After waiting for what seemed like forever the ID-52A has arrived.

I will not bore you with what has been said by countless others that got their radios before me. I will say simply that it is an awesome radio, it is what Icom said it would be, and that I am pleased with it. Is it worth the price tag that is on it? I can’t say that it is worth it to anyone but I can say this. If you are going to own one then you will pay the price for it as it will not come down in price.

Listening to Dstar on 30C and 01C there have been a lot of people purchasing these radios. There are a number of good things about the radio and here are just a few.

1. It has a large screen. I have the Anniversary Edition of the ID-51and while it is a great radio and I REALLY like it, I prefer a larger screen. Age causes one to appreciate the 2.3-inch screen on the ID-52A which is nicer than the 1.7-inch screen on the ID-51.

2. You can switch between the white background display and the dark background. It did not take long for me to realize the dark display was my favorite. It looks very good and is easier on the eyes in my opinion.

3. V/V, U/U, VU dual watch including DVD mode. With the id52 you can now simultaneously watch the DV bands which means two DV signals can be decoded at the same time. Therefore two different Dstar repeaters can be heard at the same time. This can be a real plus where there are two repeaters close to you or you are using a hotspot with a repeater also nearby.

4. Icom’s DR function is a feature that makes configuring the radio a breeze. The intuitive setting screen gives you a quick and easy setting ability.

5. Built-in Bluetooth is a great feature. I had never used Bluetooth until I bought a Yaesu FT-3 and used a headset with it. When I got the ID-52A I paired the LG HBS-750 headset with absolutely no issues getting it to pair and function correctly. I like the convenience of using Bluetooth. Fasten the radio to the molle loops on your backpack and you’re done. HBS-750 works just fine and even the PTT on the headset puts the radio into transmit mode.

6.  It of course has a built in GPS/GLOANASS reciever. With this comes a variety of useful functions such as the near repeater search functions which makes field operations so much more convenient even if you don’t know where you are operating from. The grid locator is also automatically displayed.

Other features include the ability to charge the battery with a usb cable as well as from a third-party ac adapter or portable battery pack while continuing to operate the unit. No worrying about operating time. The unit is also ipx7 waterproof and built military-grade tough. Oh did I mention the 750 milliwatts of audio? Makes listening nice in louder enviroments. The ID-52A comes with the same battery found in the ID51 as well as the IC-705. I added the BP-307 battery to the unit and I am sure it is going to vastly improve operating time between charges.

What about pictures? Yes, it will send them as well using software for Androids or iPhones.