Icom IC-R20 vs Pro-164 / GRE PSR-300

[PittsburghPoPo]

So here goes...

I primarily scan in the 450 to 470 Mhz range. My focus is on low power law enforcement surveillance transmissions. Sure, I listen to other stuff, but my buying decision is based solely on my ability to pick up those transmissions. It would be nice to have a decent scan rate, but its not a big factor.

GRE and its Radio Shack clones are clear winners over Uniden for my purposes. It was cheap enough to buy various models from GRE & RS, test, and sell off the non-performers on Ebay.

However, I like the dual scan capability the R20 has. Before I crack off half a stack to buy it, I thought I would ask if the sensitivity is on par with GRE. Overload is not an issue for what I do.

I would greatly appreciate insight from da board!!!! Thank you

 

[tumegpc]

I find that the R-20 is very capable of filling your needs. Along with the dual scan you will get dual bandscope, and add in the recording feature and you'll be able to catch many new frequencies.

 

[Fast1eddie]

Got to tell you, the range of those surveillance devices is extremely short, perhaps a quarter mile...if that. Several agencies are using a flattened version of a microcassette recorder, and have a back up team nearby with mobile units aware of the surveillance activity. As a police officer, I would have expected to see better equipment, but money is always a factor. The wireless mikes that interface with car video cams have about 100Mw output and can be found at the higher end of the high band. We don't use 'em, unreliable and on a stop there is simply too much going on to trouble shoot the damn thing if there are problems. They typically run on a internal NiCad as the charges is mounted in the car. One more peice of crap to be responsible for! Please keep those monitored comms quiet and respect their safety!

Good Dx!

 

[N8IAA]

The R20 will be a better choice for that type of monitoring. Definitely more sensitive. The PSR300 would be second.
Larry

 

[gmclam]

Regardless of the receiver you are using, I would strongly consider what you are using for an antenna. An antenna, tuned to the band you are receiving in, and ideally directional and pointed toward the source of the transmission; will do a lot more for the quality of your signal reception. Also, if receiving in UHF, use low loss coax and keep the lead-in distance as short as reasonably possible.

 

[PittsburghPoPo]

Thanks guys,

Yes, I keep the freqs and setups on the down low. I do use custom built tuned antennas. I think I'll give the R20 a shot.

While it's not rocket science, there's more to it than just having the freqs. I've been able to get better than a 1/4 mile range based upon some tweaks and adjustments

 

[mancow]

The R-20 is great. Another plus is the scan/search speed. It's very fast.