It's a real pain!)  The voice
systhesizer works, but is unimpressive.  It blocks out audio on the channel
while it is reciting the frequency (probably a good thing).

Other considerations:

1.  There is supposed to be a change in the display in the latest units.  I
haven't seen the new version.  Mine is beautiful at night, but can't be
read in direct sunlight.  There was a rumor that an upgrade kit would be
available for the display.  I'd want to see the new one in person, before
ordering one.

2.  Since the receiver has such a wide frequency range, it also is prone to
intermodulation interference, in places I never heard intermod before.  You
can expect this from any receiver with out-of-band frequency coverage.

3.  The QST I just received, had an ICOM ad for a new IC-3230H.  It appears
to be a newer equivalent to the IC-2410H.  However, the Amateur Electronics
Supply ICOM ad didn't have it listed.  It might be worthy of consideration
as a third alternative.

4.  It's only money!

73, Fred, K4DII
fred-mckenzie@ksc.nasa.gov
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,sci.electronics