VHF/UHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER

ID-52A

Multi-Function D-STAR Dual Bander
with Color Display and Bluetooth®

Multi-Function D-STAR Dual Bander
Larger radio, larger color display, and louder audio. The ID-52A is much more than a replacement to the ID-51A; it's a new way of communicating! Slightly taller and deeper, the ID-52A has a 2.3" color display, 320 x 280 pixel (1.7" for the ID-51A). Plus, an 80% increase in overall volume to hear in loud conditions. The radio only weighs a mere 10.4oz (295g). The ID-52A incorporates common Bluetooth® profiles for audio and data controls, which provide new mobility in the palm of your hand. Icom leads the way by pairing either Icom or third-party headsets for voice communications. An amateur radio industry first, send photos from a connected Android™ device. The ID-52A continues to support D-STAR functions with DR mode for easy access to local repeaters based on the internal GPS information and Terminal and Access Point modes.

Multi-Function Dual Band D-STAR Transceiver

Longer Distance Communication Through the D-STAR Network

The ID-52A is a VHF/UHF dual bander with D-STAR and FM dual mode functions. The ID-52A supports conventional FM communications as well as D-STAR simplex, repeater, regional, and worldwide calls over the D-STAR Internet gateway. With the ID-52A, you can call a friend in another city, or even internationally through D-STAR repeaters, with digital clear audio. In addition, the ID-52A can send digital voice with data, text messages, GPS location information and pictures.

D-STAR System Introduction
Find the D-STAR system introduction and features from here. 

Picture Sharing Functions

Share pictures with other users and see received pictures on the color display. Pictures taken on an Android™ device can be wirelessly transferred to the ID-52A through Bluetooth® technology.

DR (D-STAR Repeater) Function

DR screen

The DR (D-STAR Repeater) expanded function makes D-STAR and FM repeater communication simple. Combined with the GPS function, you can make selection of a local repeater available with a couple of button pushes based on your location. Additionally, the DR mode supports reflector linking controls.

Terminal Mode and Access Point Mode*

Connect the ID-52A to the Internet through a Windows® PC or an Android™ device. The Internet gateway (using Terminal mode and Access Point mode) enables you to access the D-STAR repeater network, even from areas where no D-STAR repeater is directly accessible through radio waves.

Terminal Mode

Access Point Mode

・Terminal and Access Point modes are compatible with Icom RS-RP3 Gateway Software. If your D-STAR repeater is running G1 or G2 software, please contact your local Icom Distributor to upgrade software. ・ You need an Internet connection with an IPv4 Global IP address. If you use a cellular system, you need an IPv4 Global IP address assigned to your Android™ device. ・ The RS-MS3W optional software is required to be installed in the PC (Download from Icom website). The RS-MS3A optional application software is required to be installed in the Android™ device (Download from Google Play™). USB cable is required. Type-A: User supplied. Type-C: OPC-2418. micro-B: OPC-2417.

Advanced Functions and Operations with Vivid Color Display

2.3" Large Color Display

Black background

The ID-52A is equipped with a color display. The display size is increased to 2.3 inches, 320 × 280 pixels (1.7 inches for the ID-51A) to achieve excellent viewability. The display background color is selectable from black and white.

White background

Bluetooth® Enabled Features

VS-3 Bluetooth® headset

The optional VS-3 Bluetooth® headset enables hands-free wireless operation. In addition to the PTT and volume up/down buttons, the VS-3 has 3 programmable buttons that can be assigned functions to improve operability and mobility.

DR setting display example

You can easily connect to a smart device through Bluetooth®. The Remote Control Software, RS-MS1A for Android™ device or RS-MS1I for iOS™device can  wirelessly control the ID-52A to change operating frequencies and other settings.

Text transmission display example

Handy Radio First! Waterfall Display

Fixed scroll mode

The waterfall display shows not only the existence of signals but also the changes of signal level in chronological order. You will have an overview of the band conditions in more detail, including busy frequencies currently used, or open frequencies not used. The band scope mode is selectable from center mode, Fixed mode and Fixed scroll mode.

