{"id":110,"date":"2026-05-25T21:09:48","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T21:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/?p=110"},"modified":"2026-05-25T22:01:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T22:01:18","slug":"a-modern-refresh-for-a-classic-form-factor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/a-modern-refresh-for-a-classic-form-factor\/","title":{"rendered":"A Modern Refresh for a Classic Form Factor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The ID-5200 keeps the familiar ID-5100 layout that many hams love but adds a vibrant <strong>4.3-inch color touchscreen<\/strong>. The display shines especially in band scope mode, offering full-color power intensity views and a waterfall display for monitoring activity. Operators can switch between independent dual-band operation (VHF\/UHF) easily, with dedicated controls for each side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Key physical and interface highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>Touchscreen + physical controls<\/strong> \u2014 Adjust power, access quick menus, or switch bands via touch or knobs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>Independent A\/B operation<\/strong> \u2014 Separate volume, squelch, and smart menus for each band.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi<\/strong> (no longer optional modules).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>USB-C connectivity<\/strong> and microSD support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>Airband receive<\/strong> for monitoring aviation frequencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The menu system aligns with ICOM&#8217;s modern lineup (like the IC-705, IC-7300, and IC-9700), making it intuitive for existing ICOM users. No steep learning curve here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Connectivity and Digital Upgrades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">This radio embraces modern ham radio needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>KISS TNC built-in<\/strong> for packet\/APRS work right out of the gate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>APRS<\/strong> coming via free firmware update.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\"><strong>Advanced D-STAR<\/strong> features, including access point\/terminal mode over Wi-Fi (no computer tethering needed) and repeater monitoring before callsign routing to respect ongoing QSOs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Potential RS-BA1 server capabilities via Wi-Fi for remote control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Phone app compatibility over Bluetooth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Time synchronization options (NTP, GPS) and a customizable display timer for incoming calls add practical polish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large ext-animate--on\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ySvzVI6tfdw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ID5200_at_Hamvention26-copy.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">First Impressions and Community Buzz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">In the video, Jason and Ray banter through the demo with plenty of audience interaction. The radio feels premium and well-thought-out as a true evolution rather than a minor refresh. Early comments reflect typical ham enthusiasm mixed with practical questions: pricing (still TBD, but expectations around value vs. the ID-5100), front-end performance in high-RF environments, mounting options, and the lack of 220 MHz or SSB on VHF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Many appreciate the color screen, native wireless features, and firmware commitments, positioning it as a strong D-STAR\/APRS mobile contender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Is It Worth It?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The ID-5200 looks like a winner for mobile operators wanting better visuals, seamless connectivity, and enhanced digital modes without reinventing the wheel. It directly addresses common requests for a color-screen ID-5100 successor with modern extras like Wi-Fi\/Bluetooth and improved D-STAR tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pros<\/strong> (from the demo):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Excellent dual-receive independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">User-friendly interface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Strong digital\/APRS focus with free updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Future-proof connectivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch-outs<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Pricing will be key.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Real-world receiver performance and availability (FCC approval noted as pending in some reports).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Some users wish for additional bands or features like SSB.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re in the market for a new VHF\/UHF mobile, especially in the D-STAR ecosystem, this one deserves serious consideration. Watch the full video for the live hands-on feel and Ray&#8217;s insightful commentary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">What do you think\u2014ready to upgrade, or waiting for more details? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 73!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This post is based on Ham Radio 2.0&#8217;s Hamvention 2026 coverage. Availability and final specs may evolve as the radio approaches full release.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ID-5200 keeps the familiar ID-5100 layout that many hams love but adds a vibrant 4.3-inch color touchscreen. The display shines especially in band scope mode, offering full-color power intensity views and a waterfall display for monitoring activity. Operators can switch between independent dual-band operation (VHF\/UHF) easily, with dedicated controls for each side. Key physical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":111,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-icom-radios"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":114,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions\/114"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.livefromthehamshack.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}