Best Way/Equipment to Get Started in D-STAR?

[lford]

I am interested in getting started in D-STAR.  No repeaters in the local area, but they're coming and some are not too far away (i.e., <50 mi.).   I'm working with another ham to get ARES going again locally, and he's a D-STAR user already and big advocate of D-STAR for EMCOMM use.

I have located a new "demo" IC-800H unit that was used by a major ham retail chain and comes with full 1-year manufacturer's warranty and all original accessories, including the programming software.  I can buy it for $350.00, which is less than buying a brand-new IC-2200H and the UT-118 card.

Or should I wait for the IC-880 unit or buy a D-STAR ICOM hand-held?  What is the best equipment path to get started in D-STAR?

Thanks.
LJF (KG4GPJ)

[KI4OZG]

I'd take that ID-800 for that price! I've got 2 of the 2200H's w/UT-118, a V-8s w/UT-118 and an 800. They are all great radios but I'm sure thinkng about the 880 also...

D-STAR is great and a lot of fun, I know you'll enjoy it. There were many here in my area that started using D-STAR before we had a repeater, we had a lot of fun using Simplex.

[lford]

I'd take that ID-800 for that price! I've got 2 of the 2200H's w/UT-118, a V-8s w/UT-118 and an 800. They are all great radios but I'm sure thinkng about the 880 also...

D-STAR is great and a lot of fun, I know you'll enjoy it. There were many here in my area that started using D-STAR before we had a repeater, we had a lot of fun using Simplex.

Thanks for the reply.  Just trying to get some sense of what is a good deal or not, since I'm very new to the D-STAR system.

LJF
KG4GPJ

[KG2T]

D800 is discontinued
D880 is the latest, dual band, BUT ONE BAND at a time ONLY, You listen or operate on two band simultaneously.
For that you could get the 2820H and the UT3.
If you must have that feature, it's much more money. 880H cost about $ 499.00 USD, the 2820H/UT3 about $ 800.00 USD
Check Universal Radio in Ohio.