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

[@timk7749]

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

[@solidstrike165]

Would you recommend adding a drop of threadlocker? My adapters tend to want to unscrew when I try to remove the antenna by the BNC connection, defeating the purpose of adding the adapter in the 1st place

[@timk7749]

@@solidstrike165 I would be nervous to do that. I haven't had any issues. I do notice that I put one thumb on the adapter when I'm twisting off the bnc that keeps it from moving.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I started running my Diamond BNCJ-SMAP adapter again on my VX6R. The trick was finding the right antenna. I think I found one that is the right size and rigid enough to not cause issues while moving at a non trivial pace. It's the Diamond RH707. I've been testing it for a month with good success. 73

[@RadTac]

If you use the sma/bnc adapter make sure you friction fit some pvc pipe or similar plastic tube around it and slide it down to the radio. This prevents the added length from snapping your antenna mount from the radio and gives your something to hold onto when disconnecting the bnc.

[@Swamp-Fox]

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

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for listening! There is no perfect radio for everything and rank ordering must-have requirements is the only way to arrive at a decision that meets your needs.

[@prestonm4s]

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 ❤

[@izzy2507-q5w]

same, its a great radio at a great price

[@wheeler7973]

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

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear it. Thanks.

[@milwman1958]

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

[@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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

There's is an IP67 speaker mic for the VX-6R. I've had a pair for as long as I've owned these radios. It's the Yaesu MH-73A4B

[@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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's great to see others taking the time evaluate there needs and stack it up against what is available on the market. It's rare to find a "one size fits all" solution. Thanks for sharing!

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Thanks GMan. Good thought process as usual!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Dick. I try to think through all aspects of comms. Unfortunately, I was blinded by a lot of the commercial features and deep discount on the T10. I knew that field charging would be a problem, but incorrectly decided to let it slide. Big mistake! It's been nice seeing you on JS8.

[@raithjames860]

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.

[@m.p.6330]

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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I've been using the Diamond SMAP but they do not maintain the IP67 rating. All the BNC antennas start to rust within a few weeks of trail running with the sweat build up. It's a personal problem.

[@EvanK2EJT]

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 night.....but for amateur radio or GMRS, there's no excuse for the lack of onboard charging......it's 2024 not 1984.

[@k5wxp22]

Totally agree, Evan! I have been playing with the Baofeng UV21R and Tidradio td-h3 lately, and they both have USB C charging. I tossed the charging cradles to reduce clutter and charge with either a brick, car charger via cig lighter, or wall wart. Sure makes things easier. 73!

[@johnmossy3757]

Totally agree. Should have been an alternative power source or at the least usb charging. ICOM missed it on that one. Not hard to put usb in a battery🙄🙄🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻

[@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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're welcome. This radio has potential... It just needed a rechargeable field battery or battery tray. It traded it to a friend for two Yaesu VX-6Rs. At least you dodged a bullet. 73

[@candyman__87]

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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You got sucked into that radio for the same reason that I did. It had potential as the commercial feel is refreshing, but the lack of field charging was something that I simply could get over. I'm happy with my trade and got two gently used VX-6Rs out of the deal.

[@Kilo7Juliet]

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.

[@rdbarnes8443]

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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

The output is lower across the board when transmitting out band. My solution is getting to a better position and running a more effective antenna.

[@chrisherd991]

Hi Gaston, I have a vx6 and there is a way to screw in the connector without removing the antenna. If you hold the radio upside down with the antenna pointing down. Then it is easy to screw in the cable as gravity “sort of” keeps the cable parallel to the antenna. When done the connect your phone or whatever and you are done.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great tip. I've used that technique too. It's better, but also has damaged the cable.

[@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.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the suggestion. I may have to look into one of those.

[@pale_2111]

You got a deal on that HT. I was interested when Icom announced it, until I heard the MSRP on the radio. Seems a lot of money for just a basic FM Transceiver HT for my taste. Decided to get the ID-52A because it had more capabilities and the batteries are the same as the 705. Eventually upgraded to the Kenwood D-75A from the ID-52A.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I agree. I was excited when I first saw the T10 announcement a couple years back, but the price point was a hard "no" given the feature set. Good call on the ID-52A. I'm curious about the ID-50 and ID-52.

[@pale_2111]

@TheTechPrepper They're great radios and have a lot of features. The main difference is that the 52 has a color screen and Bluetooth with a micro USB charging/data port. On the ID-50, it has USB-C. It's smaller in size with the same IP-67 capabilities, minus the Bluetooth and color screen. Both use the same batteries as the 705. The downside is that they're a real pain to manually program. Icom is releasing the ID-52A Plus soon. Same features and the Original 52, but with USB-C and newer Bluetooth hardware. It's going to be expensive, almost the price of the Kenwood D-75A. If you decide to spent that sort of money on an HT, the Kenwood D-75A would be the better choice to be honest. It'll have a lot more capabilities than the ID-50 and 52/Plus.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@pale_2111 Thanks for the rundown. I actually had the Kenwood D74A and loved to its features, but had to sell it a couple years back as it was not rugged enough for my use. Unfortunately, the D75A has a similar construction.

