ICOM IC-208H V. Yaesu FT-7800R

[Clark White]

So between these two radios (ICOM IC-208H v. Yaesu FT-7800R), which is the better one? The ICOM has a little bit better power output(55W on 2m v. 50w, and 50w on 70cm v. 40w), and slightly better receiver sensitivity (<.18uV v. <.2uV), but the Yaesu has better frequency stability and some nicer/more convenient memory options for repeater/sat com's. ICOM is a mite bit more expensive, but not enough to rule it out if it is a better radio. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Clark

 

[spressomon]

So between these two radios (ICOM IC-208H v. Yaesu FT-7800R), which is the better one? The ICOM has a little bit better power output(55W on 2m v. 50w, and 50w on 70cm v. 40w), and slightly better receiver sensitivity (<.18uV v. <.2uV), but the Yaesu has better frequency stability and some nicer/more convenient memory options for repeater/sat com's. ICOM is a mite bit more expensive, but not enough to rule it out if it is a better radio. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Clark

I've got the 208H. The mic sucks pond water. I guess what really pisses me off about it is that it has been a known issue with the mic for many years; Icom hasn't addressed it; and they won't warranty mine even though it's only 15-months old.

And I have buddies with 7800R that seems to be a very nice, well built radio. Also you'll have the added benefit of a little easier programming on the Yaesu and better software options for PC program linkability.

I do like the little smaller remote head unit and larger display on the 208H...which is why I bought it. But Icom's lack of customer service regarding the mic issue chaps my butt.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/electronic-toys/135044-anyone-using-icom-ic-208h-2m.html

 

[gary in ohio]

So between these two radios (ICOM IC-208H v. Yaesu FT-7800R), which is the better one? The ICOM has a little bit better power output(55W on 2m v. 50w, and 50w on 70cm v. 40w), and slightly better receiver sensitivity (<.18uV v. <.2uV), but the Yaesu has better frequency stability and some nicer/more convenient memory options for repeater/sat com's. ICOM is a mite bit more expensive, but not enough to rule it out if it is a better radio. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Clark

In general there is really no difference, You will never see the difference in the power output or receive sensitivity in most real world usage. Price is about the same, $260-$300 depending on dealer and figuring in icom coupon discounts. (although I hear icom is rasing prices at the end of the month). The yaesu has more channels but for most people the 500 channels in the icom is way more than they will use.

The big issues between the two for me is the remote head. The Yaesu head/display is larger. big factor when mobile. I have the older 207h and the head will fit just about anywhere buts the display is small and buttons are little for my fat fingers. The second issue is the mounting option. The icom basically velcoro's the head to a little bracket that you mount someplace. The yaesu has a more rugged mount that locks the head to the mount point.

Its a coin toss, I have many icom's and I have been looking at the 7800/8800 for my next mobile. One last item, According the AES web site, The 208H is discontinued after current stock runs out. I dont see that anyplace else though. Ill be over at Universial radio (www.rffun.com) tomorrow at lunch, Ill have to ask them about that. I did notice Universial web site has the 208h price way out of wack. Several of there prices are $100 high for some reason. Steve must be playing with the web site again and got something messed up.

 

[chrismc]

I have Icom's previous model, the IC-207H. It has been a solid performer in my DD/trail rig for many years and is near bulletproof. That being said, I really like my VX-7R and feel that Yaesu has a better interface/menu system to deal with (and more programmability). In the near future, I'll probably be picking up a FT-8900R for the vehicle, and moving the 207H inside the house for emergencies and digital mode.

 

[spressomon]

In general there is really no difference, You will never see the difference in the power output or receive sensitivity in most real world usage. Price is about the same, $260-$300 depending on dealer and figuring in icom coupon discounts. (although I hear icom is rasing prices at the end of the month). The yaesu has more channels but for most people the 500 channels in the icom is way more than they will use.

The big issues between the two for me is the remote head. The Yaesu head/display is larger. big factor when mobile. I have the older 207h and the head will fit just about anywhere buts the display is small and buttons are little for my fat fingers. The second issue is the mounting option. The icom basically velcoro's the head to a little bracket that you mount someplace. The yaesu has a more rugged mount that locks the head to the mount point.

