FRG-100 or ICOM R70

R1VINCE · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 10:01 PM

I have the oppurtunity to purchase ONE of these radios.

Id like to hear from those that have or have had both of these radios in there shack.
Im trying to figure out which would be the better buy for me.

Thank you in advance

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 06:18 AM

While there doesn't seem to be a Yahoo group for the R70 (not surprising given it's age), there is a fairly active one for the FRG100...

frg-100 : Yaesu FRG-100 Group

73 Mike

ab3a · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 10:21 AM

If you want good sounding AM, then the R-70 is not a good choice unless you make the AM detector modifications.

However, if you want a receiver with good SSB performance and much better filters and IMD performance than the FRG-100, the R-70 is for you.

I have one. A friend has an FRG-100. The IMD difference between these receivers is quite obvious. Also the filters I have are sharper, the passband tuning is good too.

However, the R-70 has its quirks too. At the 1 MHz band intervals in General Coverage mode, it doesn't automatically bump up to the next 1 MHz segment. There are frequency read-out quirks too.

Nevertheless, for RTTY, CW, and SSB reception, it is a damned fine receiver.

ka3jjz · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 10:39 AM

This company has been doing mods - or selling kits for mods - for a long time, and it's well respected in the field. It's a fact that resale value goes up if you happen to have mods by these folks installed...

Kiwa Electronics

73 Mike

Fast1eddie · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 12:31 PM

The R70 was my first receiver and it served me well. I took it all over Europe while in the military and wish I had never sold it. Although the Yaesu has what I deem superficial features, the R70 is a much better receiver. The internal switchable amp works very well on extremely weak signals. The Pass Band Tuning (PBT) is a signinficant plus. Although I have a R71, I am considering purchasing a used R70 from Universal. Good luck to you, I know you will be satisfied.

rankin39 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 12:37 PM

If they are both in good shape, buy the ICOM. You won't be sorry.

Bob, WoNXN

R1VINCE · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 01:09 PM

thank you gentlemen for the input!

if it helps you help me...
my main interest is to listen to USB throughout. Maybe some A.M. here and there.
ive been using my AR8200M3 to do this for a while, and i thought its time i step up to a "real" receiver to do this.

again-==EXCELLENT INPUT from all, Thank you!

nickcarr · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 01:18 PM

Hehe, well you may want to get a "real" receiver that isn't 15 years old (or more) then...

R1VINCE · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickcarr

Hehe, well you may want to get a "real" receiver that isn't 15 years old (or more) then...

if money were no object, i wouldnt be playing around with "old gear". craigslist is your friend-JUST BE CAREFUL!

R1VINCE · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 04:27 PM

Well friends, with your help and suggestions, i got the R70 yesterday and havent shut off since! GREAT RADIO!!!

Again, thanks for the help!

nickcarr · #11 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 06:36 PM

Post some pictures if you can...

rigreference · #12 (**permalink**) 08-21-2009, 06:23 AM

This might come in handy: Compare Yaesu FRG-100 to ICOM IC-R70