How to Select a Radio - Why I bought the Icom IC-T10

In this video, I'll share with you how I select my radios. We'll discuss my process for selecting the ICom IC-T10.

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0:00 Introduction
0:54 Budget
1:16 Operating Environment
2:35 The Problem
5:33 Radio Requirements
7:57 Digital Interface
9:36 Dual Band
9:46 Rugged Construction
10:28 Interoperability
10:54 Price
11:26 Field Charging
14:02 Conclusion

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#thetechprepper #icom #hamradio

[Swamp-Fox]

I enjoy hearing the thought process others use when choosing gear. Thanks for sharing!

[timk]

I started using bnc on all my HT and it makes it lots easier and quicker to take off the bnc antenna and screw in either a mic or a digital cabel. It definitely will save the life of the SMA. Maybe a solution for you. 73

[wheeler]

I like the way you approach the criteria you need for your tools.
Always great to hear your perspective and insight

[prestonms]

I chose the TYT MD UV-390+ it's been field tested and loved by 2S Underground it's affordable analog/DMR IP67 has encryption dual band battery lasts all day able to be Mars modded and run on any channel has tons of customizable features has a quality k1 connector ❤

[anotherZebra]

Thanks for the replacement screw tip, they work on my IC-V86 as well.

[milwman]

The new Yaesu FTX-1F certainly be a popular radio mostly because I want the all channels and capabilities and bands.

[owlcricker]

Thanks GMan. Good thought process as usual!

[raithjames]

I'm glad you saw the light. There is another big plus about the VX-6 after mars mod. It is the only HT that can TX on 121.5 (aircraft emergency frequency). Not something to be abused, but in a life and death situation, it permits direct contact with aircraft during an emergency. My favourite radio, the FT-5 cannot accomplish even after being modded. That is the reason, I still have a VX-6 around. If the VX-6 only had GPS functionality, it would be the perfect HT for me.

[nvrumi]

Gaston, this was an excellent analysis and presentation of your process. It is one many could learn from, including me.

I went through something of a similar analysis a couple years ago. I had a used Kenwood TH-D7A(G), which is an excellent handheld. However, it requires a wall wart and cradle for charging the NiMH battery pack.

My requirement was for charging from the station power supply (12vdc). The TH-6 and the D74 both charge from 12vdc and both offer LION battery packs, as well as a AA cradle for emergency power supply. They are not IP67, unfortunately, but that is a lower requirement for me at this time.

The Mobilinkd and Digirig modules work with the TH-6 just fine. I'm not fully into the D74 just yet, so there are things to be learnt there.

Thanks for sharing your process.

[garberinc]

T10 is a great radio. Consider the ID 50/ ID 52. Extremely quality radios. Feel like commercial radios in hand and function. Sensitivity is much, much better than any Yaesu radio, sound quality too. They do DPRS, not true APRS which I don’t use anyway. I have 2 ID52’s and one ID50. Best HT radios i have had in 30 years.

[KiloJuliet]

Another great video. Any thoughts on using an ID-50? While more expensive, it seems like it would work for your use case. I have been running the ID-52 since it came out. Best HT out there. Only thing it lacks is APRS, but you solved that problem with the Digirig. The ID-50/52 can charge via USB, 12V or cradle which is nice and Icom offers 3 different battery sizes.

[EverydayMarksman]

Good video, thanks! I also picked up an IC-T10 for many of the same reasons, but my requirements were slightly different. The big thing for me and my uses was that I wanted access to a rugged and water-sealed speaker mic for outdoors use in crappy weather. As far as I can tell, nobody makes a speaker mic that meets those specs for the VX6r. Ended up with the IC-T10 and an Otto Evolution mic, it's a great combo. The only issue is the field charging or battery power source, and I'm hoping that someone resolves that.

[EvanKEJT]

I really struggle with the lack of onboard 12v ports or USB-C on a modern radio. Now, I understand that commercial users could care less about that since their radios will go in the cradle every for amateur radio or GMRS, there's no excuse for the lack of onboard 2024 not 1984.

[m.p.]

As others have said, add a bnc to the antenna. The screw in plug is a feature, not a flaw. Its an excellent radio for your pouch, as the plug is screwed in and secured and on top. Maybe not the perfect radio for every situation, but if it needs to go in a pouch, and be weatherproof, this is it. Great content as always.

[henryslab]

Did you finish the series on the Motorola you were evaluating? What was the result? I don’t remember seeing a video

[RecoilRabid]

Thank you for this video. I was thinking of buying a couple for my use cases that are pretty much the same as yours. For the reasons you brought up here I think I will pass on the T10.

[rdbarnes]

Have you tested the transmit power on the gmrs frequencies after the mars mod? One of my biggest disappointments with the vx6 was the very low transmit power on gmrs frequencies.

[RB]

I wanted the VX-6R, but the T-10 was almost 50% off, so I bought two of them for my wife and I.

[candyman__]

I picked up the IC-T10 looking at the MIL-810 G and IP67 rating since I'm looking for something that will take a beating. Biggest issue for me like you is lack of aftermarket support and lack of range from Icom. Haven't sold mine off yet, but certainly would for the right price. Only problem is I can't really find anyone else interested in the model.

[johndigiovanni]

The FT-60 Mic connection drives my crazy when it backs out and throws the radio into transmit. I have been putting a rubber band around the mic connection to help with that. I wish they used the old Kenwood style dual connection as I never had an issue with that one in any radio with it. 73 de N3LUD