Hi all. 
I have used an id-51a for a year. 
You can program it with aRT system software or with the free Icom software, if you're a little patient. 

I'm totally blind and enjoy this radio. 
Don't believe every piece of second hand hearsay you read. 
Barry VK6SP. 


Sent from my iPhone

> On 30 Mar 2016, at 8:18 AM, Joseph Stephen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> 
> 
> For the record, so people who search the archives are clear, my statement
> about the Icom ID51a came from their website, not my own experience. Another
> person on this list who has one has confirmed that it is ***not ***
> accessible so sorry about that. I just want to put this out there because I
> do not want to further spread misinformation. It's a pity Icom advertise it
> like this.
> 
> 
> 
> Also for the record, my wishlist really includes one more thing, so here it
> is again:
> 
> My wishlist is as follows:
> 
> 1. Completely accessible via different beeps (for on/off/option wrap
> around), or, voice prompts (including menu options, not just menu names), 
> 
> 2. 2m/70cm,
> 
> 3. Wide band receive eg 01 to 1300 mhz,
> 
> 4. Direct frequency entry!
> 
> 5. Rugged.
> 
> 6. 5w output.
> 
> 7 Optional AA battery case available.
> 
> 
> 
> So, yes, so far, only the Kenwood TH-F6A/F7E fit this description.
> 
> Come on other users, please chime in, surely there are other accessible
> handhelds out there besides the Chinese brands which are mostly illegal in
> Australia because of their ability to transmit outside the ham bands and
> can't be locked.
> 
> 
> 
> Joseph
> 
>