IC-R15 - First Impressions

[randybcd396t]

The best airband antenna right now is the Radtel Aviation Antenna from Amazon. It is a thick, tall antenna but it's very broadband and covers 118-136 almost entirely under 2:1 SWR.

For the price, it's a great value: https://a.co/d/dePHuY8

Update: you can get (2) for $10

I don't think the connector is compatible with the ICOM IC-R15.

 

[trap5858]

Others may like the RadioReference interface with RT Systems. For me it's useless. I live in Los Angeles and the interface does not work for me with the large number of systems in my area. My workflow bypasses all of the integration between RadioReference and RT Systems. I use the inbuilt RadioReference CSV exports to download the data and use the RT Systems function to import CSV data.

I talked to RT Systems about the poor RadioReference search and select capability they have, but they were not interested in expanding the selection process to match what RadioReference does.

Butel took a different approach. From my research they appear to mimic the search and select capability in RadioReference. For my use case I could skip the intermediate step of using the CSV files. But I do use RT Systems for 10 radios. Other than the RadioReference integration it does serve my purpose.

I also use RT Systems for other radios and did contact them about the RR Database shortcomings as I called it and as you said, they were not interested. They basically told me to use BuTel if I liked it. They told me that every system in the county I was searching was available through the RT Systems interface. Needless to say I tried it, I did not like it. Life goes on!

 

[randybcd396t]

I also use RT Systems for other radios and did contact them about the RR Database shortcomings as I called it and as you said, they were not interested. They basically told me to use BuTel if I liked it. They told me that every system in the county I was searching was available through the RT Systems interface. Needless to say I tried it, I did not like it. Life goes on!

I too was surprised by the response from RT Systems. They have common software for all the radios they support. The only difference, radio specific features, is enabled via licensing. If they enhanced the RadioReference interface, all the radios they support would benefit.

I too got the impression that they were happy if I went to BuTel or if I skipped their interface entirely and used the CSV approach. I was talking to support staff, so maybe that was their standard approach to dodge enhancement requests. If I had to do it over, I would probably gone with BuTel for all of my radios.

 

[xms3200]

Everyone’s reception will vary, seems like Radtel is geared up for Baofeng. I have no complaints about the Smiley Antenna or the Icom FAB02AR which receives planes 173nm away

 

[ShawnInPaso]

Others may like the RadioReference interface with RT Systems. For me it's useless. I live in Los Angeles and the interface does not work for me with the large number of systems in my area. My workflow bypasses all of the integration between RadioReference and RT Systems. I use the inbuilt RadioReference CSV exports to download the data and use the RT Systems function to import CSV data.

I talked to RT Systems about the poor RadioReference search and select capability they have, but they were not interested in expanding the selection process to match what RadioReference does.

Butel took a different approach. From my research they appear to mimic the search and select capability in RadioReference. For my use case I could skip the intermediate step of using the CSV files. But I do use RT Systems for 10 radios. Other than the RadioReference integration it does serve my purpose.

I agree !

 

[xms3200]

In the "eternal quest" for the best air band antenna, I received a Comet Air 51X (rebadged Maldol 500H) to see if it will make a difference, what a disappointment, the Smiley 6" rubber duck beats the Comet Air 51X, both on my IC-R15 as well as the IC-705 which I use for air band.

 

[DudleyG]

Thanks for the review and update!!

 

[KeeperOTAN]

Hi guys! Im using Uniden 125 XLTC with Icom FA-B02AR antenna for maybe month and half, when Im outside and one time in year for our airshow and it performs very nice. Is this Icom really so much better than Uniden 125, that it is reasonable to buy it for more than 3x price for scanner + another money for SW or should I stay with Uniden?

 

[xms3200]

All depends on your budget. My opinion, Icom IC-R15 is like champagne, Uniden 125 is like beer...both get you drunk, one just goes down smoother!!!!
Get an Icom, you will never look back!!!

 

[bearcatrp]

The Icom R15 hands down if you can afford it. If that’s out of your reach, take a look at the Uniden 160DN. It’s a non trunking scanner that comes with DMR and NXDN. I compared my 160 to my R30 and found it just about as good as the R30. It is a sensitive scanner. Some say to sensitive. Good luck on your decision.

 

[trap5858]

Scan speed may be another factor to consider when listening to air band. The R15 is quite fast! I find it to be very sensitive.

 

[palmerjrusa]

Scan speed may be another factor to consider when listening to air band. The R15 is quite fast! I find it to be very sensitive.

Yep, scans very fast and is very sensitive.

 

[KeeperOTAN]

That's a shame, because we are beer nation and make the best beer in the world. Wine causes excessive acidity in my stomach.

On the one hand, the higher sensitivity is nice, but on the other hand, I have several very strong FM radio transmitters in my area, so I'm a little bit worried that Icom will be overloaded by these strong FM signals.

Another thing that concerns me a little is that wide AM filter. We use 8.33 kHz channel spacing, and I'm a little worried that like Uniden, it won't be able to filter out weak stations from stronger ones on adjacent channels.

I should visit our local dealer and try it before buying, but it's 300 km away.

 

[bearcatrp]

Icom does allot better than scanner manufacturers on reducing over load. Receivers are built better than scanners. Two different animals. Nice thing about receivers is better software to mitigate problematic signals. Icom is one of the best radio manufactures out there. Best to read the manual a couple times to understand how to operate it effectively. You can always post questions here as there are allot of R15 owners on this forum. I might be one soon.

Just ordered one.

 

[bearcatrp]

If anyone is interested in the R15 for a better price than HRO and others, here is a link to where I got mine. 2 left.

ICOM R15 Receiver

ICOM WEBSITE. IC-R15 | Products | Icom America. Simple Operation for Beginners, Satisfying Features for Enthusiasts Even beginners can enjoy receiving various radio signals such as aviation, railway, marine, and so on, with the IC-R15. In the simple mode, anyone can receive signals quickly...

www.chattradio.com

 

[2006walt]

Just bought the last one. Now have to figure out how to program it.

 

[bearcatrp]

Haven’t decided if I need to buy software or not. I usually scan between upper/lower frequencies like I do on my R30. Pretty simple to program that. Then save what I hold when I find a good frequency. Suggest you download the regular and advanced manual to start learning.

 

[bcradio]

I really like the Butel software.. I'm familiar with the layout from different versions, and it just works.

 

[bearcatrp]

This company has fast shipping. Mine arrives Tuesday.

 

[bearcatrp]

The manual states the R15 can take up to a 32GB micro SD card. Has anyone tried a 64GB and the radio recognizes it?