Icom Ic-400pro

[VladTepes]

Who has one ?

Comments ?

What makes them better than, say, a GME.

Are the extra user programmable 450-500 MHz channels of any use ?
What for ?


Your comments appreciated as I am looking to purchase in the very short term.

Thanks

[Phoenix]

Too much more than a GME in cost IMHO. They are built more like a commercial radio. better case, internals etc, and are a good radio, but a bit too many $$ for me.

[VladTepes]

Prestige Dommunications has them at a price I'm prepared to pay. I;m more after a first hand opinion of whats good / bad about it to decide whether I really want it more than I do a GME.

[Xavie]

I got one..... Hmm.... beautiful design physically. BUT don't buy one. I sorta wish I had gone GME because I can't even remember how to alter the squelch on the ICOM. I need the owners manual near me all the time which should not be the case with a UHF.

I still believe they are far superior but they are just to hard to get your head around especially if not used all the time.

The extra channels.... to me they are of no use and I believe most people would not find them of much use but I may be wrong.

Xavier

[incisor]

the extra channels arent so much the bonus as the extra power...

[Xavie]

I suggest have a read of this also. Question to Icom IC400 Pro Owners....Again! - aus.radio.cb | Google Groups (http://groups.google.com.au/group/aus.radio.cb/browse_thread/thread/891d624b0f2d0253/2ccd4901198e03f5?hl=en&lnk=st&q=power+of+icom+ic+400+pro#2ccd4901198e03f5)

you may find it useless but Icom has some very annoying features like this really freakin loud beep when you power on and it gives one a headache and makes your ears ring every time. I've been known to get out of the vehicle when I'm turning on the radio.

I'm doing my best to find this "cloning software" that is spoken about but I don't even know if it is legal or where to get it so not sure what luck I will have.

Xavier

[Sprint]

keep an eye on EBAY and the UHF/scanner websites for the software

the extra channels need to be programmed in with a computer and a patch lead, and the beep can be turned off at the same time

[VladTepes]

So really if I was to get the ICOM I;d also have to spend the $70 odd extra for the programming cable (which may or may not come with the software I'm not sure).

Maybe I'll go with the GME after all.

[amtravic1]

I suggest have a read of this also. Question to Icom IC400 Pro Owners....Again! - aus.radio.cb | Google Groups (http://groups.google.com.au/group/aus.radio.cb/browse_thread/thread/891d624b0f2d0253/2ccd4901198e03f5?hl=en&lnk=st&q=power+of+icom+ic+400+pro#2ccd4901198e03f5)

I'm doing my best to find this "cloning software" that is spoken about but I don't even know if it is legal or where to get it so not sure what luck I will have.

Xavier

I have an Icom and it is a very good radio. It is annoying having to read the manual if I want to adjust the squelsh though as I usually just leave it set now I am happy with the level.
The files for the adjustment software are in the files section of the web site under communications.

Ian

[VladTepes]

Thanks fopr all your comments - in the end I decided the smaller GME unit was more suitable for the application (and space) I need - cheers.

[Handbrake hates Camping]

I have an Icom and it is a very good radio. It is annoying having to read the manual if I want to adjust the squelsh though as I usually just leave it set now I am happy with the level.
I can email you a copy of the software. Just PM me.

Ian

Is the offer for the software open to others?????

[Xavie]

Is the offer for the software open to others?????

YEah it is, just got to search it. go to "all posts" that amtravic1 has posted and it should be in one of his recent posts.

Xavier

[amtravic1]

The files for the adjustment software are in the files section of the web site under communications.

Ian

:):):)

[sclarke]

i tried to use a cheaper version, but the string on the tin cans kept breaking when i slowed more then the car in front......:D

[fernockulated]

I have an Icom and happy with it.Once you have the cable and software (aquired thru a yahoo chat group)that annoying beep was removed and all the extras are at your finger tips,all i do is programme the channels on my desktop then transfer over to swmbo's laptop then out to the car and plug it in and presto,all the channels you want between 450-500 megawhoozies,good to find what the local mr plod is doing or who's place is burning down the bro-in-law has one and we have our own private channel tis good for travelling as it doesnt get others chatting whilst going thru built up areas ,as for price ,what i paid for mine as a complete package was nearly the same as a "cheeper" radio,cos with the cheepy you still had to buy the "extras" like aerial and such,
just my two bobs worth:cool:

[fernockulated]

Thanks fopr all your comments - in the end I decided the smaller GME unit was more suitable for the application (and space) I need - cheers.

the icom is not that big Vlad tis actually smaller than a standard indash radio,mine fits neatly on the side of my console and swmbo does not complain about it being in the way:cool:

[Xavie]

I just picked the lead up for 30 bucks, WOOT. V pleased. I see they are on ebay for 40-$50. But, they are easily made by the looks of it. I reckon for about $10.

Xavier

[beforethevision]

With very limited space in the freelander dash, I ended up with an Icom-208H, UHF/VHF 55W split unit. I LOVE IT!!! easy to naivigate, all the controls on the handset, simple. Its normally left on 5W, but at 55W i can be heard on hand helds AGES away. DJHampson can attest!

I got the unit, dual band antenna, cabling and pre programmed for just over 500$.

It has alot of features i dont use, but im happy with the power and useability.

[VladTepes]

the icom is not that big Vlad tis actually smaller than a standard indash radio,mine fits neatly on the side of my console and swmbo does not complain about it being in the way:cool:


Bugger I wish I;d known that before I ordered the GME - anyway the GME will be fine for what I need and anyway it isn't all that pressing an issue at the moment...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/52604-bugger-my-new-130-has-name-find-out-why.html#post703011

[LandyAndy]

5W is the legal limit,as Im sure we all know.
I have an old Philips,EX SA Police via ebay.99 chanels,35W output etc.
Its had the police chanels wiped and the 40 + 8 duplex chanels programed in.
Was told by the seller full programable etc,disc provided.
Well the disc dont work and I need an Eprom to do any programing I finds out later!!!
Wish I had put the $$$ into a GME or Icom.
The extra power would really come into its own in an emergency.
You may not be able to recieve but you may have enough power to pick up a truckie on CH40 or a repeater station.
Andrew