Icom IC-2730A
Key Specifications
- Bands
- 2m, 70cm
- Power
- 50W (144/430 MHz)
- Frequency Range
- Rx wideband; Tx 144/430 MHz amateur
- Receiver
- Dual-band superheterodyne
- MSRP (USD)
- $349
- Type
- mobile vhf uhf
Shop Japanese Market
Search Yahoo Japan Auctions and other Japanese listings for Icom IC-2730A through Buyee proxy shopping.
Find Icom IC-2730A on BuyeeExternal link to Buyee.jp — third-party proxy service, not affiliated with Japan Radio Guide.
The Icom IC-2730A is Icom's workhorse dual-band mobile for operators who need reliable 50-watt VHF/UHF without APRS complexity or flagship pricing. It appears on the Icom brand page as the compact mobile counterpart to premium HTs like the Icom ID-52A — a sensible step up from a first HT after passing your Technician exam per our radio after Technician guide.
Overview
The IC-2730A delivers 50 watts on 144 MHz and 430/440 MHz with lower power steps for local simplex and repeater work. D-STAR digital voice capability integrates for operators in Icom digital ecosystems — programming and memory management follow Icom conventions shared with ID-52/ID-51 handhelds and IC-705 portable workflows.
Dual simultaneous receive monitors two frequencies — useful for watching a calling frequency while monitoring repeater output. Compact body suits smaller vehicles and shallow dashboard installations compared to full-feature APRS mobiles like Kenwood TM-D710GA.
Wideband receive extends beyond amateur bands where legally permitted. 800+ memory channels support emcomm and club net channel plans programmed in advance.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frequency coverage (Tx) | 144–148 MHz, 430–450 MHz (region dependent) |
| Modes | FM, D-STAR DV (region dependent) |
| Output power | 5–50W |
| Dual receive | Yes |
| Memory channels | 800+ |
| Antenna connector | SO-239 |
| Power supply | 13.8 V DC ±15% |
| Dimensions | Compact mobile body |
Operating Notes
Mobile installation determines real-world performance — roof antenna, fused power wiring, and quality coax matter more than radio selection at this tier. Pair with an Icom IC-7300 or IC-705 for HF when your license and interests expand beyond VHF/UHF.
D-STAR requires local repeater infrastructure — confirm coverage before prioritizing digital features over analog FM simplicity.
Who It's For
Technician-class operators wanting a Japanese mobile rig, Icom ecosystem users, and daily commuters who need 50 watts on 2m/70cm without TM-D710GA complexity.
Less ideal for HF needs, APRS-primary operators (choose Kenwood mobile), and System Fusion users (choose Yaesu FTM-400XDR).
Related Reading
- Radio after Technician exam — mobile vs HT planning
- Best Japanese radio for beginners — license-tier buying
- Icom brand page — full Icom coverage
Practical Japanese mobile engineering — the IC-2730A moves Technician-class operators from rubber ducks to roof antennas.