Is the Icom R5 a good receiver?

[safetyobc]

I have been wanting one of these R5's or similar (Yaesu, etc.) type hand held receivers. Are they good receivers for VHF-High band? That is my main listening and scanners (Uniden and GRE) haven't done as well as I would want on duckie antenna's.

I was just curious to get some thoughts of others on this (and any other) receiver's. How about the receive in the HF bands? MW? SW?

matt

 

[DaveIN]

Yes, the R-5 is a good receiver, but somewhat overloaded in dense RF areas. MW its excellent using the internal bar antenna, as for HF/SW it is *ok*. Don't expect mid price portable shortwave or tabletop performance, but it does well for the size and antenna, even better with a pryme RD-98 whip antenna. Don't forget to look at the Uniden BR330T, it has a few more bells and whistles, like more software support, full computer control, does analog trunking, rapid CTCSS/DCS search, fire tone out, and has close call +;-)

 

[safetyobc]

I have a BCD396T, but I am looking for good VHF-High sensitivity at a fairly good price like that of a used R5.

The Uniden's aren't the best at sensitivity. I love my 396, don't get me wrong, but I think it could stand some improvement on sensitivity. My son has a Pro-99 and it will can sit side by side the 396 and will pick up tons more (very clearly) and the 396 never even stop.

Thanks for the info.

 

[cycleNdave]

i enjoy mine....still learning all its bells and whistles..

 

[oregontreehugger]

Had both an R-2 and an R-5. I was happy to let the R-2 go, as I wanted alpha tags, but I never should have sold the R-5!

The interface is a little clunky due to not having many keys, but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad.

I used the free "TK5" programming software that allows you to use Excel spreadsheets and a programming cable. Worked pretty slick.

Actually, I find myself wishing I still had my R-5. Didn't do trunking, but damn near did everything else!