[@pale_2111]

@@TheTechPrepper That's the downside of the D-74/75A. They're already expensive. Kenwood should've made those radios IP67 rated for the price. Hopefully, Kenwood can come out with a radio with similar features with the IP67 standards.

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Thank you for the information

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome. I hope that it will be good food-for-thought.

[@joelhuntress6736]

Hold the VX6 upside down when installing the threaded connector. Let the cable dangle and twist in the air. No need to remove the antenna. Works for the speaker mic too. 73.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the tip. It's better, but this technique still damages the cable over time.

[@henryslab]

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

[@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

[@DominicMazoch]

Have you considered the type of waterproof bags that are for marine handies. You may have to take it out of the bag to operate, but it would not be exposed to the extream sweat. A consideration in Houston because of our high heat humidity and heat indexices.

[@k5wxp22]

My Dad and his friends used to bag their speakers on the beach while stationed in Okinawa. They sounded fine and kept all the sand and moisture out. Your idea sounds good to me!

[@Cognosapien]

If you will have more than one vx-6r, why not just leave one always connected to the digirig? It could just remain like that as your designated digital mode setup. Or do you prefer to often switch back and forth to voice with one edc radio?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I use my trail radio for both voice and digital every day. The same applies to my EDC VX-6R. Unfortunately, I am not going to carry two radios.

[@Sparkfly88]

I'm curious why you haven't just gotten a BNC adapter for that antenna, then the worry about wearing out the SMA connector is no longer there

[@TheTechPrepper]

I actually pair each VX-6R with the Diamond BNCJ-SMAP adapter but have never been convinced that this adapter is fully IP67 rated. It looks like it is very close. I will have use it more once I find a decent tri-band (or dual band) BNC antenna that is similar in size and rigidness to the stock VX-6R. The longer high gain antennas whip me in the face a pose an eye hazard.

[@Sparkfly88]

@@TheTechPrepper sounds like another dunk test with the adapter is in order. 😂😂

[@Sparkfly88]

@@TheTechPrepper the adapter I use has a rubber ring around the base which I hear it seal against the rubber seal of the radio

[@mikeblaw]

The market that the major manufacturers are aiming at is sedentary. Most hams do not need (or want) the level of moisture/dust protection and ruggedness that a VX series radio offers. Most hams are not going into the backcountry or engage in serious outdoor action activities. The market for hams that will engage in these activities is comparatively small. The VX series is a Swiss Army knife radio. It is waterproof/resistant. It is built like a tank. It will stand up to serious outdoor activities. You might want to look at the VX-7. Unfortunately out of production. Same ecosystem that you have. Addition of 6m and AM, which, when MARS modded, gives 40-225 and 300-580 AM and FM which is significant as you get airband AM which is useful when working with aviation on a SAR op. Issue with other antenna connection types is that the radio might loose some of the watertightness with these...

[@rlee6763]

I just purchased a used VX-7R at the H'ville Hamfest. I paid $250 cash for it in the original box w/all accessories, including (2) batteries and antennas. I purchased an additional Diamond SRH940 antenna for it. My only initial concern is the age of the radio and being discontinued. Its appearance though is near perfect. I was planning on getting the VX-6R but chose this because of the 220 and 6 meter ability. I'll MARS mod it and go from there. I hope it accomplishes my goals. I'll know more after regular EDC usage. KQ4BAC lee - Arm up America!

[@mikeblaw]

@@rlee6763 You can software mod the VX-7 using VX-7 Commander -- if you google VX-7 commander, you should find it. Good luck! The age of the radio shouldn't matter other than you should invest in new batteries if it came with OEM batteries. Amazon is your friend.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I completely agree with all your points. Since this video was made, I've been having good luck with the Diamond BNCJ-SMAP adapter and the Diamond RH707. It offers most of what I need to avoid the eye whipping hazard as well as provides decent moisture protection with better performance over the stock antenna. I'm now able to remove the new Diamond antenna when needing to add/remove the 3.5mm cable for digital.

[@kurt53641]

What about the I’d-52 and the new plus? Water proof as well.

[@hammodetv]

Or the ID-50a. Sold my VX-6R due to the same issues discussed above. Bought a new ID-50A for $375 and couldn’t be happier.

