New Icom ID-31 440Mhz DSTAR HT with GPS

[Moleculo]

EDIT: The Icom ID-31A has been released. A full, ongoing review is posted at http://www.worldwidedx.com/product-reviews/131815-icom-id-31a-review-440mhz-d-star-handitalkie.html

Icom showed off some images of a new HT at a hamfest in Germany recently, the ID-31. It's a 440Mhz DSTAR and analog HT that looks very slim and compact based on the company's renderings. With built in GPS, it should work nicely as a handheld DPRS radio. We'll have to wait for more information on this one as there isn't much known yet. I've attached the image that Icom is showing.

 

[kd7jym]

Do any of the other HTs have SD card slots in them?

Wonder what its for, datalogging perhaps?

 

[Moleculo]

Do any of the other HTs have SD card slots in them?

Wonder what its for, datalogging perhaps?

I didn't even notice that MicroSD slot at first. Good catch. I have no idea what it's for, but data or waypoint logging would be my guess?

 

[KE5MC]

Another possibility - Channel memory

Swap cards for location or activity.

I didn't even notice that MicroSD slot at first. Good catch. I have no idea what it's for, but data or waypoint logging would be my guess?

 

[K0epp]

I'd love a dual band version of this, only slightly interested in a 440 only radio, unless the price is decent on it.

 

[Moleculo]

Universal Radio is now taking orders on this radio, expecting the units to arrive by 12/17/11. The price is $399.

It does have some interesting features:
-D-STAR
-Built in GPS
-Micro SD card slot that can act as a DVR, GPS logger, or memory backup
-Automatic Repeater list: Using the GPS, it will update your HT automatically with local D-STAR repeater info.

It will be interesting to keep an eye on how well this little radio is received by the ham community.

 

[Brookster]

Had one in my hand today at HRO

I dropped into HRO, asked them to look into their UPS shipments, and sure enough - they had 5!

I really wanted to buy it, but UHF only? This radio could be considered perfect if and only if it had wideband receive. Sadly, it doesn't and that's why I left the store without any new toys.

Darn

Brooks

 

[K1LA]

I grabbed one yesterday before a trip back east figuring I'd make use of the gps and preprogrammed database.....I like the concept here but I need a few days to dig in a give you some real impressions, I haven't been super thrilled with the gps yet....but let's see how it performs this week

 

[K1LA]

I just started the Yahoo Group for the ID-31

hoping it'll be a wonderful resource online of support and information

Please support by joining if you're interested in the ID-31 or own it

Join Here!!

Thanks!

 

[K1LA]

Here's a quick and dirty rundown I just did of it, let me know what else you'd like to see.!
enjoy

YouTube of ID-31

 

[KJ4RHB]

I like the concept of this HT, but I wonder why 2 meters was not included in this HT?

I just purchased the IC-92AD a couple of weeks ago and am using it in conjunction with a DVAP, since I do not have a DStar repeater close by (like many users).

The ID-31 would not be an option for me, even though the price / features seem very competitive.

 

[Moleculo]

Well, I purchased the new radio to give it a try. I updated the first post with a link to the review that I started!

 

[jmz]

I saw these accessory prices....they are like Yaesu only more! ...Maybe they should try to bring them down to a realistic price...then we might buy them and not look for alternative....They are digging their own grave...

> > Earphone headset: $170
> > 1700mA battery: $130
> > Belt clip for battery: $30
> > Free software but $76 for a cloning cable?

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

wow 1700 mA battery $130..
I like my 6000 mA for $69

 

[K1LA]

Universal Radio

Peep the accessories here, though they're certainly not cheap they're definately well under list price and its $99 for the 1880 mAh