Going to order an Icom F5021, what else do I need?

[puddle hunter]

I'm going to finally buy an Icom F5021 radio, so I can start enjoying some of the awesome runs put together here. I already have it picked out on Amazon, but I know nothing about this radio stuff, and am not sure what else I'll need.

Here are the things I'm drawing a blank on...

Antenna:
I see many out there, some say "tuned" for certain frequencies... which one do I need? How big?

Antenna Mount:
I want to temporarily mag mount to the roof, until I get a rack sometime in the future. Again...which mount, and do I need a length of cable to reach the mount from the radio? If I do, where do I find it?

I know I'll have to get the radio programmed, and I believe some of the local guys can do it. Other than that, any help is appreciated!

 

[t_j]

Buy the cable and program it your self, its quite easy to do with chirp -> Home - CHIRP

 

[treypal]

Buy the cable and program it your self, its quite easy to do with chirp -> Home - CHIRP

chirp doesn't to the 5021 according to that list and my experience.

---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------

PM Sent

I'm going to finally buy an Icom F5021 radio, so I can start enjoying some of the awesome runs put together here. I already have it picked out on Amazon, but I know nothing about this radio stuff, and am not sure what else I'll need.

Here are the things I'm drawing a blank on...

Antenna:
I see many out there, some say "tuned" for certain frequencies... which one do I need? How big?

Antenna Mount:
I want to temporarily mag mount to the roof, until I get a rack sometime in the future. Again...which mount, and do I need a length of cable to reach the mount from the radio? If I do, where do I find it?

I know I'll have to get the radio programmed, and I believe some of the local guys can do it. Other than that, any help is appreciated!

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

bout time. however having the radio doesnt mean you will ever come out with us......... almost as bad as jeff.....


a tuned antenna, is trimming the antenna height to match the wavelength of the channel you want. you do not need to tune the antenna though, it just provides greater range for that specific frequency. i mounted mine on my bed rail because i did not want to drill through the roof (very low parking garages) or use a mag mount. i dont like the mag mounts because it scratches up the paint. i still get great range. in nevada we were getting 60+ miles

 

[t_j]

chirp doesn't to the 5021 according to that list and my experience.

Huh looks like you're right my bad, Icom software was not that bad when I used it for my 880h either so that is another option if the OP wants to try this themselves.

 

[Huck]

Send it to me or trey and we can program it for you

 

[The Macf]

Make sure the cable is at least 20'. I have an 18 that goes from the center dash, behind the glovebox, under the passenger sill trim, behind the rear seat, and out the back window.

It's tight.

 

[Icecobra]

I can program it and I am probably the nearest to you..

 

[puddle hunter]

Currently working something out with @treypal