Icom pcr1500 question.

[Castlekingside]

I'm in the market for an Icom pcr1500 (no remote head). How does it compare to a traditional receiver like the r-5000, Japan Radio NRD, Drake and others? Also I found a couple of asian vendors on ebay selling the unblocked version on line. Will I get in trouble if I order one? Thanks for your help.

 

[key2_altfire]

I have an R-1500 (with control head, but includes same PC control software). AWESOME receiver. Icom is including a new third-party software package in addition to the Icom branded package. The third-party package is excellent; decodes RTTY, FAX, SSTV, etc. The R-1500 came with a cheap whip antenna... not the greatest, but everything you need (minus PC) is included in the box. You can get up and decoding RTTY and weather FAX in minutes. Just be sure to follow the instructions on loading the USB driver, it's a little confusing.

 

[ka1njl]

Great receiver

I have the R2500 and love it. When coupled with the right antenna, i.e. for either for HF or v/uhf, it is sensitive and selective. As far as buying one from an Asian vendor, I am pretty sure it is illegal to sell an unblocked version but it is legal to own one. Of course, it is illegal to use an unblocked receiver in the cell phone bands. The bottom line, you won't get into trouble if you do not use it on the cell phone bands.

73, enjoy the receiver

 

[Junior08]

R-1500 owner here. I use mine with an outdoor roof mounted Diamond Discone, about 50' of height, fed with LMR-400 coax. This is my first true "receiver", and it is an amazing piece of equipment!

 

[Mac128k]

I've read that you can lose the radio if it gets caught in customs when ordering from outside the US. No idea if it's true. I never wanted to risk it.

 

[neilromesburg]

Bought mine on ebay from the guy in Japan selling the unblocked ones, no problems, fast shipping with tracking all the way to my house. No problems with Customs at all.

 

[Castlekingside]

One final question: Will the drivers load OK on Vista? I read a pdf document on Icom's website adressing the issue but I just trust more the end useres like you guys. Secondly, are you refering to the Bonito software offered by Universal Radio free with the purchase of the radio? I truly think the furure of communications is this kind of "software defined receivers" and it won't take long until I order one. Any thoughts about Winradio vs. Icom?

 

[Junior08]

I just ran the software for the Icom, not the Bonito software. I am anything BUT an expert when it comes to computers and software. I do actually have experience with the various Winxxx and Butel programs, and I managed to get the Icom software working fine on my PC with Vista Home Premium.