I have an IC-27H, it's a backup radio which is actually in the EOC I 
volunteer at because it's better than the junk alincos they stuck us with 
though it sounds like we're getting newer better radios finally, commercial 
I hope. Anyway, I got it for $40 on ebay 11 years ago and it's done it all 
from special event communications when it traveled in my go kit, packet, 
mobile, I lost the high power module in it a few years ago but other than 
that I can't kill it. All the high power module does is get it from 25 to 50 
watts so now high power is only 25 watts, and that thing keeps going and 
going I can't believe it, it's also been dropped in the driveway when I was 
putting it mobile, was mobile it's whole life before I got it, it's not 
pretty but seriously I can't kill it. It's had very little down time, it's a 
workhorse. I even loaned it to someone for 6 months and he wasn't easy on it 
either. I'd doubt much if any of today's ham radio gear could stand up to 
that, I know this was bought in 1984 originally, I was given the sales slip 
when I bought it. I wouldn't be in a hurry to retire them just yet unless 
you just want something newer to play with and even then, hang on to them 
for backups. I seldom get on 2 meters though now that my main reason for 
getting off has been eliminated, in part due to me, on one of the repeaters 
for one club I belong to I'm back on a bit more than I was but only on the 
club repeaters I have something to do with, and my call goes out first, on 
900 MHz if I want someone local.
BTW, if anyone reading is interested, I still have a few 900 MHz handhelds 
available. The best there are for the band.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pat Byrne" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 9:40 AM
Subject: Re: TMV71a


> Gerry,
> I don't own one - have just read all the upbeat comments from those
> who do.  My primary 2 and 440 rigs are Icom 27H and 47A
> respectively.  They are probably 25 years old but speak - perhaps
> time for their retirement.
> Some years ago I worked one of my shops, the busiets, alone for a
> week and got perhaps a third of a TMV71a in tips!!  and that was one busy 
> week.
> Pat, L9JAU