[@kurt53641]

@@hammodetvyep! Paired with ic-705 since it uses same battery it’s gold for survival purposes.

[@johnmossy3757]

@@hammodetvI’ve been looking at getting an id50. How u like it so far?

[@kurt53641]

ID-52 series are definitely worth looking into for prepping and survival.

[@Kilo7Juliet]

Agreed. The ID-52 has been the best amateur HT I have owned to date. 3 ways to charge the battery, amazing audio, easy to use menu, large display....

[@GmailNexus]

I think this model is popular with specops guys in training environments, I have seen it in videos here and there.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

how are the two radios to program from software and from the front keypads? Usually the software is easy copy and paste to program. But sometimes im in the field and need to put in a repeater or program a channel via the front keypad. How easy are these two radios to do that?

[@TheTechPrepper]

They're pretty simple to field program if you're used to older Yaesu radios like the FT-60R. I do it all the time and even have a set of field cards over on BMAC.

[@StrapDLBStyle]

What about a unlocked baofeng AR-152? Thoughts?

[@anthonymorgan9461]

I bought the digirig lite recently and immediately observed the potential for the exact fault you are having. I do think the cable could be significantly tougher to begin with and an exploring making my own. Also it appears the wire itself is not glued/ molded to the plug boot... Perhaps some glue here will help with wire twisting off internally?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I believe the cable for the VX6 is sourced from Argent Data Systems as a bare cable. I'll have to look into the construction.

[@jonpitchford]

Do you have the link for the thumb screws? Didn’t see it in the description. Thanks for all you do!

[@TheTechPrepper]

My mistake. I forgot to include it. The link is in the description. You're welcome!

[@RB01138]

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

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's a great radio and hard to pass up at the discounted price. Well done.

[@k5wxp22]

Man Gaston, you have been cranking out the content lately! Sure glad I didn't run out and buy the Icom...I read several reviews and watched a bunch of videos after you got yours, and held off on buying. I am still enjoying my Tidradio TD-H3 and Baofeng UV21R's. I don't have the dust/sweat proof needs that you do, so they suit me pretty well. Nice part on the TD-H3 is you can program repeaters via bluetooth while traveling. Amazing to see how your channel has blown up with subscribers...congratulations, your hard work is paying off! 73. Brett K5WXP

[@TheTechPrepper]

Sorry for the delay, Brett. I'm having a difficult time responding to everyone with the recent channel growth. I've heard great things about the TD-H3. Everyone's needs are different, so there's no perfect radio that applies to everyone. Sadly, my environment and style of operation locks me into very specific requirements that cause me to miss out some great radios. 73

[@milwman1958]

As far as sweat on your radios, get a box dual zipper freezer bags, big enough you can get your handheld in there cut through one side, big enough to push your antenna through and zip it shut and if you get caught in rain, even if you had to have waterproof radios extra skins for the expensive to replace stuff never heard anyone and you can talk to her. Leave them right in there. Scott KF0HRF

[@genemcphee8053]

Good afternoon Gaston, 2 questions: 1- How can I get the chest rig with the slanted HT pouch? 2- Where can I find the desk top shelf that appears in a number of videos( metal legs and wood top)? I'm researching the Icom IC-T10 73, Gene, McPhee

[@TheTechPrepper]

1. It's from Hill People Gear. Mine is the SAR Kit Bag (medium) 2. I built that shelf using furniture legs from Amazon and a prefabricated board from Lowes. I can recall if covered it in a video. If I did, it would be one of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWnZmYtobNxkbrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpXdeJ2deatrqac Here are the legs I used: amzn.to/3XnRLBI I hope this helps.

[@genemcphee8053]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks for the info , Gaston. Very helpful. Enjoy the weekend. PREPARE DAILY! 73, Gene

[@teamblindsquirrel]

Have you considered a BNC type connection for the antenna? In theory it would lengthen the life of the sma.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I actually pair each VX-6R with the Diamond BNCJ-SMAP adapter but have never been convinced that this adapter is fully IP67 rated. It looks like it is very close. I will have use it more once I find a decent tri-band (or dual band) BNC antenna that is similar in size and rigidness to the stock VX-6R. The longer high gain antennas whip me in the face a pose an eye hazard.

[@tjs2909]

To piggyback on to what others have said, I’ve switched to bnc connectors on all my field equipment, including the diamond adapters for my HTs. I also wear and use my radios in a similar fashion as you and have been using diamond rh707 and rh519 antennas. They’ve worked well so far.

[@kwdrew5419]

I know it's not ideal but i was considering a blind spot 12v power pipe cord, it's USB C to 12v and if paired with a 12v capable battery bank it should power the cradle. Not ideal but workable.