V/V, U/U, V/U Dualwatch Including DV/DV Mode

The Dualwatch function monitors the VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF and VHF/UHF bands simultaneously*. You can quickly respond to a call from the Main and Sub bands.Two DV signals can be decoded at the same time.

 AM/AM mode Dualwatch is not possible. AM signals can be received on only the Main VFO (A band).

VHF/UHF Airband and FM Broadcast Receiver

Broadcast Receiver

Airband reception is expanded from VHF to UHF Military airband (225 to 374.995 MHz). FM broadcast stations can be listened to while using the dualwatch function.

Integrated GPS/GLONASS Receiver

GPS position with grid locator

D-PRS mode is supported by the internal GPS receiver for sending your location and showing received station location, distance, and direction from your current location. In addition to your location, the ID-52A displays your current Grid Square information.The GPS position data can be used for Position Auto Reply, Near Repeater Search, and GPS log functions.

microSD Card Slot

You can store QSO Recording, TX Voice Memory, pictures, QSOs and GPS log data. Firmware upgrades, Repeater lists and other personal settings onto a microSD card (up to 32 GB). This can be uploaded into the ID-52A radio.

Micro USB Connector

The ID-52A has a Multi-function USB port as well as USB host function, for charging the Icom battery packs, PC Programming, read/write contents to the microSD card, Terminal/Access Point mode support, as well as CI-V control as well as audio.

IPX7 Waterproof and Tough Construction

With Icom’s pioneering IPX7 waterproofing and pro-grade construction, the ID-52A is perfect for your shack or operating in harsh outdoor environments.

Other Features

  • 750 mW loud audio output power
  • Improved heat dissipation efficiency for stable operation
  • DV fast data mode uses data in place of voice frames
  • QSO log in CSV data format
  • Accessories for the ID-51A/ID-31A such as battery packs and microphones can be used
  • DV/FM near repeater search function
  • Voice recorder function
  • External DC power jack
  • Weather channel receive

GENERAL

Frequency
coverage
(Unit: MHz)
Version Transmit Receiver Broadcast band
USA 144–148,
430–450*
(A) 108–174, 225–479*
(B) 137–174, 375–479*

88.0–108.0

(A) means A band, (B) means B band. Guaranteed range: * 144–148, 440–450 MHz
Type of emission F2D, F3E, F7W
Mode DV, FM, FM-N, WFM*, AM*, AM-N*
(* WFM, AM and AM-N are Rx only)
Number of memory channels 1000 memory channels, 4 call channels, 50 scan edges,
100 skip channels, 500 broadcast stations,
2500 repeaters, 300 call signs and 300 GPS memories
Frequency resolution 5, 6.25, 8.33*, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100, 125 and 200 kHz
* Selectable depending on the operating band.
Operating temperature range –20℃ to +60℃ ; –4°F to +140°F
Frequency stability ±2.5 ppm (–20℃ to +60℃ on the basis of 25℃)
Antenna impedance 50 Ω (SMA)
Power supply
requirement
Battery pack 7.4 V DC (with BP-272),
7.2 V DC (with BP-307)
Alkaline cells 5.5 V DC (with BP-273)
External DC 10–16 V DC
Current drain
(at 7.4 V DC)
Tx High Less than 2.5 A
Rx AF Max. Less than 450 mA (DV),
Less than 400 mA (FM, FM-N) (Internal SP, 8 Ω)
Dimensions (W×H×D)
(projections not included)

61.1 × 121.6 × 29.7 mm ; 2.4 × 4.8 × 1.2 in (main unit)

61.1 × 121.6 × 34.8 mm ; 2.4 × 4.8 × 1.4 in (with BP-272)

Weight (approx.) 330 g ; 11.6 oz (with BP-272 & antenna)

TRANSMITTER

Modulation system DV GMSK reactance modulation
FM, FM-N FM reactance modulation
Output power (at 7.4 V DC) 5 W, 2.5 W, 1.0 W, 0.5 W, 0.1 W
(High, Mid, Low2, Low1, S-low)
Spurious emissions Less than –60 dBc (High, Mid),
Less than –13 dBm (Low2, Low1, S-low)
Max. frequency deviation ±5.0/2.5 kHz (FM/FM-N)
Ext. Mic impedance 2.2 kΩ

