IC-R15 - First Impressions

[xms3200]

I bought an Icom IC-705 just to monitor VHF air. The RC-15 has an edge over the IC-705 in every aspect...I do know the IC-705 is a Ham transceiver, but does have impressive performance on VHF air.

 

[vagrant]

I bought an Icom IC-705 just to monitor VHF air. The RC-15 has an edge over the IC-705 in every aspect...I do know the IC-705 is a Ham transceiver, but does have impressive performance on VHF air.

Did you compare the two using the same antenna?

 

[xms3200]

Yes, using the same external Taco D-5076 antenna, the IC-705 was very impressive. The IC-R15 has a faster scan speed…. indoors, the IC-705 was picking up some noise with the Smiley ducky. I am still playing with the filters and other settings, I will update as I find new tweaks.
I can see the IC-R15 being the new “Gold Standard” for VHF air, it does not miss much on VHF.

 

[CqDx]

Hi all,

I have been seriously considering the IC-R15 as my primary VHF / Airband receiver, I was wondering what is the general opinion regarding UHF Airband reception and the recording feature of the radio.

thanks in advance !

 

[bcradio]

Hi all,

I have been seriously considering the IC-R15 as my primary VHF / Airband receiver, I was wondering what is the general opinion regarding UHF Airband reception and the recording feature of the radio.

thanks in advance !

UHF rocks! I am listening to a lot of UHF Milair and this radio is the best of all that I own. I have a BCD436 and 536, plus Icom IC-R2 and it is great. Recording works great, too.

 

[xms3200]

What antenna are you using for UHF air?
I am blown away by the performance of the IC-R15 on VHF air.

 

[bcradio]

I'm just using the stock antenna when I'm on the road. Works great for me.

 

[bcradio]

@xms3200 I did buy the VHF Air Icom antenna, but found that the UHF reception was better with the stock duck it came with. For VHF air, that VHF antenna is much better.

 

[xms3200]

I will take your suggestion and try scanning for UHF air with the Icom supplied antenna - FA-S270C

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[Kiniutech]

Hi, I tested Diamond RH 771, Watson WS881 , Watson WS901 ( suppose to be air band tuned antenna) and YAESU air receiver stock antenna on Uniden 125. Yaesu antenna beat them all For signal strength and clarity of reception. I would expect iCom FA-S270c air receiver antenna will perform the same on UHF air. Now Yaesu antenna
is permanently attached to Uniden 125 for air scanning , Whistler Trx-1 and iCom IC-R30 used for general scanning