[@berklee33]

Why not use an SMA to BNC adapter and standardize in antennas with BNC. This enables use of portable J-pole as well as standard 2M/70cm antennas. Modular approach is good.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I use them for my roll-up J-Pole with the VX-6R. However, even the Diamond BNCJ-SMAP is not IP67. I've rusted two adapters and BNC antennas within a few weeks of use due to the sweat.

[@berklee33]

@@TheTechPrepper Have seen anodized SMA to BNC adaptors (even own a few) … not certain if that causes a loss in transmission, but certainly would be less prone to oxidation. Remaining alternative is stainless steel (which I have NOT seen.). 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@berklee33 I'll check some other options out. Thanks.

[@late_fee]

Any thoughts on the recently announced Yaesu FTX-1F ? Thanks.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, but it is early. I will be hanging onto my twin FT-818ND manpacks. As it will not replace those from the perspective of field operations. The new FTX-1F will not work for me for field operations for a number of reasons that are similar to why I can't use the 705. The big one is form factor. The spectrum scope is unnecessary and will likely be a power hog and not work well in the sun. I think this radio well serve others well, but not me. If Yaesu opted for 20 watts, I would likely forgive my earlier points. Either way, I will give it a try when it is available. This announcement is actually forcing me to go down the path of building my own ruggedized radio for 2025. If the "Big Three" will not do it, I will try to build the manpack radio that I want myself.

[@cmritchie04]

Almost all of my radio gear is commercial, being tossed in the trash at the time and I salvaged it from the land fill, mostly Motorola Jedi radios and Maxtrac 300...one Icom was given to me thanks to a co worker...the ones that I did purchase where 2 Ft-7800 one used currently as a base station and the other was used in a 98 Jeep Wrangler due to its remote head. I also have a XV-7R that is just sitting doing nothing, I paid retail for it. The Main Issue Is Nobody In The Family Is Into Radios At All! A Family Member Tried Using One of My Radios To Call a Co worker On a Motorola HT1000 But Was Actually Calling The Local County Emergency Services Radio Room. Everyone uses cell phones and has no interest in radio.

[@RenThraysk]

Surprised no 3.5mm TRRS threaded to 4 pin magnetic adaptor available, if made compact enough could leave it in the radio.

[@DominicMazoch]

I have taken 6 large batteries for the UV5R. Fully charged when I left Houston. Two rigs. One was set for scanning railroads. Other was for ham comms in and around Flatonia TX. Dis not kill all the batteries for the weekend. Now Baofeng Tech has a USB charging cable for those batteries. And they have the large batteries with USB charging using USB cell chargers. Plus a pack you can put your own alkalines in. At prices Mr. Scrooge would like. I do not expect Y, I or K to have rock bottom prices. But good grief, you need to have reasonably priced entry level stuff! And do you have to come up with a new line of accessories every time you come up with a new rig The Ic02, O4, and the RS 202 and 404 used the same stuff, except for direct 12v DC power. The Icons needed a way to reduce power into the Ic02 and 04. Why can't we have that today.

[@bruehlt]

That's a shame about the Icom - on the surface it looks like a good radio, but I agree about the VX-6 - its just an awesome radio and they aren't priced too bad either.

[@ropehnd]

What’s the status on your Motorola DMR radios?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I am using the 7550e units under the business license. I may do an update video later.

[@ropehnd]

@@TheTechPrepper Please do. I really enjoyed your deep dive into the 6550 as well. It seems like a killer budget DMR package.

[@AJohnSmith]

🙌🏻

[@CamilleCullen-ow6qj]

Great video thanks!! Robert K5TPC

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for watching!

[@turdferguson2863]

Uh oh a new radio! 😂 📻

[@TheTechPrepper]

I broke my rule that I publicly announced in January 2024. Oh, well.

[@turdferguson2863]

@@TheTechPrepper it's okay!! I think you'll get away with it! Keep pushing forward I'm grateful for the work you're doing here.

[@hotelhero1]

I tried to sign up for your Gold level membership but it looks like it’s full

[@TheTechPrepper]

Unfortunately, It's been full since I first opened it January of 2022. I only have bandwidth for five 1-on-1 calls per months, so I had to cap that tier. I appreciate the support.

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

If it says yaesu on it, i buy it. Thats my process for selection!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm a Yaesu fan boy. Although, my personal preference are the older Yaesu rigs from the early 2000's.

[@DominicMazoch]

I like the Y FT70 except for that dreaded mike connector, and poor battery life.

[@johnmossy3757]

If ICOM would have offered an 18650 battery case or an aa battery case or even usb charging I would have been all over this radio🤷🏻🤷🏻🤷🏻

[@TheTechPrepper]

Me, too. It found a new home because of those missing accessories.