Alinco DX-R8T vs AOR8600

[gcopter1]

I want to monitor trans oceanic HF bands for aircraft.
I have a Uniden scanner dedicated for VHF Air.
I'm considering purchasing either the Alinco or the AOR.
I know the Alinco is cheaper and does less than the AOR but was wondering, how much better the AOR is receiving, filter selection, etc., over the Alinco.
If I end up getting the AOR, the wider coverage would be a bonus but not an absolute necessity.
Thank you for your opinions.

 

[ka3jjz]

Do some homework on various reviews on the web- but if it were me, and I wanted a desktop (there are many not so expensive SDRs out there), the R8T would be my choice hands down. I don't trust widebanded receivers like the 8600 to handle themselves well in crowded band conditions or handling strong signals without overloading issues...but I wouldn't ignore the SDR world either. the SDRPlays are not that expensive and they perform well.....Mike

 

[gcopter1]

Appreciate the response. Yes, used SDR in the past. Prefer knobs and buttons over tying up a computer although, the ability to look at a slice of spectrum and see what's active is also nice. Your comment about the wideband nature, makes sense too.

 

[ka3jjz]

There's even some software for it....

Index of /DriveR8

Mike

 

[Scan125]

Yes I'm the author of DriveR8 and have the DX-R8 receiver. DriveR8 also supports limited functions of the DX-SR8/SR9 Transceiver models.

The SR8/SR9 models can be transmit de-restricted so they can transmit on legal CB / Other frequencies but might not be in strict compliance with UK CB/EU CE legislation/compliance.

With respect to DriveR8 and the SR8/SR9 transceivers then any future release supporting XMit functions etc. requires willing testers as I do not have an SR8/SR9 unit.

I do have an unpublished release with additional function for the SR8/SR9 rigs but my current and only beta tester is "off the map" at this point in time so.

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Interesting quandary, however, if your interest is strictly HF aero comms then the Alinco is all that you really need.
The Alinco has a front firing speaker but it is small. Headphones give the best result for listening to signals that are
down in the noise. The radio has a squelch control which can reduce listener fatigue but again many of the signals
are weak and only the strongest signals will break squelch. If, as you say, you prefer knobs and buttons you will like
the Alinco because once set up, you rarely have to go back scrolling around trying to find stuff in the menu. The buttons
are rather smallish but they make room for a nice large display.
The Alinco DX-SR8T (transceiver version) was reviewed in QST June 2011.
The AOR 8600 MkII was reviewed in Monitoring Times October 2002.

 

[Fast1eddie]

Go with Alinco. I have a 8600, and will tell you it is a great radio whose strong feature is vuhf reception. HF reception can be challenging. Due to the high amount of built in pre amplification, long antennas will simply overload it and no amount of attenuation will help. Go with a short wire of not more than 10 feet long. You can experiment with a counterpoise wire directly underneath it, ground this on the radio, a alligator clip to the outside ring of the antenna connector will work very well. Expect to do lots of button pushing - you stated you like a radio with knobs, the 8600 is all buttons and can be PIA after a few minutes. HF is best monitored casually with this rig. No great expectations.

 

[columbas]

Scan 125, Do I understand that this SDR software will work for the DX SR8T radio? My DX SR8T is a little over a year old and I have been hoping that it will work. For anyone else my question is has anyone tried using the SDR for the DX SR8T ???

 

[Scan125]

Hi Columbas

There is free SDR sofware for the DX-R8 called KG-SDR (Analog software defined radio KG-SDR) and for the DX-SR8/SR9 called KG-TRX (SDR Software KG-TRX)

These Alinco rigs have and IQ output for driving SDR software.

I've not tried SDRPlay / similar yet myself so at this time can not answer you question affirmatively.

All I can say is that any SDR software will have to support the basic Alinco control commands for tuning etc.

When I get a chance I'll have a look at SDRPlay info to see if the Alinco's are supported.

 

[columbas]

Thank you for the information. I am sure other people would be very interested in this new feature. Have a very blessed day and once again thank you very much.