Difference between the BC246T and R2/R5

[VECTOR-77]

I am still looking into scanners, though Id like to know the difference between the Uniden BC246T and the icom r2 or r5.


Not really sure, does the icom cover more.

 

[crayon]

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Icom_Radios

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BC246T

 

[VECTOR-77]

oh wow didint know there was such detailed info here. thank you.

 

[VECTOR-77]

even with these sites Im still a tad confused, on which radio is better for me the beginner.

any help would be great.

 

[scanfan03]

To start off, the R2 and R5 do not support any type of trunking, while the BC246T does. That should make a huge difference, where do you live? If we know what kind of system your police department (or whatever you want to monitor) has, we can answer your question better. The R2 and R5 have a much more sensitive receiver.

 

[Dubbin]

IMHO the R-2 and R-5 are NOT for a beginner.

 

[VECTOR-77]

i live in NYC and Buffalo/amherst, NY

 

[mciupa]

i live in NYC and Buffalo/amherst, NY

So in both cities , trunking is not an issue. (If you are into Emergency Services scanning)
In that case , the R 5 has a few more features , but take heed of what Dubbin said.

 

[VECTOR-77]

so could I get a cheaper scanner if trunking is not an issue,

 

[mciupa]

You could look at a Pro-97 ( no one is saying you have to use the trunking features) , but hey, if you travel somewhere , it may come in useful.
Same goes for the 246T , if it within your budget , why not ?

Sorry , this is like trying on shoes , which one fits the best ?

Just read your post below , yes , you can monitor shortwave.

 

[VECTOR-77]

the icom r5 on the wiki says that it covers 150kHz-1309.995MHz range, so does this mean it is a shortwave radio also?

 

[VECTOR-77]

You could look at a Pro-97 ( no one is saying you have to use the trunking features) , but hey, if you travel somewhere , it may come in useful.
Same goes for the 246T , if it within your budget , why not ?

Sorry , this is like trying on shoes , which one fits the best ?

well Im not to keen on radioshack anymore.

 

[MarkWestin]

I have both the Icom IC-R5 and the Uniden BC246T. You will be much happier with the BC246T than you would be with the IC-R5.

Mark

 

[Dubbin]

I have both the Icom IC-R5 and the Uniden BC246T. You will be much happier with the BC246T than you would be with the IC-R5.

Mark

And I have owned all of the mentioned radios and I still say the Icom's are not for the beginner.

 

[ryangassxx]

wow that Icom R5 is quite the little gizmo... I just checked it out.. All that crammed into such a little device...

 

[Haley]

I own both the R2 and the BC246T, as Dubbin and Mark have both said-----the ICOMS are not for beginners! Dont get me wrong they are good at what they do, just very complicated. If you want an actual scanner and not a wideband reciever ----you will be MUCH happier with the 246T. Mike

 

[Nasby]

Even though you are "not too keen on Radio Shack anymore" the PR0-97 is a scanner worth considering. it is an excellent scanner and is a good choice for a beginner or a long time user. It is reasonably priced, is often on sale and can be picked up at the local RS store. Most of the user reviews are very positive! It has a warranty and can be easily returned if you don't like it. As long as you don't listen to the salespeople there, you should have no problems with the transaction.

 

[scanfan03]

I think the 246T is your best bet. Good for a beginner and can handle trunked systems when needed.

 

[bonus1331]

R2 vs R5

Is one more sensitive than the other?