Can anyone try to enter 154.4525? Its VHF High. Am unable to. Have tried adjusting but can't do it. One of the issues I don't like about this receiver. Need 1k steps. 5k is the lowest.
Sent Icom USA a message to send my request to Icom HQ. Requested frequency coverage to go down to 25 MHz. Also, to add 1.0 kHz stepping. The frequency I posted above cannot be done due to minimum stepping is 5.0 KHz. Told the even uniden scanners can do this. Explained my point of view on how a receiver is supposed to be more detailed than scanners and that I think sales on the R15 must be low due to less options. Doubt it will go anywhere. Had to fire up my R30 to listen on the above frequency. Would think a firmware update could do this if they did the work on it. If anyone agrees with me, please send Icom a message on this. For now, I consider this receiver an over priced air and rail receiver.
I don't think 1.0 kHz steps will solve your problem.
When the FCC mandated that business and public safety VHF users go to narrowband FM, the frequency coordinators started putting channels on 7.5 kHz spacing instead of the 15.0 kHz that had been used before.
You need 7.5 or 2.5 kHz steps to get frequencies such as 154.4525 MHz. With a 1.0 kHz step, closest you can get would still be 0.5 kHz off.
In the meantime, tune to 154.450 or 154.455 and see how that works for you.
Tried that. Still, for a receiver, the R15 is lacking. So are manufacturers restricted from adding additional spacing? Looking over the specs on the DV10.
People keep forgetting the fact that Icom designed this receiver strictly for the Air, Rail & Marine bands, analog only. Icom produced a sensitive, fast scanning receiver strictly for that use...Air, Rail & Marine, analog only. If you look at the brochure on the IC-R15, you will see pics of airplanes and an airport. That gives a good indication.
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I understand that. It’s a great airband receiver, no doubt. Great compact size. Still learning it.
KeeperOTAN
Member
Maybe stupid qustion, can I use mono to stereo adapter without somehow damaging/shorting R15?
I have found the R15 is very sensitive and prone to receiving interference when listening to civil aviation. After eliminating some sources of RFI at my location such as a particularly problematic fluorescent light bulb I found setting the mode to AM-N rather than AM along with setting the attenuator and squelch to level 2 stopped the squelch from opening on spurious signals while still receiving both the tower and aircraft. I’m pleased with the performance of the Icom for airband monitoring but it required time learning how to optimize its settings.
I tried the AM-N and found my tower frequencies didn't sound as well as with the AM setting. Squelch & attenuator at 2 and everything booms in now just fine. Can't wait to try some military monitoring with this radio.
You will enjoy mil air with the R15. I listen to a NG base about 50 miles from me off my discone. Will be bringing my R15 on my camping trips this summer. Haven’t had mine outdoors yet.
A couple of weeks ago I posted a comparison of the R15 vs the Uniden SDS150 on the VHF airband. I thought I would post another comparison. Below are videos from today comparing my Alinco DJ-X100T to my Icom R15 using identical Smiley 118 - 125 MHz antennas monitoring the Indianapolis ARTCC air traffic.
Both are obviously very sensitive receivers and can benefit from a little attenuation at times. Though the attenuation scale differers on both receivers; therefore, I decided to not compare with any attenuation used.
I believe both receivers are pretty much a tie on the VHF airband. I'm sure there may be differing opinions on which receiver is superior, but IMO, the differences are minute and debating such is like "splitting hairs."
Anyway, I simply enjoy handheld receivers and making these comparisons, though not necessarily in the most scientific ways! I love my Icom receivers, but Alinco also has a winner with the X100T. It's good that we have some excellent receiver choices out there.
X100T vs R15 -R15 Audio
X100T vs R15 - X00T Audio
Both are obviously very sensitive receivers and can benefit from a little attenuation at times. Though the attenuation scale differers on both receivers; therefore, I decided to not compare with any attenuation used.
I believe both receivers are pretty much a tie on the VHF airband. I'm sure there may be differing opinions on which receiver is superior, but IMO, the differences are minute and debating such is like "splitting hairs."
Anyway, I simply enjoy handheld receivers and making these comparisons, though not necessarily in the most scientific ways! I love my Icom receivers, but Alinco also has a winner with the X100T. It's good that we have some excellent receiver choices out there.
X100T vs R15 -R15 Audio
X100T vs R15 - X00T Audio
