The Uniden 160 I have is very close to my R30 for airband. The R30 was just a smudge better. Don't own the R15. If Icom would have added the waterfall display like on the 52A, would have bought one. My R30 is my top radio for now.
Icom designed the IC-R15 as an analog only receiver geared mainly for the airband and railroad. It excels in those two bands, personally, I am totally delighted with its airband performance which is what I only monitor. I am considering ordering another IC-R15 as a spare, just in case Icom discontinues it somewhere in the future just like the IC-R30. I paired mine with a Smiley airband antenna and that seems to be the very best combo....YMMV
Agreed with XMS3200, it's the best receiver in airband I've ever used. I also use it for marine and ham monitoring where it is excellent.
I think all the pros and cons have been discussed in this thread, so I'd encourage folks to go back and read through it - it'll help make your mind up.
I think all the pros and cons have been discussed in this thread, so I'd encourage folks to go back and read through it - it'll help make your mind up.
I'm looking at the Smiley antennas for an antenna upgrade for my R15. I see 3 antennas listed on their website, any suggestions on which one to use? Note: I'm in the Los Angeles area.
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-132 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 132 - 136 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-125 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-132 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 132 - 136 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-125 MHZ 6 1/2”
Yes, the Regular Duck Aircraft Band 118Mhz to 132Mhz....I have spoken to the owner, Lori a few times , she told me that even though it is listed in three different freq ranges, they all cover 118 to 137 Mhz, it almost sounded like the website needed updating. Also, as far a the connector options, if you get .....SMA MALE NON REMOVABLE COVERED (ANTENNA & CONNECTOR ARE FULLY COVERED NO RETURNS), it is fully insulated and looks like an Icom antenna, excellent performance as well as that OEM look... No Exposed Metal
Last edited:
Thanks for the quick reply. Interesting that they would list 3 antennas if they are really the same.
I was thinking the same thing, I really believe it is for those who want to transmit, the freq ranges are intended for the user freq. For those who want to receive...One size fits all!!
Makes sense...
I asked ChatGPT about the following Smiley Antennas Aircraft on the R15.
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-132 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 132 - 136 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-125 MHZ 6 1/2”
ChatGPT response:
If your goal is general aircraft monitoring with the Icom IC-R15 (a wideband handheld receiver), then:
• ✅ Best all-around choice: 118–132 MHz duck
• That’s the “center” of the civil airband and where you’ll spend most of your time (tower, ground, departure, approach, en route).
• It gives you the broadest useful coverage with good efficiency across the majority of ATC channels.
• 🎯 Use the 118–125 MHz duck if you’re mainly interested in local airport ops (tower, ground, clearance).
• 🎯 Use the 132–136 MHz duck if you’re focused on center/high-altitude comms or if most of your traffic is at the upper end of the band.
But for “normal” scanning of everything (tower, approach, center, etc.), stick with the 118–132 MHz Smiley duck as your default antenna on the IC-R15.
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-132 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 132 - 136 MHZ 6 1/2”
REGULAR DUCK AIRCRAFT BAND 118-125 MHZ 6 1/2”
ChatGPT response:
If your goal is general aircraft monitoring with the Icom IC-R15 (a wideband handheld receiver), then:
• ✅ Best all-around choice: 118–132 MHz duck
• That’s the “center” of the civil airband and where you’ll spend most of your time (tower, ground, departure, approach, en route).
• It gives you the broadest useful coverage with good efficiency across the majority of ATC channels.
• 🎯 Use the 118–125 MHz duck if you’re mainly interested in local airport ops (tower, ground, clearance).
• 🎯 Use the 132–136 MHz duck if you’re focused on center/high-altitude comms or if most of your traffic is at the upper end of the band.
But for “normal” scanning of everything (tower, approach, center, etc.), stick with the 118–132 MHz Smiley duck as your default antenna on the IC-R15.
Great info, however, when you do select that antenna, first option is the connecter, second choice is Size, options are 118 - 125, then 125 - 132, and lastly, 132 - 136Mhz. I still think the web site needs updating.
I agree, the website should be updated.
I was doing a test of reception of my two Icom’s on VHF air. The Icom IC-R15 with a Smiley 6” rubber ducky received a United 737 at 183 miles, my Icom IC-705 with a Smiley super stick retractable was 156 miles. Both radios were indoors on really flat land, and both receivers work well with the Smiley as well as the Icom FAB02AR. The distance was viewed on ABS-B Exchange web site.
