robert@Brl-Vld.ARPA (09/05/84)
From: Robert Shnidman (VLD/VMB) <robert@Brl-Vld.ARPA> Can someone please supply me with the current drain specs on this goodie. Thanks. robert@brl-vld.arpa AB3R
jim@infoswx.UUCP (09/10/84)
According to the IC-02AT spec sheet the current drain on transmit (high power) is 1.2 Amps, while in receive with no signal present (squelched) the drain is spec'd at either 35 ma or 45 ma depending on which printing of the spec sheet you have in your hand. The Icom repair center here in Dallas says that the ones they have checked draw right at 35 ma. I recently (8/31/84) purchased a new Yaesu FT-209RH which I believe is superior to both the IC-02AT and the Kenwood TR-2600A. For the same high power output (5.0 watts) the Yaesu draws about 1.0 Amps -- 200 ma. better than the Icom (the Kenwood only runs 2.5 to 3.0 watts). On receive the Yaesu draws about 40 ma. squelched but has a battery saver circuit that can be used to reduce the average receive current drain to as low as 11 ma. This is a feature that neither the Icom or Kenwood HT's incorporate. Yaesu actually makes 2 versions of this HT -- the FT-209RH, 500 mw/5.0 watts, and the FT-209R, 350 mw/3.5 watts. The primary difference between the two radios is the battery pack itself, although each also uses a different transistor in the P.A. The battery pack supplied with the FT-209RH is a 12 volt, 500 mah pack, while the FT-209R comes with a 10.8 volt, 425 mah pack. By the way, don't confuse the '209' with the FT-203R which is a plain jane, thumbwheel switch radio designed to compete with the old IC-2AT variety radios. The FT-209R/RH is the replacement for the FT-208R which has been around for nearly 3 years. Yaesu has promised to have both 220 MHz and 440 MHz versions of these radios (209/203) so keep that in mind as well. Also, the 209/203 series radios share common accesories, i.e., batteries, speaker/mike, drop-in quick charger, etc., although the only accessory from the old 208/708 line that can be used with the new radios is the PA-3 mobile adapter/charger. I guess that's enough for now. As I use the FT-209RH and become more familiar with its capabilities I'll post the information on the net for all to see. 73's, Jim Gerke, KC5OA Infoswitch Corp. Richardson, TX (214) 644-0570 allegra!convex!infoswx!jim :x q