Icom IC-290A – Review of the Popular Amateur Radio Transceiver

Icom ic 290a

The Icom IC 290A is a versatile and powerful amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Whether you’re a seasoned ham radio operator or just starting out, this radio has everything you need to communicate with others around the world.

One of the standout features of the IC 290A is its wide frequency coverage. With a range of 144-148 MHz, this radio allows you to access a variety of bands and frequencies, giving you the flexibility to communicate with other operators in different areas. Whether you’re interested in local communication or long-distance contacts, this radio has you covered.

In addition to its impressive frequency coverage, the IC 290A also offers a range of advanced features. It has a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) that helps to improve the quality of your audio, making it easier to hear and understand other operators. The radio also has a built-in voice synthesizer, which can be useful for visually impaired operators or those who prefer to have messages read aloud.

Overall, the Icom IC 290A is a reliable and feature-packed amateur radio transceiver that is sure to impress both experienced operators and newcomers to the hobby. With its wide frequency coverage, advanced features, and impressive specifications, this radio is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their ham radio experience.

Overview of Icom IC 290A

The Icom IC 290A is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Designed for both experienced operators and beginners, this radio provides reliable communication and excellent signal quality.

The Icom IC 290A operates on the VHF band, providing a frequency range of 144-148 MHz. With a power output of up to 25 watts, this radio offers a strong and clear signal, ensuring effective communication even in challenging environments.

Equipped with a built-in speaker, the Icom IC 290A delivers high-quality audio, allowing you to hear incoming transmissions with clarity. Additionally, this radio features a large and easy-to-read LCD display, making it simple to navigate through the various settings and options.

For added convenience, the Icom IC 290A offers a variety of useful functions, including a built-in automatic noise limiter (ANL) to reduce background noise, a memory channel function for storing frequently used frequencies, and a scanning function for quickly searching for active channels.

Whether you are a seasoned amateur radio operator or just starting out, the Icom IC 290A is a reliable and user-friendly transceiver that will meet your communication needs. With its compact design, powerful performance, and advanced features, this radio is an excellent choice for any radio enthusiast.

Key Features of Icom IC 290A

The Icom IC 290A is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a range of advanced features for amateur radio enthusiasts. Here are some of the key features of the Icom IC 290A:

Frequency Coverage 144-148 MHz
Power Output 25 Watts
Mode FM
Channels Up to 99 memory channels
CTCSS and DTCS Built-in CTCSS and DTCS encoder/decoder
Weather Alert Weather alert function for receiving emergency weather broadcasts
Scan Function Scan function for scanning through memory channels or frequency ranges
VOX Operation VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) operation for hands-free communication
Backlit Display Backlit display for easy reading in low-light conditions
Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Selectable wide/narrow bandwidth for improved audio quality
Power Save Function Power save function for extended battery life

The Icom IC 290A is a versatile and reliable amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features to enhance your amateur radio experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced amateur radio operator, the Icom IC 290A is sure to meet your needs.

Specifications of Icom IC 290A

The Icom IC 290A is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Here are the key specifications of the Icom IC 290A:

  • Frequency Range: The IC 290A covers the frequency range of 144-148 MHz for transmitting and 144-148 MHz for receiving.
  • Mode: It supports FM mode for both transmitting and receiving signals.
  • Power Output: The IC 290A has a power output of 10 watts, which can be adjusted to lower levels for QRP operations.
  • Channels: It has a total of 99 memory channels, allowing you to store your favorite frequencies for quick access.
  • Receiver Sensitivity: The receiver sensitivity of the IC 290A is 0.2 μV, ensuring clear and reliable reception even in weak signal conditions.
  • Antenna Impedance: It has an antenna impedance of 50 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of antennas.
  • Dimensions: The IC 290A has compact dimensions of 241(W) x 94(H) x 239(D) mm, making it easy to fit in any setup.
  • Weight: With a weight of just 3.2 kg, the IC 290A is lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go operations.
  • Power Supply: It operates on a 13.8V DC power supply, making it compatible with a variety of power sources.

These specifications make the Icom IC 290A a versatile and reliable amateur radio transceiver that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced amateur radio operator, the IC 290A offers the performance and features you need to communicate effectively.

Performance and Reliability of Icom IC 290A

The Icom IC 290A is known for its exceptional performance and reliability in the field of amateur radio communication. With its advanced features and robust construction, this transceiver offers a seamless experience for radio enthusiasts.

Exceptional Performance

The Icom IC 290A is equipped with a powerful transmitter that delivers a strong and clear signal, ensuring reliable communication even in challenging conditions. Its receiver is highly sensitive, allowing users to receive weak signals with minimal interference. Whether you are participating in a contest or engaging in long-distance communication, this transceiver will exceed your expectations.

Furthermore, the IC 290A offers a wide frequency range, allowing users to access various amateur radio bands. This versatility ensures that you can communicate with fellow radio operators across different frequencies, expanding your reach and enhancing your overall experience.

Reliability

In addition, the IC 290A is designed with user convenience in mind. Its intuitive interface and user-friendly controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners. The transceiver also features a robust battery life, allowing for extended periods of usage without the need for frequent recharging.

User Reviews of Icom IC 290A

Review 1:

I recently purchased the Icom IC 290A and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. The receiver sensitivity is excellent, allowing me to pick up even the weakest signals. The audio quality is also top-notch, providing clear and crisp sound. The build quality is solid and the controls are easy to use. Overall, I highly recommend the Icom IC 290A for any amateur radio enthusiast.

Review 2:

The Icom IC 290A is a fantastic transceiver. It has a wide frequency range and provides excellent coverage. The receiver is very sensitive and the transmitter delivers a clean and strong signal. The menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate. The build quality is outstanding, with a sturdy construction that feels durable. I have been using the IC 290A for several months now and I have not encountered any issues. I am extremely happy with my purchase.

Review 3:

I have been using the Icom IC 290A for a while now and I am impressed with its performance. The receiver is highly sensitive and provides excellent reception. The audio quality is superb, with clear and natural sound. The transmitter is powerful and delivers a strong signal. The controls are well-designed and easy to operate. The IC 290A is a reliable and dependable transceiver that I would recommend to any amateur radio operator.

Review 4:

The Icom IC 290A is a great radio for the price. It offers a wide range of features and functions that make it a versatile transceiver. The receiver sensitivity is impressive, allowing me to pick up weak signals with ease. The audio quality is excellent, providing clear and loud sound. The build quality is solid and the controls are intuitive. I have used the IC 290A in various conditions and it has always performed flawlessly. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Review 5:

I have been using the Icom IC 290A for a few months now and I am very happy with its performance. The receiver is highly sensitive and provides excellent reception. The audio quality is outstanding, with clear and natural sound. The transmitter is powerful and delivers a strong signal. The IC 290A is a reliable and durable transceiver that meets all my needs. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a high-quality radio.

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