Icom ID-52E PLUS vs Original: UK Price and Pi-Star Setup
Icom ID-52E and ID-52E PLUS in plain English: what the PLUS changed, UK prices new and used, September 2026, Pi-Star hotspot settings and reflector commands.
News
Amateur radio in the UK is regulated by Ofcom through three licence levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Full.
Since February 2024 the limits are 25 watts PEP at Foundation, 100 watts at Intermediate and 1,000 watts at Full on bands where amateur radio holds a primary allocation, with individual bands subject to further restrictions set out in Schedule 1 of the licence. Exams are administered by the RSGB and can be taken online under remote invigilation.
Band allocations follow the IARU Region 1 plan, which sets the segments used for CW, digital modes and SSB by convention rather than by licence condition. Licence terms, band access and the exam syllabus are all revised periodically, so current Ofcom documentation is worth checking against older guidance.
Icom IC-7610 vs IC-7300: Are Two Receivers Worth £3,199?
Icom IC-7610 in plain English: two direct sampling receivers, DPD, firmware 1.45, the screen issue, UK price in September 2026 and IC-7300MK2 comparison.
Icom IC-7300 in 2026: Buy Used or Pay £1,359 for the MK2?
Icom IC-7300 in 2026: UK new and used prices, what the IC-7300MK2 changes, known faults after ten years, and the Linux, flrig and FT8 settings that work.
Icom IC-9700 Seven Years On: Contest Wins and a £33 Fix
Icom IC-9700 explained in plain English: 2m, 70cm and 23cm specs, UK price on 2 September 2026, the £33 fix for 23cm drift, firmware 1.50 and 15 FAQ.
Icom IC-7110: IC-7100 Successor, UK Price and Release Date
The Icom IC-7110 replaces the IC-7100 with a colour touchscreen, dualwatch and 4m on the UK model. Specs, £250 deposits, expected UK price, release date, FAQ.
GB3RS: The National Radio Centre in Bletchley Park
GB3RS: The National Radio Centre The National Radio Centre (NRC) and GB3RS located in Bletchley Park are must-visit destinations for anyone interested in radio communication and its history. The NRC houses a collection of historic radio equipment, interactive exhibits, and educational resources that provide visitors with an insight into the development and evolution of radio … Read more