Just updated the IC-R15 firmware to v1.02, we will see if there are any changes/improvements. Very straight forward & simple process...but then again, it is Icom, wouldn't expect anything less.
Wavicle
Newbie
I don't see that firmware on the ICOM web site... unless it's on the ICOM Japan site and not the US web site?
Yes, Icom Japan site
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
There were no "fixes" in the new release.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Did you try the R15 with the A25 antenna? It'll act like a BP filter since it's tuned to VHF Air.
Yes, I am using the A25C’s antenna, huge difference from the default antenna, slightly better than the signal sticks.
Thats interesting about the antenna working better. Wonder if it would work good on other scanners/receivers.
eorange
♦RF Damaged Member♦
A few years ago I bought a Icom antenna for their airband transceiver; can't remember which one. It did no better or worse than any other antenna I have. It sits in a drawer now.
Air490
Member
The FA-B02AR is the stock antenna for the IC-A25 series of transceivers.
Given it's length, it performs well when compared to commercially available airband antennas. It is outdone by the likes of the Diamond SRH-1230, Maldol AL-500H/Comet AIR-51X, or the Comet AB-35 series but the are all much longer.
For mine, I would love Icom to make a SMA version of the FA-B02AR. It would be great for the R6, R15 and R30
Given it's length, it performs well when compared to commercially available airband antennas. It is outdone by the likes of the Diamond SRH-1230, Maldol AL-500H/Comet AIR-51X, or the Comet AB-35 series but the are all much longer.
For mine, I would love Icom to make a SMA version of the FA-B02AR. It would be great for the R6, R15 and R30
G7RUX
Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2021
- Messages
- 451
To be honest it's not hard to make your own shortened monopole for VHF airband with a bit of calculating, soldering and a VNA for final tuning if you wanted to go mad!
The difference in performance between an antenna designed for 2m and one designed for VHF airband can be quite marked. I recently knocked up an airband-specific "signal stick" type antenna and the difference in return loss was up to 30 dB or so.
The difference in performance between an antenna designed for 2m and one designed for VHF airband can be quite marked. I recently knocked up an airband-specific "signal stick" type antenna and the difference in return loss was up to 30 dB or so.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Yeah it would be nice but not necessary. I found these on Amazon. They work quite well and make it seem like it's part of the antenna.
Air490
Member
The Diamon SRH-1230 is the easiest to find. I bought mine from a local retailer here in Australia. The others mentioned, plus a few other like the Comet CMY-AIR1, I have bought from Japanese retailers. Airband monitoring is very popular in Japan, to the extent Comet has partnered with CQ Ohm (a Japanese ham retailer) to make specialised airband antennas.
