Icom Receiver

[baddlord777]

I'm VERY new to this..so plz go w/the flow. Is there such thing as a ICOM receiver (or similar brand) that pulls the signal in better thats inexpensive..like a model#..I went to ICOM's site, but being that i am VERY in-experienced in this area....i don't know the 'lingo' and all i see is types of receivers w/a mike. I do not want to transmit, just want to receive a better scanner signal if possible. But would like to monitor w/software. I will be getting a 996 shortly. I wish the made a 996 that looked strickly like a base unit and not a base/mobile unit. But that has the same amount of power and options etc. Or would i be better off buying a ICOM scanner unit instead of a 996 ? Any help would be greatly appreciated. JR

P.S. do i look under Receivers, land Mobile, or Amateur catagory..?

 

[SouthOrRadio]

Good place to start

http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/25

http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/8

Lots of information at these sites

 

[safetyobc]

Look under receivers on the Icom Site.

996 or Icom? Just depends on what you want to monitor. If you are mostly interested in public safety, go with the 996. If you want some HF to 1300 MHz, go with the Icom. THere are several Icom units to choose from. I hear great things about the Icom R75 as a base unit.

If a handheld is what you want, then Icom offers 3 receivers. The Icom IC-R5, Icom IC-R10, and the Icom IC-R20

I own the Icom IC-R5 and it is one of the best receivers that I have ever used. Super sensitive. It is a little difficult to program, but has software available to help with programming.

I am unsure about computer controlling any of the above mentioned units?

 

[baddlord777]

Look under receivers on the Icom Site.

996 or Icom? Just depends on what you want to monitor. If you are mostly interested in public safety, go with the 996. If you want some HF to 1300 MHz, go with the Icom. THere are several Icom units to choose from. I hear great things about the Icom R75 as a base unit.

If a handheld is what you want, then Icom offers 3 receivers. The Icom IC-R5, Icom IC-R10, and the Icom IC-R20

I own the Icom IC-R5 and it is one of the best receivers that I have ever used. Super sensitive. It is a little difficult to program, but has software available to help with programming.

I am unsure about computer controlling any of the above mentioned units?

Appreciate the info 'Saftey'. Again, i am very new to this..had a few ol' scanners in my time..nothing what they have today though. If public saftey is really what i'll be monitoring mostly, is the ICOM out of my touch. (i know the price is...lol) But i want to be able to receive good signals etc. I do not want a hand-held...just a base-unit. Allthough i wish the 996 didn't look like a mobile. I like the stance of just the base units..however, the 996 sounds stellar. So i'm considering that one. I don't beleive i'll be adding any exterior antennas for a while though. What do u suggest for a kick-butt base unit that trunks all the new stuff, digital..but is powerful and can use software ? And wont be out-dated in a few years ?

 

[DaveNF2G]

That would be the 996. As far as I know, none of the Icoms trunk-track. Only a few have any options for Project 25 digital.

 

[baddlord777]

That would be the 996. As far as I know, none of the Icoms trunk-track. Only a few have any options for Project 25 digital.

Wow...didn't know that....so basically none of the under $1000.00 scan trunked or digital...really...so i guess its the 996..lol

 

[safetyobc]

So from what you have described you wanted (trunking, P25, base type public safety) I would go with the BCD996T. They are good scanners. My father-in-law owns one and uses it only with the stock antenna and finds that it works really well. The scanner is plenty sensitive enough. Has tons of features. And with the right set up, doesn't look too "mobile" in your shack. Check out scannerstandman.com for some great scanner stands for your mobile scanners.

take care,

matt