Icom Dual Watch on R20...Did You Know?

[medic307]

I just discovered that when using the dual watch feature on the Icom R20, one can actually scan your memory channels in "Band A" while letting the radio sit on a frequency in "Band B". How about that?!? I don't remember this being covered in the manual, but I'm not too good at reading instructions

 

[Air490]

Yep it's great isn't it!!!

You can also get it to scan a different memory bank in Band A and Band B!!! Basically two scanners in one.

And I can't find it in the manual either.

 

[racin06]

Yep it's great isn't it!!!

You can also get it to scan a different memory bank in Band A and Band B!!! Basically two scanners in one.

I have the Indianapolis ARTCC and Chicago ARTCC air frequencies programmed in two different memory banks and I am able to scan both memory banks simultaneously. Non-stop air action! As you stated, two scanners in one. This Dual Watch mode is awesome!

 

[medic307]

Yes indeed! Now, I'm scanning all my mil air frequencies in A band and public safety and civil air on the B side! Too sweeeet! 8)

 

[Air490]

How do you find the R20s performance on milair?
Mine seems a bit deaf around 300MHz

 

[medic307]

mil air performance

Its hard for me to say. About all I can offer is that its as good or better than any other radio I've had. I don't live near any bases, so all the traffic I get is from a nearby AR track, enroute aircraft, and a nearby MOA (which they're usually on VHF). During the day, I usually set it up to scan & record a select few known active frequencies with an average of 7-8 minutes of activity recorded. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[racin06]

How do you find the R20s performance on milair?
Mine seems a bit deaf around 300MHz

My R20 performs well above 300 Mhz on milair. I monitor four MOAs here in Indiana. The MOAs range from 40 - 120 miles away from my home and I receive the radio traffic very well on the freqs above 300 Mhz.

I have also monitored military aircraft in the Indianapolis and Chicago ARTCC areas. Some of these aircraft have been up to 250 miles (estimated distance based upon the the sector in which the aircraft is located) away from my home.

All in all, I am very satisfied with the VHF/UHF performance of the R20. I also own an AR8200 Mark III and I prefer the R20 for monitoring aircraft.