It must be either a typo or incomplete information in the listing on the Icom America web site, because I received this response when I emailed Icom technical support:
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An IC-R1500 is nothing more than a PCR-1500 with a remote controller which provides for stand alone operation. True the controller limits some features, but when extra power is needed just operate the IC-R1500 as an IC-PCR1500 connected to a computer now it has all the specs and features of an IC-PCR1500 because it is...the IC-R1500 best of both worlds and flexibility.
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After taking a look at the PDF manual (which I should have done in the first place), I notice it lists 1Hz as a tuning step. So now the only question I have in my mind is do I want to spend the extra $100 just to have a remote head that will be rarely used? I could see myself out in the boondocks once or twice with a 12 volt battery and a wire strung between the trees just to see what was available without city interference, but the more I imagine it the more the novelty of it just seems ridiculous.
I think I just talked myself out of the remote head.
In my email I also asked about the stories that have been circulating regarding the discontinuation of these products (I had asked about the PCR-1500 and R-1500 specifically), this was the response:
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They are being discontinued by ICOM America not ICOM due to recent changes in government regulations, better not wait to long to make your purchase.
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Edit: I see the PCR-1500 now going for $449.99 plus a $20 mail-in rebate. So, now it's $170 more for the version with the remote head? I don't think so!