Get the R30 for an all around receiver vs a Uniden or Whistler?

[Onetechyguy]

Merry Christmas!

Thinking about getting the IC-R30 while its on sale on HRO through today. I mainly want to listen to local police, fire, etc and occasionally listen to shortwave and misc frequencies. I've had various receivers and scanners throughout the years and like this because it can pickup about everything including digital. I've even had the R20 and this new radio the audio is supposed to be even better and I like the recording feature. What's the learning curve like? I might by the optional software and cable to program frequencies.
Any drawbacks getting this VS a Whistler TRX-1 or a Uniden SDS100? I know the Icom doesn't trunk but looking for opinions to which is the best radio overall incuding operation & build quality.

Thanks

 

[Hit_Factor]

First, it doesn't do trunking. But that's not a huge deal, unless you are monitoring very busy systems. Since it doesn't trunk you can't hold on a TG if there is something interesting.

It will never do DMR, there will be some who say it's just a firmware upgrade away, it's not.

No special cable to program, it's USB. Look for other post regarding software. If you scan through the Icom sub forum you'll see several threads with Q&A.

Make sure you update the firmware as soon as you get it. That will solve almost every question of why doesn't it...?

TRX-1 and Uniden SDS100 are not comparable scanners. Just as the R30 is a different from the scanners.

 

[Hit_Factor]

BTW, the R30 is the mobile receiver I take with me when I am looking for interesting transmissions. The SDS100 stays in the truck.

 

[jaspence]

The IC-R30 does not receive P25 Phase II or DMR. DMR is popular in both ham and commercial use, and P25 Phase II is where new P25 systems are going. The digital modes the Icom does cover are either minor players or being replaced (Phase I moving slowly to Phase II). If I had only one radio, my past experience says go scanner and buy a less expensive shortwave radio for your occasional listening.

 

[tumegpc]

I think you would like the R30. Bluetooth is such a cool feature to use when monitoring. Icom's App is well polished and easy to use. I bought a cheap Amazon File tablet for less than $50.00 and added Google Play and download Icom's RS-R30 app. It works perfectly.

 

[N4DJC]

I would recommend the SDS-100 based on your intentions of "occasional use" on shortwave, etc. The R30 is a great communications receiver but just does not work as well as a normal "scanner" IMO.

 

[ka3jjz]

I don't believe the SDS100 covers the whole of the HF spectrum. Nominally many start at 25 Mhz - and there's nobody using the 26 meter band right now AFAIK. If you are going to go the occasional use of HF, then get something like a Tecsun PL660 or a low end SDR that covers HF (like the RTL-SDR version 3).

Learn about the systems that are in your area and purchase a scanner based on recommendations from folks in your area. Between the 2 you should be pretty well covered, receiver wise. But don't forget antennas - that too is an important part of the decision since old Sol isn't going to help us on HF for some time....Mike

 

[jonwienke]

The SDS and x36 models start coverage at 25MHz at the low end, so if you want to receive below 25MHz, you need to look at other options.

 

[AA6IO]

I have both the R30 and SDS100. For someone interested primarily in scanning law enforcement, fire, and other local communications, the SDS100 will be a better investment. You can buy a fairly inexpensive Tecsun PL880 or PL660 for occasional SW monitoring. The R30 is a great radio, but the lack of DMR and P25 phase 2, and trunking do limit its usefulness for those primarily interested in scanning local communications. I have owned close to 50 different scanners and amateur radios over many years.
For most people who are interested only in monitoring of any kind, the three I would take are the SDS-100, BC125AT (for VHF and air), and a Tecsun PL880 for AM broadcast, shortwave, and occasional CW/SSB monitoring on HF amateur bands.
If you ever get interested in ham radio, add an FT-70 and AT-D878UV with a hotspot and talk all over the world. Keep a mag mount handy for analog emcom.

 

[N4DJC]

I use both the 436 and the R30, a really good combination for my uses. Neither would suffice as a "one radio to do it all". Probably the least expensive option is the one @AA6IO posted: SDS-100, BC125AT, and Tecsun.