Why do amateur radio operators prefer Icom equipment?

Operators cite Icom's consistent reliability, clear audio quality, and user-friendly design as primary reasons for their loyalty. The brand's wide range of products—from handheld portables to high-powered base stations—meets diverse operating needs. Many users also value Icom's lasting build quality and strong resale value.

What is D-STAR technology and why is it popular with Icom users?

D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) is a digital voice and data protocol developed with support from Icom. It enables global connectivity through linked repeater networks, offering clear communication even over long distances. Users at Hamvention specifically praised its dependability for travel and net check-ins.

What is DR mode on Icom radios?

DR mode is a D-STAR Repeater mode that simplifies the process of accessing and configuring repeaters for amateur radio operators. It integrates with online tools to allow location-based repeater updates, reducing setup complexity. This feature was highlighted as particularly helpful for newer operators and those operating while traveling.

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Professional AV

Dayton Hamvention 2025: Amateur Radio Operators Trust Icom for Performance and Reliability

At Dayton Hamvention 2025, amateur radio operators voiced strong confidence in Icom equipment, citing years of reliable use across portable handhelds and high-powered base stations. Users highlighted D-STAR technology, DR mode, and seamless integration with online repeater tools as standout features. Icom's consistent performance, sound quality, and ease of use were praised across diverse operating environments including RVs and home stations.

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By Pro Av · July 9, 2025, 7:18 PM UTCAmateur RadioAmateur Radio HobbyistD-star TechnologyDayton Hamvention 2025

Key takeaways

Amateur radio operators at Dayton Hamvention 2025 praised Icom radios for long-term reliability and sound quality across a wide range of use cases.

D-STAR technology was a key highlight, enabling dependable global connectivity and clear communication for users on the move.

DR mode and online repeater integration tools simplified setup and made Icom radios accessible even for less experienced operators.

At Dayton Hamvention 2025, amateur radio operators expressed strong support for Icom equipment. Many of them have had years of experience using a range of Icom radios, from portable handhelds to high-powered base stations. Users praised the brand’s reliability, sound quality, and straightforward operation across various setups, including RVs and travel scenarios. D-STAR technology stood out as a key feature, offering dependable global connectivity and clear communication.

Icom’s practical design and user-friendly interface stood out to amateur radio operators, who valued features that simplified setup and improved usability. Features like DR mode made repeater access and configuration more efficient, even for less experienced users. Many appreciated how easily the radios integrated with online tools for location-based repeater updates. Users emphasized Icom’s consistent performance and lasting value in the amateur radio space whether checking into nets while traveling or maintaining daily contact at home.

Video TranscriptExpand ↓

Hey. My name is Bob Lobenstein, w a two a x z, hailing originally from Brooklyn, New York. Now I'm in Wisconsin. I've got a complete ICOM, radio station. I've got two tables set up, one for forty meters with the new ICOM seventy three hundred. And of course, on the hundred and sixty meter table, I have my old faithful seven fifty six Pro two. On top of that, we have the portable t seven h and, and keep on going, I have a seventy eight hundred in the RV. So, you could say I'm a complete Icom family. My son-in-law is k d nine FCB, and I got him the small Icom d star. Pretty much, I've been supporting ICOM for many, many years. I've been on amateur radio now for fifty three years and having one hell of a good time. Alright. My name is Curtis Cook. It's November six, Hotel Oscar. When I first got licensed back in two thousand and three, my first radio was an IC32 Alpha. Now, Icom obviously doesn't make those anymore, but it was a heck of a ham radio, HT at the time, and I still have it. Today, it works. I have an ID fifty two alpha in my hands, and I normally use this as my go to radio because I can go to dstarinfo dot com, and if I'm traveling somewhere, like this weekend I went to another state, I put in the, grid coordinates of where I'm gonna go, and it gives me all the repeaters with the latitude and longitude. I drop it into the radio. I'm checking into nets. Matter of fact, I was in South Carolina in February, got off the plane, checked in the hotel, and I was right onto the net down there in, Charleston area. So highly recommend Icom as far as the receive is great. D STAR, though it's an older technology, does have a lot of users on it. And I find that with the Doctor mode radios has really created a good ease of use factor versus back in the day when I had a I d ninety one alpha, and I had to do each channel by itself. In D STAR, the Doctor memories, you just hit the down button, tell it what you wanna do, and away you are with D STAR, either connecting or disconnecting or seeing the information on your repeaters. ICOM, for me, has has been with me as an amateur radio operator. Look forward to other people enjoying ICOM products as well, and just appreciate being able to give this testimonial. My name is Dan. I'm from Lafayette, Indiana, and I've been a tech since ninety four. I'm still a tech, but when it comes to ICOM and dSTAR, I'm completely satisfied through the years I've acquired. I have a fifty two a, I'm excited about that. I've got a seven thousand one hundred and in my car I got the five thousand one hundred, but D STAR is just amazing. It really completes, for me, it's kinda like the poor man's HF. I really enjoy that. Talk to people in South Korea, Shenandoah Valley, in my own area. It's just wonderful. I came by the ICOM booth because I appreciate ICOM. It's quality. You get what you pay for, and it's beautiful. Just for ICOM, you know, for the love of ham radio, ICOM is fantastic. And for the love of ham radio, use ICOM. For the love of ham radio.