Icom 5100 Install

[Overland Tailor]

Finally got my 5100 out of the basement and into the rig.. Used my Jotto desk mount that I run my Ipad on and purchased a RAM Clamp mount to secure the radio head.

Main unit is under the drivers seat.

Used a Comer Lip mount and a 16" shorty Dual Band for around town and getting in and out of the garage.. I'll run a larger whip when traveling....

 

[Hyup]

I LOVE my 5100! I live in Northern California and used repeaterbook.com and RT Systems software to program the top 1,200 repeaters and their respective GPS coordinates in areas of expected travel in Calif, Oregon, Nevada and Utah. I can then use the "Find Near Repeater" function to create a scannable list of the nearby repeaters ranked by proximity to my current location as measured by the radio's internal GPS. This makes it super simple to find live/active repeaters while on the go. I might have missed something in my research but I don't know of any other mobile radio that can do this.

 

[Elbert]

how is the 5100? Whats the real world take on D-Star?

 

[Overland Tailor]

I like the 5100 a lot. Easy to use and very adaptable with the different frequencies and modes. D-Star was something that filled my need prior to earning my HF privileges, but I don't really seem to use it much now. I've added a Yaesu FT-891 into the truck and really do most Comms now on HF.

I did utilize the 5100 and D-Star with a Hot Spot and drove from Slee in CO home to AL and always had access to D-Star... Today, Id run HF.. I have an ID 51 handheld as well and use it around the house to listen to the reflectors on a Raspberry Pi and my WiFi.

I think D-Star has its place, but there are a bunch of haters out there that says it cheating. I'm not one of those people... When there is bad weather / lightning and I cant use my 43' Vertical Antenna and HF in the shack, I'll listen to D-star and the Weather Nets. Everything has its place and is somewhat of a compromise. Just another tool for the bag,,,

73,

John
WF4JG

 

[Elbert]

I like the 5100 a lot. Easy to use and very adaptable with the different frequencies and modes. D-Star was something that filled my need prior to earning my HF privileges, but I don't really seem to use it much now. I've added a Yaesu FT-891 into the truck and really do most Comms now on HF.

I did utilize the 5100 and D-Star with a Hot Spot and drove from Slee in CO home to AL and always had access to D-Star... Today, Id run HF.. I have an ID 51 handheld as well and use it around the house to listen to the reflectors on a Raspberry Pi and my WiFi.

I think D-Star has its place, but there are a bunch of haters out there that says it cheating. I'm not one of those people... When there is bad weather / lightning and I cant use my 43' Vertical Antenna and HF in the shack, I'll listen to D-star and the Weather Nets. Everything has its place and is somewhat of a compromise. Just another tool for the bag,,,

73,

John
WF4JG

Ok thanks. I'm a very "novice" ham and don't use it that much (ham in general). Been reading a little bit on D-star and apparently it works well from what I've read (in that mode), the 5100. I'm not a purist but I can see the view that its gone beyond radio, which gets at the core of the consternation that some apparently feel. Likely I'll try and stay with the simple 2 meter stuff as I'm a huge fan of simplicity. I do like what I read about the large screen on the 5100 and some of the user friendly features related to operation. Did not know if d-star made any difference on line of sight comms.

 

[Hyup]

The XOverland guys are moving to the 5100 - discussed in this vid starting around 10 minute mark.

 

[izzyandsue]

Interesting read. I was looking to upgrade my radios. I have a TYT-9800 on the LC, and a Yaesu FT-8900 at home (plus assorted portables). The TYT works okay, but not for long term use. The Yaesu is of course well made and it fits in place of the TYT easily enough.
I have been looking at the ID-5100 and the Kenwood TM-D710G. Anyone else with experience on these 2? I am leaning towards the Icom.