Where to buy an Unblocked IC-R20?

Stevenme · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 09:21 PM

I know this is a touchy subject. Let me start by saying I don't want an unblock R20 to listen to cell phones (if there are even any analog cells left). I'd like an unblock R20 because Icom messed up the frequency cutoffs and some PS freqs are mistakenly blocked. I thought RadioWorld in Canada was a option, but they told me they won't ship Icom products to the USA. Other than eBay, where should I look? Thanks!

shell6 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 09:54 PM

On this same topic, if anyone also knows where to buy an unblocked PCR-2500, that would be great. Apparently ICOM thought it would be a good idea to rip a whole intact 1 MHz section right from the middle of the fed band. Brilliant.

wayne_h · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 10:02 PM

I purchased my unblocked 2500 off ebay through palacemuseum. Since MS Live was offering their 14% cashback deal at the time it made it cheaper than fishing for one from a Canadian distributor. A year or so ago I emailed several Canadian distributors and did find one that would ship to the US; so you aren't out of luck there. I forget which one but would encourage emailing them and asking.

Monitor this for good Live ebay discounts if interested in going the ebay route.

shell6 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2009, 10:40 PM

Would it take the P25 mod, or was it Japanese?

Stevenme · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne_h

I purchased my unblocked 2500 off ebay through palacemuseum. Since MS Live was offering their 14% cashback deal at the time it made it cheaper than fishing for one from a Canadian distributor. A year or so ago I emailed several Canadian distributors and did find one that would ship to the US; so you aren't out of luck there. I forget which one but would encourage emailing them and asking.

Monitor this for good Live ebay discounts if interested in going the ebay route.

So far I'm 0 for 2 trying to find a Canadian dealer to ship me an R20. Any hints? Send me a PM if you like. Thanks!

wayne_h · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevenme

So far I'm 0 for 2 trying to find a Canadian dealer to ship me an R20. Any hints? Send me a PM if you like. Thanks!

I went off the ICOM Canadian distributors page. I started emailing a few at a time. I think it was around four or five before someone said yes.

wayne_h · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shell6

Would it take the P25 mod, or was it Japanese?

Which mod? Later revisions of the software permitted P25 use in the 800 band.

The one I purchased off ebay was the "2500-30" which is the Canadian/un-blocked US version. The only thing it doesn't do as far as P25 is permit its use for the second receiver.