Product Review

The D-STAR Evolution continues with the ID-51A PLUS2!

Over the years, Icom has taken the D-STAR protocol to new levels with each generation of portables. The latest update incorporates popular features found in the original ID-51A, including integrated GPS, an independent AM/FM receiver and V/V, U/U, V/U Dualwatch, the enhancements for digital operation and compatibility with the RS-MS1A free Android application found in the PLUS models. The PLUS2 adds Terminal and Access Point modes for your own personal communications portal into the Global *D-STAR network! *Icom gateway network

The new Terminal mode and Access point mode enable you to make D-STAR calls through the Internet, even from areas where no D-STAR repeater is accessible.

• Terminal mode - Connect the ID-51A PLUS2 to the Internet through a PC or Android device, and send your voice and/or data through the Internet gateway to a destination repeater.
• Access point mode - Use an ID-51A PLUS2 radio connected to the Internet through a PC or Android device, as an Access point. You can use another D-STAR radio to send your voice and/or data through the Access point radio, and communicate with D-STAR stations all over the world.

By using data in place of voice frames, the ID-51A transfers data 3.5 times faster (3480 bps) than in the conventional DV mode (with voice). Pictures taken by an Android device can be quickly transmitted in the DV Fast Data mode.
*The DV Fast Data mode is not compatible with the DV mode low-speed data communication.

The repeater search function searches for nearby analog FM repeaters as well as DV repeaters using the repeater memories and the integrated GPS*.
*To use the repeater search function, the position data of the repeater is required.