Icom R20 HF/SSB Performance

[steveinny]

Hi all. I pulled the trigger yesterday and am awaiting my new Icom R20. It will join my GRE PSR 500 & 600 Scanners. I also have a Grundig S750 shortwave receiver. I wanted a "do it all" portable receiver with ssb capability. My question is, how does the R20 perform on the HF bands (below 30 mhz)? I am a ham and do like to monitor cw and ssb qso's. I also enjoy shortwave broadcasts. I realize that in general, wideband receivers are a bit of a compromise since they cover so much territory. I would like your honest experience with this radio on the low bands using the supplied antenna or otherwise.
Thanks for your help.
Steve

 

[Fast1eddie]

Hello Steve, my experience with my R20 is admittedly limited due to a hectic work schedule, however I have experimented with random length wires and can be ok with it. QTH is outside Pittsburgh in a somewhat rual area. Aside from everyday neighborhood RF noise, monitored aero traffic on 6 and 8Mhz , ok copy.

Not so good on the telescopic whip, although I like it for v/uhf.

Make friends with the RF gain and everything will be fine.

Ed

 

[airwolfbell222]

Reception is hit and miss with the telescoping antenna that it comes with. I've had good luck with the 54" inch telescoping called the Smiley antenna's Super stick II.

I've heard the duckerIL by miracle antenna works great with the icom r-20 supplied antenna.

My best results have been with Radio Shack's #20 red wire strung out (tossed out the window) 20-30 ft hooked to a 2 inch banana clip and cliped onto the R-20 telescoping antenna. With the the wire, I've picked up a good amount of utility stations around the west coast.

I think you'll be happy with your purchase, the dual receive function is fantastic along with the built in recorder.