On Mon, 1 Jun 2009 13:23:44 -0700, "Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)" amsat-bb@wd9ewk.net said:
If I had to replace my IC-2720H, I would probably get an FT-8800 as the replacement. Price is good, better than the IC-2820H which was Icom's replacement for the IC-2720H, and the separate knobs for each VFO made it a better (for me) choice than the current Kenwood 2m/70cm FM mobiles (TM-D710 or TM-V71A). And, as Drew mentioned, its ability to function as a cross-band repeater ensures it can work with the satellites in cross-band full-duplex mode.
I would say "get the 2820 and try out some D-STAR/digital stuff too". Plus the 2820 has the GPS in it... with the D-STAR installed...
IC-2820 and Kenwood's TNC/control head thing together makes a pretty cool little "digital geek" mobile station, and with the 2820 also capable of duplex operation...
Lots of toys = fun. Of course, to get the full utilization out of the D-STAR portion, you really need to be in the coverage of a Gateway (internet) equipped D-STAR repeater...
Stuff to think about...
Nate WY0X -- Nate Duehr nate@natetech.com