IC R6 version?

[xploit]

I just got an IC R6 (unblocked/Government) model. It came from Taiwan and I am a newbie so I have a few questions. First of all what are the real benefits of having a non-USA model? I understand that some freq are not blocked but what will that allow me to hear? How can I tell if my version is in fact the unlocked version?

I bought this after having fun listening to a scanner app on my iphone. This model seemed to be nice an compact so when I saw it for sale on ebay with the claim that it was unblocked I ordered. I live in down town Chicago so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

X-

 

[detroit780]

Unblocked

Unblocked means it will receive cellular phone frequencies. Back when analog cell phones were in use that meant you could listen to them. Now that analog service has stopped it means nothing. You can tell if you program in 870.00 MHz and it takes it.

Look like Chicago is switching to digital so there will things you won't be able to do with that radio at some point.

Look over this page and look for P25 and once they use those frequencies you will not hear them.

Cook County, Illinois (IL) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Les

I just got an IC R6 (unblocked/Government) model. It came from Taiwan and I am a newbie so I have a few questions. First of all what are the real benefits of having a non-USA model? I understand that some freq are not blocked but what will that allow me to hear? How can I tell if my version is in fact the unlocked version?

I bought this after having fun listening to a scanner app on my iphone. This model seemed to be nice an compact so when I saw it for sale on ebay with the claim that it was unblocked I ordered. I live in down town Chicago so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

X-

 

[xploit]

Les,

Thanks for the reply. So can I ask you if having this radio is a waste? What WILL I able to hear? Anythign interesting?


X-

 

[JohnGingras]

I bought my R6 for airband use and it is outstanding, for all police I use my Uniden radios. Check out this link for Chicago radio information. CARMA Profiles


John

 

[detroit780]

R-6

Well I don't think any radio is a waste. It is good for Aircraft, Mil Air, Railroads, Conventional analog police and fire.

Depends on what you want to listen to. I have many different radios all with a specific use. You can't live with just one scanner can you?



Les

Les,

Thanks for the reply. So can I ask you if having this radio is a waste? What WILL I able to hear? Anythign interesting?


X-

 

[xploit]

So will this ic-r6 let me do anything that the scanners available online wont>? I paid $250.00 and I am wondering if maybe I should sell it. I got it with the impression that I would be able to hear interesting stuff but the more I ask the more I get the feeling that if im not into air traffic that I may have little use for it.

 

[xploit]

When you say try to program in 870.00 to see if mine is really in fact UNBLOCKED do you mean rotate the dial to 870.00? I did that and it shows 870.00 AM and is silent does this mean it is unblocked?

 

[aar9sm]

870.00 am

Push Vfo or V on the top Right of keypad and enter 870.00 Mhz and see if it takes it. Or do a limit search from 870-894 and see what happens.

Just for your info I just purchased a brand new digital scanner Pro-106 for $249.00 which is an outstanding price for a new let alone even at a used price would be a great deal considering what you get. If your area is going digital maybe you can return the IC-R6 and pick up the Pro-106.

And unblocked analog non trunking scanner really has nothing over the blocked model.

Icom IC-R6 Controls


Mike