While finding a 2 meter mono-band radio is not a problem, the choice of mono-band radios for 70cm is very limited. I have always favored separate VHF and UHF radios for my ham shack (you never know when you might want to talk on two radios at once!). On the plus side, channel bank size is VARIABLE, the radio is solidly constructed, very compact (I mounted mine inside my center console bin!), and RF performance is very good. You'll find yourself taking basic button functions away in order to get enough assigned for the basics, forcing you to operate the front panel in a roundabout way. I think this is a major drawback for those who want to use this as a semi-flexible mobile. There are no 'secondary' (press and hold) button functions as with the CM-300 (and most other Motorola radios). You may find this either convenient or annoying. Scanning is impossible without the mic on hook (which is common for comercial radios). Icom has worked out a (not-so-secure) digit-duplicating scheme using the 5 front panel buttons only. You can program a power-on password, but you can't enter that password with a DTMF mic. I keep it throttled down to about 20W most of the time. Power output (on paper) is slightly higher than the CM-300, but in reality it gets too warm when running at or near full power during a long QSO. One character really does make a considerable difference. With one less alpha tag character than the CM-300, you'll find yourself forced to use more abbreviations and codes in your alpha tags. You can go ahead and plan on Icom refusing to sell you the software unless you're an authorized dealer. The Icom programmer and tuner software is less polished and intuitive than Motorola CPS (which isn't saying much), but it gets the job done. On paper, the specs for the Icom looked just better enough for me to give it a try.Īs far as price, the Icom is less expensive than the CM-300, but if you have to purchase a programming cable from Icom, it's a small difference. This is Icom's response to the Motorola CM-300.

Icom ic f121 programming cable