I really appreciate you taking the time to do a good review on this radio. I picked one up this past weekend from Jim at Chatt Radio after watching your review. It's an awesome HT. I've got a FT5 and I was on the fence about the ID-50 until I watched this video. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you
Thanks, Mike, for doing this review. I'm considering this HT for my armamentarium. Your video helped a lot. Please continue to expound on the features and options of this remarkable HT in future episodes. -W5SON
I had the ID-52A before I traded it for the Kenwood D-75. The battery life is great with the ID-52A, especially with the BP-307 3100 Mah battery. Glad to see Icom being consistent with their menu system compared to other radio manufacturers. Manually programing was a bit weird with the ID-52A, which looks the same on the ID-50. With the Kenwood D-75, it was much easier with the front panel. I might eventually get an ID-50 just to have another field radio. I'll admit, Icom built the ID-52A and ID-50A like a rock compared to other HT's on the market. Just wish Kenwood would've done the same with the D-75.
Finally! Been waiting to see what your opinion was. Love that the battery can be used in the IC-705. Makes me want to get one!!! Especially now that I know I can get my weather report while I am underwater🙂
Good review. I have llots of HT's. Everyone has their addition of sorts. I am super impressed with the recieve quality of the 52. And the 7300 changed the game for resonably priced high quality HF. I just might have to add the 50 to the collection. I just wish they would offer the 5200.
Nice! Just can't justify the purchase when my OLD ID51 Plus is still awesome. That with the 705's high capacity battery would make for the best weekend outdoors setup.
Super overview. I think this radio is really a great buy. Does everything my ID52 does but I don’t need to take a charger for the ID-50 when I travel, just use my phone charger. 73
I really like this radio, my only complaint is the placement of the microphone. I find that my fingers tend to cover it over when picking up the radio.
Is the speaker mic port a 2 pin k type? I started out with the typical baofeng radio so those are the connector type headsets I currently have. It would be nice to be able to use the stuff I already have. Also, can you give me your opinion on my next radio(s) purchase? I’m looking at getting this id50 and the 705 or putting that money toward a rfinder b1+ or p10 tablet. In your opinion, is it better to have an HF/VHF/UHF radio like the 705 or to have a dedicated HF, like the xiegu x6100, and a separate VHF/UHF like the radioddity db25d?
By FM repeater you mean analog. I'm surrounded by many analog repeaters but no D-star, in fact only one Fusion 30 miles away. It would be really nice if the ID50 could find nearby analog repeaters too.
@@hamradiotube Fantastic! I'm getting visually impaired with age. The #1 reason I'm looking at this machine is the visibility of the screen (without reading glasses). #2 I have a 5100a and 2730a and love them both. #3 USB-C charging! Man has landed on the Moon (for real this time haha!). Great review thanks.
@@hamradiotube it’s too bad the I’d-52 doesn’t have usb c, that would make it the perfect candidate (aside from the higher price tag). The only other thing is the mars/cap mod seems a lot sketchier on the icom’s. It’s nice and easy on the Yaesu’s!
@@hamradiotube when modding my FTM-400 I removed both the right resistor, and another wrong one as well. Sent it to Yaesu and they fixed it for free so at least that got that going for them 🤣. Scariest moment of my life lol
Well you're probably not going to put an Abbree on it without an adapter due to how fat that antenna is, but I've used all kinds of antennas like the little stubby one I use or the Signal Stuff Signal Stick no problem.
just here for the algorithm, I have to say after recently getting into HF, HT really do nothing for me. expensive HT infinitely so. they are walkie talkies. while I understand real radios are better and I own a yeasu ht. IMO baofeng at $15-40 is all I would ever need in a HT walkie talkie.
I was of this opinion as well for a long time. My use case shifted however when family started getting licensed around me. Then the use case for a nice HT which can monitor my home cross band frequency (to my base Icom 2730) as well as local repeaters, all while allowing me to control the volume of each VFO independently really is nice. I equate the ID-50 to my IC-705. Both are just a joy to use. They compliment each other perfectly with the same battery, menu system, etc. - N7CCD
Does this one work? How does it receive? How is the audio? lots of useless review on youtube telling us what is in the manual but no real demos, did you get this one for free? Last review from you I watch you said it was a great radio and was a POS. I am looking for a radio that work and works well. Not dumb features I will never use.
Yes this works. It's an Icom. They're fantastic radios. And no, the Japanese companies don't give away free radios like the Chinese do. I paid for this and it is my new favorite HT. It sounds great. But that's what you get when you spend $400 on a radio vs. ~$50 like the TidRadio (which is still an OK radio) you commented on. They all have their place, but if you want something you can really rely on, Icom is the way to go in my opinion. I have an Icom 7610, 7300, 705 and now the ID-50.
