IC-208H and IC-2720H are both from Japan’s ICOM, while FT8900R is a classic car radio produced by YaESU. In fact, since these three platforms are in three different levels, there is not much comparability, but let’s take a look at their brief introduction.
The ICOM IC-208H is a machine that can be used in U/V dual band, but cannot simultaneously monitor two frequencies. It is an upgraded product of the 207H and has made many technical improvements, such as the separation line between the body and panel becoming a standard configuration, which greatly facilitates installation. Secondly, the storage capacity has been greatly increased, increasing the 188 channels of 207H to 500 channels, and incorporating a user-friendly design that allows each channel to be named its own. For example, 438.975 can be directly written as “XCAR”, making it much more convenient to use. In addition, the power amplifier module has been modified, which can achieve a transmission power of 50W even at a frequency of 400MHz! This is something that the other two platforms cannot do. Other features include the ability to choose small functions such as background light color and multifunctional knobs. Overall, as an entry-level model in dual band radio, the IC-208H has always been a great choice, but there is still a certain gap in technical specifications compared to the 2720H and FT8900R.
Let’s talk about IC-2720H, which is a platform that can display and monitor in two segments, and can be extended to cross segment differential conversion. Simply put, it can display and monitor two frequencies simultaneously. For example, 438.500 and 439.750, or 438.500 and 144.500, can be different frequencies within the same band, or frequencies from different bands. Due to the use of standardized connection cables, the installation of the 2720H is very easy, and the handheld cable connection is placed on the panel, allowing the host to be placed in the trunk, providing more room for installation options. However, the drawbacks of this machine are still very obvious. Its LCD screen has a high failure rate, and it is said that there is also a problem that it is easy to damage the machine during low-power transmission. Due to the lack of spare parts and maintenance capabilities in China, the maintenance cycle is long and troublesome. Overall, the current reputation of the 2720H is not very good, but in terms of technical indicators, it is still one level higher than the IC-208H.
Finally, let’s talk about the FT8900R, which is a classic car radio produced by Yaesu. Many friends compare it with the 2720H, but this is not very appropriate. Firstly, the 29/50/144/430 four segment transmission and reception capabilities he possesses are not comparable to the IC-2720H. His HF/VHF/UHF is unmatched by other similar models, and its configuration is currently the highest among mid-range car stations. Even higher are the high-end car stations: IC-706MKIIG and FT-100D, which are definitely more than twice the price of 8900. After praising it for a while, I still have to mention one weakness. The four segment antenna available for it is too expensive, and its size and size are also relatively large, which makes many ham players have to use it as a dual segment device. This is why many people compare it to the 2720H.
To sum up, the IC-208H is currently priced slightly higher as a new product, around 2800 yuan; Due to unstable supply, the price of IC-2720H fluctuates between 2700 and 3000; The price of FT8900R has been continuously decreasing and has now dropped to below 3500. As for which one everyone leans towards, it depends on individual preferences.
208H can only listen to one frequency, and its biggest selling point is that the maximum power of 400M is greater than that of ordinary vehicles, reaching 50W, which is more useful when competing for relay stations. But it doesn’t have much significance in daily communication. The relationship between power and communication distance is not directly proportional. Without considering other factors such as height and antenna, for example, in terms of power alone, if you are 50W and someone else is 10W, your power is 5 times that of them, but the communication distance can only be the square root of 5, which is a few times that of 2. And most importantly, if someone else has low power and you can’t hear them clearly or even hear them, then this high power is meaningless.
So personally, I wouldn’t choose 208H. Speaking of which, 8900 and 27208900 are good, but as a dual stage machine, 2720 also has four major characteristics that 8900 cannot compare with. Firstly, it has high receiving sensitivity; Secondly, after the differential is turned on, it does not affect the normal use of the machine; The third is dual channel output, with two frequencies available for different channel outputs; The fourth is the standard hand microphone giant stick, all functions can be achieved with a hand microphone (8900 and others require a separate configuration). Because of these four points, I believe that if you don’t want to play shortwave and want to consider a car radio that can listen to both segments simultaneously, it’s better to use the 2720.
As for the two issues mentioned with the 2720, the first one is that the LCD screen is fragile, which seems to be unfounded and lacks solid evidence. At least, this problem has not yet appeared in the 2720 used by Haifuhui car enthusiasts. The second is low-power burning of machines, which is even more incorrect. This rumor originated from the burning out of BG1APA’s 2720, but in fact, the real cause was due to issues with its antenna connection. So, even car enthusiasts who want to use the 2720 don’t have to worry at all.