RECEIVER

Sensitivity DV Less than 0.2 μV (at 1% BER)
FM, FM-N Less than 0.18 μV (at 12 dB SINAD)
Selectivity More than 50 dB (DV, FM-N), More than 55 dB (FM)
Spurious rejection More than 60 dB
Audio output power Internal SP More than 750 mW (8 Ω load)
External SP More than 200 mW (8 Ω load)
Receiver sensitivity (Except amateur bands.)
Frequency range
(Unit: MHz)
FM/FM-N/WFM (12 dB SINAD) AM/AM-N
(10 dB S/N)
BC band 88.000–108.000 Less than 1 μV (WFM) -
A band 108.000-136.991 - Less than 1 μV
137.000-142.000 Less than 0.18 μV Less than 1 μV
142.005-148.000 Less than 0.18 μV -
148.005-174.000 Less than 0.32 μV -
225.000-259.995 Less than 0.56 μV Less than 1.8 μV*
260.000-354.995 Less than 0.32 μV Less than 1 μV*
355.000-374.995 Less than 0.5 μV Less than 1.8 μV*
375.000-399.995 Less than 0.5 μV -  
400.000–479.000 Less than 0.32 μV -
B band 137.000-148.000 Less than 0.18 μV -
148.005-174.000 Less than 0.32 μV -
375.000-399.995 Less than 0.5 μV -
400.000-479.000 Less than 0.32 μV -

*AM-N mode cannot be received from 225 to 374.995 MHz.
All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Supplied Accessories

  • Battery pack, BP-272 
  • Wall charger, BC-167SA
  • Antenna, FA-S270C
  • Belt clip, MB-127
  • Hand strap

* Supplied accessories may differ depending on the transceiver version.

CARRYING CASES

ANTENNAS

FA-S270C

FLEXIBLE ANTENNA

Same as supplied

Catalogs / Brochures

Brochures Name Size
HAM Radios and Receivers 5.87MB
ID-52A 1.74MB

Instruction Manual / Guides

Name Model Name Note
INSTRUCTIONS CS-52
D-STAR APPLICATION GUIDE D-STAR APPLICATION GUIDE
D-STAR Updating the repeater list D-STAR Updating the repeater list
D-STAR Using the GPS Logger function D-STAR Using the GPS Logger function
BASIC MANUAL (English) ID-52A/ID-52E
ADVANCED MANUAL (English) ID-52A/ID-52E
CI-V REFERENCE GUIDE (English) ID-52A/ID-52E
D-STAR Application Guide ID-52A/ID-52E/IC-705/IC-9700/IC-7100/ID-4100E/ID-4100A/ID-5100E/ID-5100A/ID-51E/ID-51A/ID-31E/ID-31A/ID-31E PLUS/ID-31A PLUS/RS-MS1A/RS-MS1I/RS-MS3A/ST-4001A/ST-4001I
D-STAR Using the GPS Logger function ID-52A/ID-52E/IC-705/ID-51A/ID-51E/ID-31A/ID-31E/ID-31A PLUS/ID-31E PLUS
About the DV Gateway function ID-52A/ID-52E/ID-51A (PLUS2)/ID-51E (PLUS2)/ID-31A PLUS/ID-31E PLUS
D-STAR Updating the repeater list ID-52E/ID-52A/IC-705/IC-9700/IC-7100/ID-4100E/ID-4100A/ID-5100E/ID-5100A/ID-51E/ID-51A/ID-31E/ID-31A/ID-31E PLUS/ID-31A PLUS
INSTRUCTIONS ST-4001A/ST-4001I
Installation Guide for Windows 11/10/8.1 USB Driver IC-705/ID-52A/ID-52E/RS-BA1 Version 2

Firmware / Software

Type Model Name Version Last Update
Programming software CS-52 Version 1.21 Dec.01.2021
USB Driver IC-705/ID-52A/ID-52E Version 1.12 Dec.24.2021
Firmware ID-52A, ID-52E Version 1.22 Dec.01.2021

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