Icom could have came out with a radio that does APRS and other feature rich options that people are asking for. They could have came out with a 100watt 705 like radio. Instead they give us a watered down 52a. Sad.
too bad many new hams don't understand this and don't unconditionally demand it in their HTs. cross band full duplex used to be included in every dual band ht and is the most indispensable feature in a dual band handheld radio with no exceptions. It dictates the layout of the radio as well as it requires two independent volume controls and hopefully squelch controls. The id-50 can not be called a dual bander as it's not possible to use the second band without interuption of the first band, this fundamental limitation is unresolvable and trumps any and all other features present as it makes true dual band operation impossible.
Is there a way to not connect to satellites . Please someone just explain this to me I’m brand new to this stuff and I’m just checking to see if this is a good option for a proper . I don’t want anything that could be tracked by a satellite
I really appreciate you taking the time to do a good review on this radio. I picked one up this past weekend from Jim at Chatt Radio after watching your review. It's an awesome HT. I've got a FT5 and I was on the fence about the ID-50 until I watched this video. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you
Thanks, Mike, for doing this review. I'm considering this HT for my armamentarium. Your video helped a lot. Please continue to expound on the features and options of this remarkable HT in future episodes.
-W5SON
I'm not sure why, but the shot of the Weather Band underwater just cracked me up...
I laughed hard at that one too! 😂
Well we needed to know if it was raining lol!
Well the weather under the water is no good for me because I can't swim. 73 K4BWN
I had the ID-52A before I traded it for the Kenwood D-75. The battery life is great with the ID-52A, especially with the BP-307 3100 Mah battery. Glad to see Icom being consistent with their menu system compared to other radio manufacturers.
Manually programing was a bit weird with the ID-52A, which looks the same on the ID-50. With the Kenwood D-75, it was much easier with the front panel.
I might eventually get an ID-50 just to have another field radio. I'll admit, Icom built the ID-52A and ID-50A like a rock compared to other HT's on the market. Just wish Kenwood would've done the same with the D-75.
I have the ID52 age the battery life is great. Put the IC307 on the radio and it's amazing.
Man, you’re gonna make me order one of these! Thanks for the video!
You should!
I am very tempted by this radio. Looking forward to some more on it.
It’s worth it!
Go for it! It's a great radio.
Great review Mike. Very similar to the ID-51A as well. KB4QCE
This is my IC-5100 as an HT. 😂
I need one! Great review!
I was surprised at the battery life on the ID50. I’ve had this running for 2 days straight without needing a charge.
Thanks for the video. Best ID-50 review. Now I want one.
Finally! Been waiting to see what your opinion was. Love that the battery can be used in the IC-705. Makes me want to get one!!! Especially now that I know I can get my weather report while I am underwater🙂
Sometimes you just really need the WX lol!
Good review. I have llots of HT's. Everyone has their addition of sorts. I am super impressed with the recieve quality of the 52. And the 7300 changed the game for resonably priced high quality HF. I just might have to add the 50 to the collection. I just wish they would offer the 5200.
Nice! Just can't justify the purchase when my OLD ID51 Plus is still awesome. That with the 705's high capacity battery would make for the best weekend outdoors setup.
I used Repeater Book to load in FM and Dstar lists in the 5100a. I used a CSV file and up loaded list that way.
Wow. Good run through. I want one now!
Super overview. I think this radio is really a great buy. Does everything my ID52 does but I don’t need to take a charger for the ID-50 when I travel, just use my phone charger. 73
Great video. Did you ever figure out how to store/seek the FM repeaters?
USB-C and MicroSD card is a winner winner chicken dinner.
I really like this radio, my only complaint is the placement of the microphone. I find that my fingers tend to cover it over when picking up the radio.
Love that radio. One day I'll work up the courage to mars mod it and fully replace my vx6.
Great video Mike!
Is the speaker mic port a 2 pin k type?
I started out with the typical baofeng radio so those are the connector type headsets I currently have. It would be nice to be able to use the stuff I already have.
Also, can you give me your opinion on my next radio(s) purchase? I’m looking at getting this id50 and the 705 or putting that money toward a rfinder b1+ or p10 tablet. In your opinion, is it better to have an HF/VHF/UHF radio like the 705 or to have a dedicated HF, like the xiegu x6100, and a separate VHF/UHF like the radioddity db25d?
I wish I can afford this one.. maybe soon.. Dayton deals!
How do you like your new Kenwood TH-D75 ??
By FM repeater you mean analog. I'm surrounded by many analog repeaters but no D-star, in fact only one Fusion 30 miles away. It would be really nice if the ID50 could find nearby analog repeaters too.
It can. th-cam.com/video/l1wVH88udxI/w-d-xo.html
@@hamradiotube Fantastic! I'm getting visually impaired with age. The #1 reason I'm looking at this machine is the visibility of the screen (without reading glasses). #2 I have a 5100a and 2730a and love them both. #3 USB-C charging! Man has landed on the Moon (for real this time haha!). Great review thanks.