Its a coin toss, I have many icom's and I have been looking at the 7800/8800 for my next mobile. One last item, According the AES web site, The 208H is discontinued after current stock runs out. I dont see that anyplace else though. Ill be over at Universial radio (www.rffun.com) tomorrow at lunch, Ill have to ask them about that. I did notice Universial web site has the 208h price way out of wack. Several of there prices are $100 high for some reason. Steve must be playing with the web site again and got something messed up.

Ditto for me on the 8800. I would, after living with the 208H which is my first HAM radio, like to have dual display to monitor two frequency's.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I like the dual display of the FT8900. Today on the way to work I was monitoring a conversation on one side and scanning a different band on the other.
I don't know that I would like a smaller head as is the buttons on the 8900 remote head are about as small as I can use comfortably. The good news is mic has a lot of functionality. You can even re-program the function buttons to your own needs. I notice the 7800 mic is similar.

 

[5artist5]

The second issue is the mounting option. The icom basically velcoro's the head to a little bracket that you mount someplace. The yaesu has a more rugged mount that locks the head to the mount point.

I have the 208H and I was a little put off my the mounting bracket situation also. It does not come with the mounting bracket. So I felt that spending the 30 dollars of whatever would be silly so I just made a custom bracket and it ended up great.

 

[1leg]

I have the 7800 and love it.

 

[Clark White]

Just ordered the 7800!

Thanks for the advice!
Clark

 

[nwoods]

I have the 208H (and mine came with a mounting bracket). It's a good radio that I chose for it's size/features/price in that order.

However, it's very user unfriendly. I've had it for months, aI'm fairly smart with electronics, and still can't decode the giberish on the buttons well enough to make a call. I would be okay if the manual was any good, but it SUCKS for a radio aimed at newbies.

 

[kellymoe]

I was given a brand new 7800r and have been very pleased with it. Seems pretty user friendly.

Which is cheaper? If the Icom is comparable in price and more powerfull I would go with the Icom.

 

[RoundOut]

I have the 208H and like it so far. Apart from being a relatively new HAM and not knowing enough about general HAM stuff, it is pretty easy once you figure it out. I bought it because the faceplate was the smallest available and the only one that fit in my "incogneto" sunglasses holder.

See my picture in post #48 of my Alpine Tundra build thread.

The mic sucks pond water.

What's up with the mic?


.

 

[Clark White]

Well after hours of staring blankly at my screen with the two radios up, I finally decided. Ordered the FT-7800R tonight, along with the Diamond SG7900A Super Gainer antenna and some other accessories. Should ship tomorrow? That will mean I will get it set up just about the time I will likely be getting my call sign, I can't wait! My friend is still up in the air between the two, well see what he decides. :lurk:

 

[Clark White]

I bought it because the faceplate was the smallest available and the only one that fit in my "incogneto" sunglasses holder.

See my picture in post #48 of my Alpine Tundra build thread.
.

RoundOut, that is an awesome mounting location! Wont work for my truck since I don't have a glasses holder like that, but that would be PERFECT for my buddies truck, thanks for the idea! :beer:

Clark

 

[spressomon]

I have the 208H and like it so far. Apart from being a relatively new HAM and not knowing enough about general HAM stuff, it is pretty easy once you figure it out. I bought it because the faceplate was the smallest available and the only one that fit in my "incogneto" sunglasses holder.

See my picture in post #48 of my Alpine Tundra build thread.



What's up with the mic?


.

It has gotten worse over the past 3-4 months. When you press the TX/talk button nothing happens. There are numerous complaints, some dating back a few years, about this very problem. What is most frustrating is the best Icom will do for me (bought this 208H about 15-months ago brand new) is $84/hour plus parts and shipping costs to fix a defect in either design and/or material workmanship that is their responsibility IMO.

Their customer service sucks to say the least.

Trunk Monkey, over on 'MUD, pointed me to a 'fix the issue' thread...so I'll try that this weekend.