Icom R20 vs. Shortwave

dennish62 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 05:41 AM

I've been interested in the R20 and would like to know how it stacks up against my shortwaves, Satellit 800 and Sangean 909 (I realize it's kinda apples vs. oranges). I'm a Navy journalist and spend a lot of time living out of a backpack and camera kit. The R20 looks like it would fit right in for the long trips. I'm not just stuck on shortwave listening so it seems to be a pretty good choice. Any suggestions?

Dennis

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 06:43 PM

It is apples and oranges indeed; the R20 is a wideband handheld, the other 2 radios aren't. The R20 wil most likely be just OK when the signals are strong, but if a good band opening happens, or it's crowded on the band you're listening, my bet is you're going to get a lot of overloading if you put a long antenna on it. Best to stick with no more than 15-20 foot (less if you're on the East Coast, where sigs tend to be a bit stronger - ditto Europe) of wire as an antenna - if that. There was a review of the R20 on MT somewhere....
You really would be better off with one of the mid portables, such as a Sony 7600G or one of the Kaito/Degen models. Our SWL and Utility wiki pages have links to all sorts of reviews. I'd highly suggest using them to do your research. 73s Mike

BLAH · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2006, 03:40 AM

I have had no real problums with my r20, however I have searched threw the HF bands and can hear nothing ! With both a 19' line and the supplyed antenna. I am in the LA area and i can not even pick up CB rx in the 27mhz band. Anyone have any idea what the problum might be??

TIA ,bLAH