What software is that Vagrant? A fairer price would be $349.00. I would jump.
@vagrant - be careful about revealing that TOP SECRET SOFTWARE to @bearcatrp that is described in the R30 Advanced Manual on page 8-5 for IOS and page 8-9 for Android. 
Well son of a gun, just read it. I always read these manuals front to back. Don’t recall it but thanks for pointing it out (facepalm). How well does it work? I’ll be installing it tomorrow on both iPhone and iPad.@vagrant - be careful about revealing that TOP SECRET SOFTWARE to @bearcatrp that is described in the R30 Advanced Manual on page 8-5 for IOS and page 8-9 for Android.
Thanks folks
* Before anyone asks, no, the audio is not carried to the Android, nor iOS device. They are only for control. I use a BT speaker, earplug, or headset for the audio.
I posted about using those apps four years ago. The Android or iOS device controls it fine and from a good distance. The Bluetooth speaker has been the limitation on distance. Try different BT speakers you may have. Expect less distance when using a BT earplug. Even if I could only use a headphone that would've been okay, but being able to control while using a BT speaker, earplug, or headset is very nice.
While using the app you can:
A. Have your R30 connected to an outdoor antenna, or antennas using a diplexer and control it from wherever around the house.
B. Carry the R30 in a backpack, or bag, to keep it out of sight while enjoying control with your phone and using a BT earplug.
C. Adjust volume, squelch, frequency, scan, mode, etc. for A and B, or choose only one side to control. I typically have a particular frequency set while I scan others, or memories.
It really is unfortunate that R15 owners are unable to enjoy this fun feature and are missing out. Anyways, I expect the Icom R30 replacement will be fun as well.
* Icom - Give us VSC with SSB on the R30 replacement! Make it a world class handheld receiver. That would be fantastic.
FYI - I use a Thales 1600500-1 antenna. It handles 118-500 MHz for me. I use a TNC to BNC adapter on the antenna and an SMA to BNC on the R30
I posted about using those apps four years ago. The Android or iOS device controls it fine and from a good distance. The Bluetooth speaker has been the limitation on distance. Try different BT speakers you may have. Expect less distance when using a BT earplug. Even if I could only use a headphone that would've been okay, but being able to control while using a BT speaker, earplug, or headset is very nice.
While using the app you can:
A. Have your R30 connected to an outdoor antenna, or antennas using a diplexer and control it from wherever around the house.
B. Carry the R30 in a backpack, or bag, to keep it out of sight while enjoying control with your phone and using a BT earplug.
C. Adjust volume, squelch, frequency, scan, mode, etc. for A and B, or choose only one side to control. I typically have a particular frequency set while I scan others, or memories.
It really is unfortunate that R15 owners are unable to enjoy this fun feature and are missing out. Anyways, I expect the Icom R30 replacement will be fun as well.
* Icom - Give us VSC with SSB on the R30 replacement! Make it a world class handheld receiver. That would be fantastic.
FYI - I use a Thales 1600500-1 antenna. It handles 118-500 MHz for me. I use a TNC to BNC adapter on the antenna and an SMA to BNC on the R30
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We should get back to talking about the R15. If anyone sees the price drop below $400, please post it with a link. Thanks.
I was talking about the R15. At $409 from MTC Radio it may tempt buyers on the fence, if it had the same remote control as the R30. What R15 owner would not be happy to have that feature. Still, no digital modes like the R30, which are predominantly used in the coverage range of the R15 is a mystery to me. The more I think about it, the less I would pay.
The owners that do enjoy the R15 for marine and air are probably quite happy. It is a niche receiver.
The owners that do enjoy the R15 for marine and air are probably quite happy. It is a niche receiver.
yes
It is. Reason my I think it’s priced to high. BUT, if Icom did drop it below $400, preferably $349, I would jump on it.
Icanhearit
Member
Depends on your use case. I have SDS100 and SDS200 for P25/DMR etc. if you have these need, IC-R15 does not support them, out of picture.
I use IC-R15 mostly for air band, railroad etc analogue transmission I also have BCD436HP (US equivalent model for UBCD436PT I guess). For such use case, BCT15X/BC125AT are tad better than BCD436HP .
As I posted in msg #436, IC-R15 is in a different league (so is the price).
It all depends on budget and how deep you will be into this. No experience on R6.
To other posts, the IC-R15 price has not been drop under $400, but MTC radio price is close and unless in TX, you do not pay tax, essentially is under $400.
Xray
Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2005
- Messages
- 621
Having a problem writing to SD card, its recognized but won't write. Screen on the radio says "connecting to computer", does it just stay there or does it ever say "connected" ? I entered a few test frequencies before I get into programming and just want to see everything is fine before programming 100's of freqs.
Also says "Never disconnect the cable or turn off power", then how the hell are you supposed to exit sd card mode ?
Also says "Never disconnect the cable or turn off power", then how the hell are you supposed to exit sd card mode ?
Was hoping to see a price drop by Christmas but not finding any.
It is too new and an exceptional receiver on VHF/UHF air from all the rave reviews, for Icom to discount it any further from $459, maybe in a few years when newer technology hits the market.
MTC Radio had it at $409. Probably should have jumped.
Well no longer available at MTC. I am hoping for an after Xmas sale for a day. What are the chances?
DX Engineering still has the $100 off price - $459.95 after discount.
Saw that yesterday. eBay has a few used ones cheaper.
Not sure if it's an issue with this radio, but I'd be careful buying a VHF/UHF radio from an Ebay seller. Lots of Japanese-spec VHF/UHF amateur radios are available on Ebay. They look like good deals until you find out that they are locked to the Japanese band plan and can't be modified. This may not be a problem with a receiver, but I'd be cautious.
wd9ewk
Member
There are some small gaps sprinkled throughout the 108-500 MHz range on the Japanese-spec IC-R15s. This may not be a big deal for some, but the gaps are there.
This is the frequency range for the USA version as shown in the IC-R15 USA brochure, listed at 108-500 MHz (plus 88-108 MHz for broadcast FM):
And from the IC-R15 Japanese brochure, available from the Japanese side of the Icom Japan web site:
The broadcast FM coverage is expanded to 76-108 MHz, but there are small gaps listed throughout the 108-500 MHz range.
Just for info...I have a Euro spec IC-R15 & a Japanese spec IC-705, both are excellent on VHF air, #1 is the IC-R15 and in second is the IC-705. There are gaps in the freq coverage but not for 118 -137Mhz, all depends on your interests. Also, the Japanese spec IC-705...if I do a total reset on the unit, the language goes back to Japanese and I know how to bring it back to English, plenty of You Tube videos. Nothing to fear about the foreign units, some caution about warranty, not worried about that either.
