Best "all band" hand held receiver? 500khz to ???

safetyobc · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 07:29 PM

I am looking into getting a little more in depth in my scanning. I have a BCD396T and a BC246T. The 246 isn't doing much since my main trunked system has gone digital. I was wondering what the best all band scanner is? I know everyone has their opinions but I would like to hear them. Alinco? Icom? Yupiteru? AOR? Yaesu? or Others? The Icom R20 looks nice with it's dual receive. Any suggestions?

MacombMonitor · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 07:34 PM

The ICOM IC-R20 is a winner, but only if you can obtain the unblocked version. Not for cellular, but for the rest of the 800MHz spectrum, that is legal to monitor. ICOM seems to have a problem producing a cellular blocked radio, that doesn't block additional portions of the 800MHz band beyond what is necessary to meet the requirements for sale in the U.S.

safetyobc · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 07:49 PM

Not too worried about 800. I have the 396 for that. I like the freq range on the R20 but it is a bit pricey. Any good reasonably priced receivers?

MacombMonitor · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 07:56 PM

There was an ICOM IC-R10 her on "RR" recently. It's un-blocked too!

safetyobc · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 07:58 PM

I've heard or read some reviews on the R10 and people don't talk too highly of it.

MacombMonitor · #6 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 08:16 PM

Many of the criticisms of these wide-band receivers are because people try to monitor shortwave using the stock rubber duckie antenna. Even the JRC NRD545 desktop ($1800.00), will not perform using such an antenna. It's hard for people to comprehend why a cell phone size receiver may require an antenna wire 40 feet long! None of these hand-held wide-band wonders are going to blow your socks off.

safetyobc · #7 (**permalink**) 11-17-2005, 09:19 PM

I do anticipate installing an antenna for HF. But also want a good all around performer. Scan speed is usually slow from what I have read but the faster the better. I realize I'll need to have an antenna to monitor my target freqs.

safetyobc · #8 (**permalink**) 11-18-2005, 05:23 PM

I have my eye on several of these non Uniden/GRE scanner receivers. Some say Dual VFO. What does that mean? One in particular is the Alinco DJ-X10T. Looks like a nice receiver?

brandon · #9 (**permalink**) 11-18-2005, 05:36 PM

I have a Kenwood TH-F6A and it can also be used for wideband reception.

144/220/440 with dual receive, wideband receiver (Longwave through 1.3 Ghz), SSB/CW rcv. Bar antenna for A.M. broadcast reception. 5 watts all bands.

Here are some reviews on it: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1739

John_M · #10 (**permalink**) 11-18-2005, 07:11 PM

The DJ-X10 does look like a nice receiver/scanner. Here are the Specs:

http://www.grove-ent.com/alincodjx10t.html

I would like to have an all-mode receiver too, but it will be awhile. The only bad thing I see about it is the DJ-X10 has a NiCD battery pack.

KT4HX · #11 (**permalink**) 11-18-2005, 07:20 PM

While older, I really like the Yupiteru MVT-7100. It covers up to 1.65 GHz in AM, FM, WFM, CW, USB, LSB, and can be had for under $200. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more current widebands, it certainly can hold it's own performance wise in my view. Of course, everyone has their opinions.

woody_46 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-18-2005, 08:08 PM

Don't forget to look at the higher end AOR's & Icom R7100 & R8500.If you can find the Icom's used they are good buys.They're not handhelds however.

I have the R8500, and it's frontend is almost bulletproof on Vhf/Uhf.I've had a lot of scanners, but the receive on this unit blows the others away.The Hf on the R8500 rivals my Icom R75, in fact the stock filters are better.

Haven't had an AOR, but always read good things about them.