R5, Pro-97, or other?

[safetyobc]

I consider myself an experienced scanner nut.

I am about to purchase a new radio (when my tax returns come in). I have owned a Pro-97 so I know what it is like...

I am really wanting an Icom R5 and have wanted one for a long time. I have owned a Yaseu VR120 and was pleased with it for the most part as was a pleased with the 97.

Just seeking opinions on if you had $200 to buy a new scanner (or receiver) what would you buy?

Oh and I own a BCT15 and BCD396T. I don't want a Pro-2055 (too many problems with it). I want a handheld scanner or receiver.

 

[ScanDaBands]

BC246T and ARC246T software

 

[KE7TJK]

BR-330T and the USAD key.

Much better radio than the R-5, and more versatile.

I've owned both, and the BR-330T wins hands down.

 

[enine]

I was going back and forth between the pro97 and BCT496 then the pro97 went on sale this week for $150 so I picked one up.

 

[gmclam]

Don't pay more than $150 for the '97 new.

 

[safetyobc]

10-4! I think the Pro-97 is a decent scanner for $150.

I am really leaning toward the R5 because of it's size, frequency range, and just sheer looks. I have had the Pro-97 and although it was a good scanner, I am reluctant about getting another. The Yaseu VR120 I had was nice because of it's size, I sold it in a pinch and wish I didn't since.

I have owned a BC246T when they first came out. It was cool at first, but after the BCD396T, I just wasn't that happy with the 246 anymore because of it's 10 Quick Key limit. I also had a BR330T but felt it was too redundant of my BCD396T, but I did like the 330.

I guess I got $200 to buy a new toy and don't know what to get, lol.

Any reason to get a R5 over a Yaseu VR120?

 

[Steve]

Since I bought Matt's(safetyobc) VR120, here's is my 2cents worth.
Matt, did you need the tone function (PL/DPL)? If you don't then I would go with the
VR120. The R5 does have more channels than the VR120. I also own an Icom R2 and
I use the VR120 more than I do the R2. After I learned the VR120's features, I found it
"easier" to program the VR120 for some reason.
By the way Matt, the 120 is singing sweetly!

Steve
KD4LCY

 

[KE7TJK]

My biggest beef with the VR-120 was its lack of audio output. it was a great receiver, but it also scanned very slowly. Same beef with the R-5.

I wish someone would make a true scanner the size of theR-5 and VR-120. I'd be all over that in a hurry.

 

[safetyobc]

Since I bought Matt's(safetyobc) VR120, here's is my 2cents worth.
Matt, did you need the tone function (PL/DPL)? If you don't then I would go with the
VR120. The R5 does have more channels than the VR120. I also own an Icom R2 and
I use the VR120 more than I do the R2. After I learned the VR120's features, I found it
"easier" to program the VR120 for some reason.
By the way Matt, the 120 is singing sweetly!

Steve
KD4LCY

I am glad you are still liking the receiver. It is a nice radio. The CTCSS/DCS would be nice. I can live without it, but there is a couple of channels here that I would really benefit from having it.

I realize the R5 (and 120 for that matter) are "slower" but I still liked the 120 when I had it.

 

[hotdjdave]

I would say an iCOM R3 or R10, but that might be a little more than $200.00, but it may be possible to get one of these for around $200.00 (used).

A Yaesu VX-7R has descent scanning capabilities (.5 - 999 MHz), for a ham radio; and it also has extended quad-band transmit capabilities (beyond ham radio bands) via a simple modification. I have seen these on eBay for around $200.00 for a used one and at Ham Radio Outlet for $299.99 new.