IC-R15 - First Impressions

[KeeperOTAN]

I know exactly what the problem is. HFP - with non-Apple headphones, Icom switches from SBC/AAC or another codec to HFP - which is a profile for two-way communication in mono and low-bitrate quality, and this causes crazy distortion. And since Apple doesn't have HFP, the audio comes out without distortion, but they have a non-stop activated microphone, which sounds like a transparency audio feature. I've already written to Icom because this is a big problem.

 

[racin06]

I'm considering ordering the R15. I simply enjoy handheld receivers! I own the R30, which is still a gem of a receiver, with the exception of its aging display. I primarily monitor airband and some HF with the R30.

Though to justify the purchase of the R15, I would need to be convinced that the R15 is a decent upgrade over the R30 on the airband. If that is so, I may even sell my R30. I own a couple of other HF receivers, and I'm not interested in D-Star in the R30. Also, the P25 and NXDN capabilities of the R30 are covered by my recently purchased Uniden SDS150, along with DMR. Oh, and regarding the SDS150, it's my experience that it performs similar to the R30 on the airband! So that's also something to consider.

Lastly, I'm also awaiting delivery of the Alinco DJ-X00T, which is also a great airband receiver, and brings DMR, D-Star, NXDN, C4FM (System Fusion), and dPMR digital modes, plus data modes like AIS and ACARS. So maybe I don't need the R15, but maybe I do!

 

[bearcatrp]

You will like the R15. On par with the R30. Was hesitant buying it since I own the R30. The dual display and recording feature is great. The display is better than the R30. Sucks Icom did not include the waterfall display like on the 52A, which are almost identical. Sold my uniden 160DN since it doesn’t have a record feature. Like you, I prefer handhelds. Been eying the alinco but so much left out that could have made that radio great. If the DV10 wasn’t so costly, would maybe buy that. FYI, the alinco will not decode the new VLD on aircraft. I asked alinco if they plan on upgrading the radio with a firmware update to decode the new format. Have not received a response in over a month, so I don’t they will. If you plan on selling your R30, please give me 1st shot at it. Am wanting a backup.

 

[racin06]

You will like the R15. On par with the R30. Was hesitant buying it since I own the R30. The dual display and recording feature is great. The display is better than the R30. Sucks Icom did not include the waterfall display like on the 52A, which are almost identical. Sold my uniden 160DN since it doesn’t have a record feature. Like you, I prefer handhelds. Been eying the alinco but so much left out that could have made that radio great. If the DV10 wasn’t so costly, would maybe buy that. FYI, the alinco will not decode the new VLD on aircraft. I asked alinco if they plan on upgrading the radio with a firmware update to decode the new format. Have not received a response in over a month, so I don’t they will. If you plan on selling your R30, please give me 1st shot at it. Am wanting a backup.

Thanks for your information. Yes, I'll let you know if I sell the R30. I'll decide within a couple of weeks. I'm also selling my SDS100 if you are interested.

 

[bearcatrp]

I’ll pass on the 100. To many issues. Sold my SDS200 not to long ago. My state is around 70% encryption and growing every month. My R30 does very well on P25. Have programmed my entire state P25 frequencies in it. Still have my 325P2 that’s getting repaired at uniden. Does pretty good on P25. Thought about the 150 but doubt I’ll get one. Pretty covered for now. Appreciate letting me know.

 

[billpritjr]

I’ll pass on the 100. To many issues. Sold my SDS200 not to long ago. My state is around 70% encryption and growing every month. My R30 does very well on P25. Have programmed my entire state P25 frequencies in it. Still have my 325P2 that’s getting repaired at uniden. Does pretty good on P25. Thought about the 150 but doubt I’ll get one. Pretty covered for now. Appreciate letting me know.

Sir, just to clarify, are you using it to monitor 700/800 mhz trunked systems ?

Thank you

 

[eorange]

I can answer that - no on trunked systems, meaning it does not follow the control channel. But when I tune my R30 to a P25 voice channel...I get reception that matches my G4.

 

[bearcatrp]

Can tell you if you put all the frequencies from a particular entity including control channel and scan just that, you will be able to follow the conversations. But, the more you scan, the less likely of hearing both sides of the conversation. If the R15 could decode P25, with the speed it scans, would beat out the R30.

 

[DudleyG]

Why do you think the R15 scans faster than the R30?

The R30 scans at 200 channels/second on the A-side and scans at 150 channels/second on the B side. The R15 scans at 150 channels/second on both the A and B side.

BTW - I have both the R30 and the R15 and have used them extensively!!!

 

[bearcatrp]

Just seems like it. Both are great radios.

 

[918Dave]

Is there a way to name the weather channel frequencies on the R15? I'm using RT Systems software. So far very impressed with the R15.

 

[DudleyG]

ICOM uses a "standard" name for weather channels, but they didn't include the following table in the R15 documentation.

For example, the weather channel near me (8.5 miles away) is 162.400 but NOAA does not give it a specific name since it is used all over the US, but ICOM calls that frequency WX-02. The attached image is a screen save from the ICOM R6 Manual.

 

[918Dave]

I was hoping to name those specific frequencies. Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson

 

[918Dave]

Used all over the US, but, when you are listening to weather alerts on a particular NOAA frequency, you will hear the announcement mention, "The NWS in" (whichever city is issuing it) followed by the weather alert. In Arizona, the alerts are typically originating from Las Vegas 162.55, Flagstaff 162.400, Prescott 162.525, Phoenix 162.550 and Tucson 162.400. Time to throw those frequencies into a free Bank and name them.

 

[racin06]

I received my R15 today. How do I change the delay time after the voice transmission ends? I don't see this in the manual. Thanks!

 

[918Dave]

Congratulations! Try: Menu, Set, Scan, Pause Timer

 

[racin06]

Thanks! I was looking for the word "delay."

 

[918Dave]

I did the same thing.

 

[racin06]

I'm impressed with the R15 on airband! I'm curious to compare it to my R30! BTW, I'm having so much enjoyment the past few weeks with my new receivers. Until recently, the last radios I purchased were the R30 and Uniden SDS100 back in 2018. I also own the Uniden BCD436 and Tecsun PL-660 shortwave radio, which I have owned both a long time. Around the first part of December 2025, I decided to invest in my small receiver collection and make some purchases. I purchased the Uniden SDS150 scanner, Malihit DSP2 wideband receiver, Alinco DJ-X100T and today I received the R15. I'm done purchasing receivers for a while!

 

[bearcatrp]

You sure went full throttle buying radios. The R15 will smoke that alinco. Won't decode the new VDL being deployed. Watched that for awhile but decided not to purchase it. The DSP2 is a great HF receiver. A little bit of a learning curve but overall a great radio.