I have the ICOM ID52A, I like it because it have Bluetooth,
Does anyone make alternative belt clips for these batteries? I was hoping to find a clip that can swivel.
You and me both. I’d love one too. Not that I’m aware of.
How do you like it compared to your Yaesu FT5DR? I Have an FT3 and am considering the ID-50 or ID-52 instead of getting the FT5.
I like it much better tan the FT5.
@@hamradiotube it’s too bad the I’d-52 doesn’t have usb c, that would make it the perfect candidate (aside from the higher price tag). The only other thing is the mars/cap mod seems a lot sketchier on the icom’s. It’s nice and easy on the Yaesu’s!
@@Eric10179 I can't bring myself to do a mars mod on a good radio! I'd prob break it.
@@hamradiotube when modding my FTM-400 I removed both the right resistor, and another wrong one as well. Sent it to Yaesu and they fixed it for free so at least that got that going for them 🤣. Scariest moment of my life lol
@@hamradiotube I'd agree... Even use my OS4 to cross mode into YSF instead of using my FT5 these days.
Every video of the ID-50 its sounds terrible like a tin speaker - is this actually the case?
I kinda want it because it's a cool device, but my ratio gear to contact is horrendous on vhf/uhf so I'll pass haha thanks for the video ;)
Have you looked at other antennas? Doesn't the gps bump limit options? Any help is appreciated.
Well you're probably not going to put an Abbree on it without an adapter due to how fat that antenna is, but I've used all kinds of antennas like the little stubby one I use or the Signal Stuff Signal Stick no problem.
Can you charge the battery using the USB-C port while the radio is on? Or do you have to turn off the radio in order to charge the battery?
You sure can.
Does the ID-50 have the ability to have different CTCSS tones for TX and RX for a repeater?
It sure does.
@@hamradiotubeexcellent! I'll put this radio on the "must have" list
So you prefer the ft-5d or the Icom ?
The FT5 is a great radio and I enjoy mine, but I'm Icom all the way.
just here for the algorithm, I have to say after recently getting into HF, HT really do nothing for me. expensive HT infinitely so. they are walkie talkies. while I understand real radios are better and I own a yeasu ht. IMO baofeng at $15-40 is all I would ever need in a HT walkie talkie.
I was of this opinion as well for a long time. My use case shifted however when family started getting licensed around me. Then the use case for a nice HT which can monitor my home cross band frequency (to my base Icom 2730) as well as local repeaters, all while allowing me to control the volume of each VFO independently really is nice. I equate the ID-50 to my IC-705. Both are just a joy to use. They compliment each other perfectly with the same battery, menu system, etc. - N7CCD
Does this one work? How does it receive? How is the audio? lots of useless review on youtube telling us what is in the manual but no real demos, did you get this one for free? Last review from you I watch you said it was a great radio and was a POS. I am looking for a radio that work and works well. Not dumb features I will never use.
Yes this works. It's an Icom. They're fantastic radios. And no, the Japanese companies don't give away free radios like the Chinese do. I paid for this and it is my new favorite HT. It sounds great. But that's what you get when you spend $400 on a radio vs. ~$50 like the TidRadio (which is still an OK radio) you commented on. They all have their place, but if you want something you can really rely on, Icom is the way to go in my opinion. I have an Icom 7610, 7300, 705 and now the ID-50.
If you get 20+ comments from me I am sorry. TH-cam kept auto deleting them. Great Video!
Thank you very much!
@@hamradiotube On the card, look in the RptLst folder. It’s where the repeaters files are kept.
@@hamradiotube On the card, look in the RptLst folder for the repeaters.
What’s your everyday carry HT?
Icom could have came out with a radio that does APRS and other feature rich options that people are asking for. They could have came out with a 100watt 705 like radio. Instead they give us a watered down 52a. Sad.
nice radio BUT as Icom continue going away from APRS as I also continue going away from Icom ;-)
Yeah I don't know what their deal is with that. They are stuck on DPRS which nobody outside of Japan uses.
review /feature check:
cross band full duplex?
-NOT SUPPORTED.
end of review.
HARD FAIL.
next....
too bad many new hams don't understand this and don't unconditionally demand it in their HTs.
cross band full duplex used to be included in every dual band ht and is the most indispensable feature in a dual band handheld radio with no exceptions.
It dictates the layout of the radio as well as it requires two independent volume controls and hopefully squelch controls.
The id-50 can not be called a dual bander as it's not possible to use the second band without interuption of the first band, this fundamental limitation is unresolvable and trumps any and all other features present as it makes true dual band operation impossible.
Is there a way to not connect to satellites . Please someone just explain this to me I’m brand new to this stuff and I’m just checking to see if this is a good option for a proper . I don’t want anything that could be tracked by a satellite