Looking Forward to Trying the Icom ID-5100A

This is a dual-band, VHF/UHF radio with both analog and D-STAR

This is not a new radio. Icom released it in the United States in 2014. But it is new to me. (This should be prima facie evidence that I’m slow to uptake new technology, preferring to wait until it is well proven!)

Icom ID-5100 control head (Source: https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/dstar/id5100a/default.aspx)

What interests me is the control port (the data jack) on the main body of the radio. The ability to update repeater lists from the SD card slot is also attractive.

Icom ID-5100 radio body (Source: https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/dstar/id5100a/default.aspx)

Allegedly, the precursor for the acclaimed ID-7100 control system was first implemented on the ID-5100.

Can I control it remotely? That is the question. RemoteRig.com presents basic information about Icom radios that implement the CI-V protocol. Says RemoteRig: “…the CI-V protocol [is] used by almost every ICOM radio.“ On their system configuration page, they list the IC-2820 VHF/UHF radio which pre-dated the 5100, and they list the IC-7100, a radio that post-dates the 5100. Given the shared DNA between the 2820, 5100, and 7100, I’m optimistic that I can find a way to remotely operate the 5100.

I assume I’m going to need either a full-fledged PC at the remote station or, if I’m lucky, a low-power Raspbery Pi. More to come as I experiment this fall and winter.

And I have a fallback: the Kenwood TM-V71A, as discussed in the comments for this post: The dearth of remotely controlled VHF/UHF radios. For remoting, the Kenwood would be a fine choice. I lean toward the Icom simply because it also has D-STAR.