IC-R15 - First Impressions

[SigIntel8600]

Can you elaborate how the radio feels cheap? I’m close to buying and would like to hear about the RY systems bugs as well. Thanks.

**RT System**

 

[bcradio]

I've been using Butel's software to program the radio. It will upload frequencies, alpha tags, allow you to put into custom groups, etc.. For 25GBP it is pretty good deal.

ARC-R15 software for Icom IC-R15 receiver

ARC-R15 a reliable and cheap Windows solution for programming your Icom IC-R15 receiver using the SD-card CSV transfer options. ARC-R15 V1.0 download link - unregistered version will not upload data Strictly no refunds on software downloads, try the free demo before making your purchase.

www.butel.nl

It doesn't let you set up custom scan edges or group chains, but I don't find it too bad to do it by hand.

Just another option for those looking for software options.

 

[prima19rider]

If I handle the r-15 and the r-30 and or the ID 52, it weighs less, the knobs and buttons do not work as smoothly as my other Icom radiOS. The RT software does not copy and paste changes the same as other programs. Example I wanted to change one frequency category icon and it changes all the icons in the same Group. Done with it, will be going up for sale.

 

[bearcatrp]

If I handle the r-15 and the r-30 and or the ID 52, it weighs less, the knobs and buttons do not work as smoothly as my other Icom radiOS. The RT software does not copy and paste changes the same as other programs. Example I wanted to change one frequency category icon and it changes all the icons in the same Group. Done with it, will be going up for sale.

Have you contacted RT systems to see if your doing something wrong or its a known bug? 1st gen software is usually buggy until updates come out. Your the only person I have read that complains about it that bad.

 

[prima19rider]

Have you contacted RT systems to see if your doing something wrong or its a known bug? 1st gen software is usually buggy until updates come out. Your the only person I have read that complains about it that bad.

Yes, contacted RTSystems. I have used their support many times with good results, not this time. Very rude and condescending. I have 11 RTSystems programs for all the radios I have. This was a terrible experience.

 

[SigIntel8600]

I just received my IC-R15 today. Still charging it up but I was able to load memories using the Butel software. I'm using the stock antenna for now until I do some research on antennas. I have two military bases right down the road so looking forward to UHF Mil Air.

 

[xms3200]

The stock antenna is good for UHF mil Air from what I hear. for me, for VHF air, the Smiley Antenna 6" rubber duck is magic, the 125 to 132 Mhz variety.

 

[SigIntel8600]

The stock antenna is good for UHF mil Air from what I hear. for me, for VHF air, the Smiley Antenna 6" rubber duck is magic, the 125 to 132 Mhz variety.

I put a Diamond SRH77CA on the IC-R15 to test it out. Much better than the stock antenna.

 

[xms3200]

You cannot go wrong with the Diamond antenna for VHF air. The stock antenna is a very poor performer for VHF air, at least where I live, have read on this forum that the stock antenna is good for UHF mil air. Haven’t really tried UHF mil….I just heard Air Force One on VHF 132.125Mhz…they all talk on VHF…so no reason for UHF for me.

 

[bearcatrp]

Anyone try a comet W100RX with a R15? I use one on my R30 with great results.

Scanner Antennas | Comet Antenna

wireless mobile and fixed station voice and data

cometantenna.com

 

[SigIntel8600]

So I have been running the R15 for a few days. I am VERY happy with it's performance on VHF/UHF air and marine reception using a Diamond SRH-77CA antenna. The radio itself does feel a little light, definitely not a Motorola. The menu is set up excellent, easy to work your way around. The band scanning setup is really nice. The display is nice, wish it had a dark background option. I usually have A band scanning through my aviation and marine memories and B band scanning VHF/UHF Guard. I don't miss the numbered keypad. I used Butel software to load the memories. If you follow the Butel manual it it very easy to load up your memories. Was it worth $549.00? It's a little high, but I will get daily use out of it. Look for a Black Friday Sale if the price is your sticking point.

 

[bcradio]

Nice! I find the same as you. The more I use the menu/memory the more I really enjoy how they did it.

I also wish for a dark mode for the display. If ICOM is listening, it would be a great firmware update.

 

[KB2GOM]

I have spent years and many$$ experimenting with handheld antennas(many are in a drawer not being used) and if there is no issue as far as height, for most reception especially below 500 mhz a simple adjustable collapsable antenna like the diamond rh-789 adjusted to the frequency being listened to has always been equal to or better than any other rubber duck. Yes, people will argue there is no gain ete etc but supposed gain antennas never made any listenable difference in comparison to the collapsables. Gain can be a factor in rooftop yagis and directional antennas but companies claiming ridiculous gain for handheld receiving antennas is ”smoke and mirrors”. A handheld antenna at the specific resonating frequency always works equal to or better…yes there are handheld duck antennas that are ‘tuned’ to the range of frequencies but again they cannot receive any better than a collapsable. We cannot argue with physics!

Look at all the money I could have saved!

From the ARRL antenna handbook….
“The salient point here is that the more capture area you have, the stronger your received signal will be. All other things being equal, it’s fair to say that the longer the antenna, the better it receives. This is consistent with the concept of Total Copper (or aluminum) Content (TCC) as a yardstick of overall Amateur Radio station performance. The more copper (or aluminum) you have in the air the better you’ll talk and the better you’ll hear!”
Having said all this, I realize there is a convenience factor for using smaller antennas and I use them on my handhelds all the time…but if I need that extra edge, I use the collapsable set to the frequency.

I find the Comet wrx-1000 telescoping antenna works pretty well at around 21 inches for Civ Air.

What would be the optimal length for mil-air?

 

[aprilexe]

Why can't I find it on Amazon or eBay now?

There is one on eBay bidding at 375 to start and saw one here on RR classifieds the other day, there are several on eBay out of Japan but would need to mod for full USA vhf air , mod can be found on *I think iirc* hamlife

 

[aprilexe]

Japanese version vhf air mod…. R15 mod

 

[aprilexe]

Japanese version vhf air mod…. R15 mod

R15 mod on hamlife full page, use translate

 

[xms3200]

I was looking at the IC-R15 specs on Icom Japan and noticed the specs for VHF air is 108 to 253Mhz. Unless I am missing something, what does this mod do for VHF air, I thought 118 to137Mhz is covered by this scanner.

 

[aprilexe]

I was looking at the IC-R15 specs on Icom Japan and noticed the specs for VHF air is 108 to 253Mhz. Unless I am missing something, what does this mod do for VHF air, I thought 118 to137Mhz is covered by this scanner.

There are a few gaps above 253 on the Japanese version, 118-137 is the same us/jp. The same for jp ver of others ; R20, R30 are listed on that site and ameblo

 

[xms3200]

Okay, thanks, only above VHF air civilian is where the gaps are occuring.

 

[SigIntel8600]

Looking for a U.S. source for the LC-203 case. The only in stock dealers I can find are in the U.K. Appreciate any info.