Has anyone else noticed that absolutely poor lack of planning on the D*STAR Mounting brackets?
We just purchased 5 brand new ID-1 units. None of them came with a mounting bracket nor screws for the ID-1 Transceiver body. Come to find out the mounting bracket is optional. Not only is it optional for 49.95 but it is also DISCONTINUED. I don't need a quick release bracket, I want the simple bracket that comes with the other radios. Now, how about the mounting bracket for the ID-800 User Interface? The design a head that enables remote mounting but, they don't even offer a mounting solution for the head? We have to use VELCRO or Double Sided Tape? If anything is keeping people from getting more involved into D*STAR it is their lack of planning for these types of items. Another thing that bothers me is the fact that the ID-1 has pigtails for the USB and the Ethernet. These pigtails are far to short to actually plug into a computer thus requiring a user to use extension cables. Why not install an Ethernet Jack on the front of the radio along with a standard Device "USB-B" jack? Put a little cover like that offered on the IC-2820h to cover the Microphone Jack so the USB doesn't come unplugged. Seems to me that Icom needs to do some real planning. One more thing, the RS-91 software. I realize it is like the ID-1 live! I wish that it had the ability to not read a radio so that I can do quick flash programming of radios. It is utterly annoying to have to change a file, connect to a radio, allow it to read, re-open the original file on the hard drive, click two annoying boxes, send the data for three to five minutes, then check to see if it is all there. Let me just hit one click flash and then check the files. I have close to 50 units I'm going to have to re-program soon and I'm not looking forward to it. Oh. While I'm on the discussion of problems. Icom should put real USB connectors on their radios get rid of this stereo connector and allow us to plug a Mini USB connector in and go. Faster transfer speeds than serial, newer cheaper technology, etc... I think I'm done for now. Everything has been bottling up for some time and Icom doesn't seem to offer any answers.
