If you’re in the market for a mobile dual-band transceiver that doesn’t compromise on features or usability, the Icom ID-5100A DELUXE deserves serious consideration. This radio has been making waves in the amateur radio community, and after diving deep into its capabilities, user feedback, and competitive landscape, it’s easy to see why it consistently earns stellar ratings across major retailers.
- Icom ID-5100A Deluxe VHF/UHF Dual Band D-STAR Transceiver (includes the MBA-2 Remote Head Mounting Bracket) Innovative 2m/70cm Mobile with Touch Screen Designed from user input, the ID-5100 offers an intuitive user interface experience with an industry leading touch screen display
- Additionally, the ID-5100 interfaces with Android devices and Bluetooth headsets via the optional Bluetooth module
- The ID-5100A is one of the most advanced dualband mobiles on the market today!
What Makes the ID-5100A DELUXE Special?
The ID-5100A DELUXE isn’t just another dual-band radio—it’s a comprehensive communication platform that bridges the gap between traditional FM operation and modern digital modes. At its heart, this transceiver operates on both 2 meters (144–148MHz) and 70cm (430–450MHz), but its wideband receive capability extending from 118–174MHz and 375–550MHz means you’re getting far more listening flexibility than the transmit bands alone suggest.
The D-STAR Advantage
Where the ID-5100A truly shines is in its D-STAR implementation. Unlike many radios that treat digital voice as an afterthought, Icom has engineered this unit to excel in both analog FM and digital voice (DV) modes. The radio can simultaneously receive FM/FM and FM/DV on separate bands, and impressively, it can even handle dual reception within the same band. This capability opens up monitoring possibilities that simply aren’t available with simpler transceivers.
The comprehensive DV/FM repeater list function and Dplus reflector link commands make accessing both local and remote D-STAR networks straightforward, even for operators new to digital modes. This attention to D-STAR functionality sets the ID-5100A apart from competitors who may offer digital modes but don’t integrate them as seamlessly.
User Interface: Where Engineering Meets Practicality
The 5.5-inch touchscreen display (320×128 pixels) with integrated QWERTY software keyboard represents one of the radio’s strongest selling points. Users consistently praise this interface, with many describing it as “super intuitive” and noting that it makes the radio “one of the easiest to manually program.”
This isn’t just marketing fluff—the interface genuinely simplifies what can often be complex operations on other radios. Whether you’re setting up dual-watch configurations or programming memory channels, the touchscreen eliminates much of the menu diving that plagues other transceivers. The menu system follows Icom’s established D-STAR interface conventions, meaning users familiar with other Icom digital radios will feel right at home.
Technical Specifications That Matter
The ID-5100A DELUXE delivers respectable power output with selectable levels of 50W/15W/5W on both VHF and UHF bands. While this isn’t groundbreaking, it provides the flexibility needed for various operating conditions without unnecessary complexity.
Memory capacity is generous, offering 1,000 regular memory channels plus up to 1,200 repeater memories. The inclusion of an SD card slot for voice and data backups is a thoughtful touch that many operators will appreciate for configuration management and emergency preparedness.
The built-in GPS receiver eliminates the need for external antennas while providing real-time position tracking, logging, and repeater location assistance directly on the radio’s display. This integration feels natural rather than bolted-on, contributing to the radio’s cohesive user experience.
Real-World Performance and User Feedback
With ratings averaging 4.6–4.7 out of 5 stars across major retailers including DX Engineering, GigaParts, and eHam.net, the ID-5100A DELUXE has clearly resonated with the amateur radio community. Users consistently highlight the radio’s reliability, D-STAR support, and large display as major strengths.
The transceiver’s sensitivity performance receives particular praise, with operators noting its resistance to intermodulation interference. One user commented on the radio’s “tight front end,” comparing it favorably to more expensive Kenwood models. This level of RF performance in a feature-rich package represents excellent value.
The Honest Assessment: Where It Falls Short
No radio is perfect, and the ID-5100A DELUXE has some limitations that potential buyers should consider. The most frequently cited issue involves display visibility in direct sunlight, with several users reporting difficulty reading the screen under bright conditions. Some have also noted concerns about potential heat damage to the screen in vehicle installations.
The audio quality receives mixed reviews, with some users finding the external speaker output “tinny.” While this may not be a dealbreaker for many operators, those prioritizing audio fidelity should consider this limitation.
Perhaps more frustrating is the exclusion of a mounting bracket from the “Deluxe” package, requiring a separate purchase for proper installation. Additionally, some installations may require a microphone extension cable for optimal positioning.
Competitive Analysis: How It Stacks Up
When comparing the ID-5100A DELUXE to its competition, the radio’s strengths and intended audience become clear:
Versus the Yaesu FTM-400XDR: While the Yaesu offers a color touchscreen, APRS support, and superior display visibility, it lacks D-STAR capability entirely. The FTM-400’s menu system is also generally considered less intuitive than Icom’s implementation.
Versus the Kenwood TM-V71A: The Kenwood provides solid analog dual-band operation at a lower price point but lacks the digital voice, touchscreen, GPS, and D-STAR features that define the modern mobile experience.
Versus the Anytone AT-D578UV III Pro: The Anytone supports DMR with a color display and APRS capability, but D-STAR users will find the interface less intuitive and the lack of D-STAR support a significant limitation.
The pattern that emerges is clear: the ID-5100A DELUXE excels for operators who prioritize D-STAR operation, interface simplicity, and dual-watch capabilities. Those primarily interested in APRS or DMR modes might be better served by specialized alternatives.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy This Radio?
The Icom ID-5100A DELUXE represents an excellent choice for operators who want to explore or expand their D-STAR activity without sacrificing traditional FM capabilities. Its intuitive interface makes it particularly appealing to newcomers to digital modes, while experienced operators will appreciate the comprehensive feature set and reliable performance.
The radio’s strengths—exceptional D-STAR integration, user-friendly interface, dual-watch capabilities, and solid RF performance—far outweigh its limitations for most users. While display visibility and audio quality issues exist, they’re not severe enough to overshadow the radio’s core competencies.
If you’re looking for a mobile transceiver that can grow with your interests in amateur radio, offering both traditional and cutting-edge capabilities in a package that won’t intimidate beginners or bore experienced operators, the ID-5100A DELUXE delivers exceptional value. Just remember to budget for that mounting bracket and consider your installation environment when it comes to display visibility.
For D-STAR enthusiasts or those curious about digital modes, this radio sets the standard for what a modern mobile transceiver should be. The consistently high user ratings aren’t just numbers—they reflect a product that successfully balances features, usability, and performance in ways that genuinely enhance the amateur radio experience.
