Hey old design to these great radios is like old design to things like the Space Shuttle or Chinook helos-it just works and works well.
I love my r75-I asume it's an earlier version too as I bought it in '06 and the power supply is quiet. What a fun little receiver-dead reliable and catchy ergonomics. Talk about an old design that still applies-look at its popularity nowadays.
I would keep it in your shack-you'd miss it probably like I know I'd miss mine
Yes, my R75 is the original version that includes the S-AM feature. Aside from a couple scratches on the top of the case, it's in great condition. I was really happy when I pulled the top cover and discovered optional FL-222 and FL-223 filters installed. Although both my Icom receivers came with the original AD-55A brick power adapter, I use my Astron supply for both receivers, as I've noticed the AD-55A does run quite warm. Since I already had a good linear supply I decided to just use it instead of the supplied bricks, but nonetheless they DO work fine.
I also received the Icom control software with both receivers (RS-R8500 and RS-R75). Additionally, I also got ScopeStationUltra software from a friend who bouth it years ago but never really used it. They allow the software purchaser to transfer to license for a $30 fee (it's $100 on Ebay for the software). I've been trying to learn to use it but I'll tell you it's a bit complicated but I've getting by, and it sure does A LOT with your R75 receiver! I'm also very happy to have gotten an original R75 design because I like the S-AM feature. It's not an overly huge improvement but it is an improvement nonetheless. I've run across a few people who didn't like the R75 but I'll tell ya I sure love mine. In fact, the friend I bought ScopeStationUltra from was one such person that said he just didn't like his R75, and felt it was a sub-par HF receiver. Of course, I don't know what his total setup was at the time, nor do I know which of the two versions he owned (don't know if that even makes any difference), but overall I see the R75 has excellent reviews from the masses (I'm one of them).
I've also tried other forms of control software for the R8500 and R75 and there's some good stuff out there but I'm doing my best to stick with using ScopeStationUltra because it does so much, but admittedly it's been frustrating at times to learn all it does! However, one thing's for certain. I sure as hell wouldn't pay $100 for it and I'm glad I only had to pay the $30 transfer fee to get it legally moved to me. Any more than that and I would have passed on the deal. Icom's RS-R75 works fairly well but it's rather basic but it DOES work well. I actually use that to originally program the receiver and to make changes as necessary from time to time. If I could only have ONE receive though, it would definitely be the R8500 :lol:
I see you have a Uniden 785. I had one years ago but didn't have the optional P25 module for mine. I sold it some time back to buy my BCD996xt scanner, which I absolutely love. In fact, I just had a friend GIVE me his 780xlt he no longer used (same guy I bought ScopeStationUltra from). I was surprised as hell when has just asked me if I wanted his 780xlt, as he felt it just wasn't even worth listing). Of course I told him "SURE, I'll take it!". I kinda expected it to be some beat up scanner but it's like new and works great. Unfortunately, my area was re-banded a while back so it only works on a few other systems like the 900 MHz trunked system they use across the channel from me at the nuclear power plant, and of course LTR systems work fine, and it's a terrific analog scanner with exceptional aircraft reception. Can't beat for being FREE
