ICOM R-75 vs Ten-Tec RX-320D vs PCR1000?

[tcbatl]

I am trying to figure out which of these 3 radios I should buy. In particular, I am wondering if I am really buying a hugely better radio with the R-75 all other things being equal. It seems like the RX-320D, especially with the 12khz IF, is just as good a radio for over $200 cheaper. Can someone help me with my decision? I don't mind spending the $200 more for the R-75, but only if it's really buying me something worthwhile. I want to do mostly utility monitoring.

 

[n4voxgill]

I have a TenTEc Pegasus. It is a full ham radio, but make a great HF receiver. You must use a computer with it. Get your ham license and have a unit to both transmit and receive. Comes with free software and there is a great 2nd Party. Unlimited number of stored channels. Here is one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/TEN-TEC-PEGASUS...oryZ4674QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[tcbatl]

I know about the Pegasus, thanks. Was looking for reception only. I am really just looking for comparisons between R-75 and RX-320D, and I really have the plans to only buy new, since Pegasus is discontinued it would be Jupiter or RX-350D and neither of these are in my price range.

So does anyone have RX-320D and R-75, or has used both and cares to comment?

 

[ka3jjz]

You're really comparing 3 different kinds of radios - let's just take a few points and see where they lead us

- The RX320D and the PCR1000 need a computer to be useful; that being said, you will encounter problems with computer generated noise

- If we just consider frequency coverage, the PCR leads the pack, followed by the R75 and RX320 in that order. However, it's a well known fact that the PCR is prone to overloading, depending on band conditions, of course. The other 2 are much better at this.

- All 3 have a VERY wide selection of software available (see the R75 and PCR1000 Wikis for more information on this). The RX320 Yahoo group has a very nice listing there.

- The RX320D is a VERY capable rx, even with Utility monitoring. I don't have either the PCR or R75, but I think you would have to give the edge in selectivity to the 320, with it's up to 32 different filters available (depending on what software you use).

- One question that you will need to answer - will you be able to marry a PC to whatever rx you choose to buy? If not, the R75 is your logical choice.

- I didn't put this in the Wiki due to the nature of the requirements, but I've heard numerous reports about the PCR EEPROM getting wiped when using certain software. Joining one of the active PCR groups (again, found on the Wiki) would give you more information on this. It's possible Icom has hardened the EEPROM in later models, since I haven't heard of this happening lately.

Those are just a few points....73s and GL with your decision...Mike

 

[tcbatl]

Thanks Mike, good info there.

I don't mind marrying a PC, I really added a PCR1K as an afterthought.... I also dont mind the PC generated noise.

Lets take R-75 vs RX-320D... is the R-75 worth the extra $200, considering I mostly do utes?

73s,
Tim

 

[ka3jjz]

Hmm, again it's a case of apples and oranges. I don't have both rxs - I do have a RX320, and do a fair amount of utility listening - so my opinion may not necessarily be unbiased. However, the edge might go to the R75 IF you consider that the DSP is already there. You CAN add DSP audio processing with a program for the RX320. So the edge is, in my opinion, somewhat minor....
On the other hand, the RX320 does keep its edge in the selectivity department. With 32 filters (depending on the software, of course) from 8 khz down to 300 hz, you won't find many problems in that department. It becomes even more important in the marine bands, where, when propagation is good, things can get very crowded in a hurry. While the R75 is also very good here, you simply don't have the flexibililty that you do with the 320.
An interesting fact here - RXPlus is a program that works with BOTH radios. So you CAN get audio processing for BOTH radios from the SAME program. However, the 12khz audio processor is available on the 320, but not on the R75 (without modifications, that is...)
For utility DXing, both have their strengths and weaknesses. Some folks prefer having a hard knob in front of them with what they perceive as a 'real radio'. Others like the additional flexibility that comes with DSP processing....
I should note here that, for purposes of definition, both radios are DSP DRIVEN, but not fully DSP; this is because the audio chain in both radios is analog. This leaves a great deal of room for add ons, some of which are free (SR5, for example - the link for that is available on the AR5000 wiki under 'AR5 Software') and some of which have some cost involved.
Tell you what - since you're interested in utilities, why not let Ute listeners tell you their preferences? If you joined the R75 and RX320 Yahoo groups, and the WUN list at QTH net, you would get just such information. Certainly more valuable then some of the ramblings I've presented....73s and GL...Mike