IC-M802 or ?

[gbanker]

not too versed in SSBs. Do I gain much by going with an 802 or what would I give up by going with a 710 or 700? thanks

[btrayfors]

Depends what you want/need. In terms of ability to transmit and receive both voice and data, all 3 are very capable radios. The 802 has a removable control head, so you can mount the main portion of the radio in another location. For some boats where space is limited, this is a useful feature. The 802 also has DSC; the others don't. Do you need it? IMHO most folks don't, and will be confused by it. Even if they get thru the 20+ pages of instructions on how to use it, they'll have forgotten six months later when they want to use it.

The 710 and the 700Pro are both built like the proverbial ceramic privy. They are both fine radios (I happen to have one of each sitting on my bench at the moment, and have installed a bunch of them). The 700Pro is easier to use on both ham and marine bands; programming the 710 for such use is a bit awkward.

Icom did make a 710 for awhile with a removable head, but I believe it's been discontinued.

There's a substantial price difference, too, as you've no doubt noticed.

Is the greater cost of the 802 worth it? My personal opinion is that it is not. The 710 and the 700Pro are both wonderful, strong radios without the quirks of the 802. I don't like the interface on the 802; it was designed by computer types, not radio types, and it isn't at all intuitive. However, lots of folks have them and are satisfied with them.

Bill

[fairbank56]

If your into ham radio, the 802 is much easier to use on the ham bands. The 710 will work on the ham bands but must be programmed via Icom's field programming software make it "easier" to use on them. The 802 does not have a "removable control head". It does not attach to the transceiver directly so it is simply a remote control head that is connected to the transceiver via a single cable.

Eric

[richardhula]

Originally Posted by fairbank56

If your into ham radio, the 802 is much easier to use on the ham bands. The 710 will work on the ham bands but must be programmed via Icom's field programming software make it "easier" to use on them. The 802 does not have a "removable control head". It does not attach to the transceiver directly so it is simply a remote control head that is connected to the transceiver via a single cable.

Eric

Definitely agree with Eric. Programming new frequencies into a spare user slot is much easier on the M802. The 710 requires that you enter them separately for both receive & transmit as you would for duplex, & it's not so easy to do anyway.

M802 can be toggled between open HAM & marine (fixed frequency) modes by pressing & holding "2", "MODE" & "TX" buttons then turning on radio.

The AT-140 tuner recommended for the 802 has female PL259 on flying lead for easy antenna hook-up.

Regards