Receiver recommendation.
- Thread starter RudeMule
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Of only those three choices, I would go with the R75 which is also discontinued. Holy cats! People on eBay want more than double what the R75 is worth. I value a used R75 at around $300 U.S. dollars. How much do you want to spend? You'll also need to purchase coaxial cable, an antenna and probably other items such as a power supply if it is not included, AM Broadcast filter, etc.
An important question is what frequency range do you want to monitor? The R75 handles 30 kHz to 60 MHz. If you want to monitor higher than that, you're looking at a more expensive receiver, or perhaps two different one's to properly handle the frequency ranges and the different antennas they will need.
* Some people may recommend an SDR device, but figuring out the software may be overwhelming and it needs to connect to a good computer in order to work properly. I enjoy using an SDR, but you noted you are a little overwhelmed already.
An important question is what frequency range do you want to monitor? The R75 handles 30 kHz to 60 MHz. If you want to monitor higher than that, you're looking at a more expensive receiver, or perhaps two different one's to properly handle the frequency ranges and the different antennas they will need.
* Some people may recommend an SDR device, but figuring out the software may be overwhelming and it needs to connect to a good computer in order to work properly. I enjoy using an SDR, but you noted you are a little overwhelmed already.
Of those I'd also go for the R75, which was discontinued not all that long ago, 2016 I believe.
The other two models are quite old. The R70 around 40 years and the R7000 (a VHF/UHF model) around 30 years, so may need some work and odd spare parts are likely unavailable.
The other two models are quite old. The R70 around 40 years and the R7000 (a VHF/UHF model) around 30 years, so may need some work and odd spare parts are likely unavailable.
I am not settled on those specific models. They seem to be fairly common. I am open to any suggestions.
I also dont have a target frequency range in mind.
I got into scanning recently and would like to expand on that hobby.
My budget is $500. Obviously, I would like to get the best quality and most versatility in that range as possible.
Thanks
I also dont have a target frequency range in mind.
I got into scanning recently and would like to expand on that hobby.
My budget is $500. Obviously, I would like to get the best quality and most versatility in that range as possible.
Thanks
I don't know that your budget will stretch this far, but you might look at an Icom R8500 which cover 0.1-2000MHz.
One site says they were discontinued in 2004 but according to Icom mine was manufactured in September 2015.
One site says they were discontinued in 2004 but according to Icom mine was manufactured in September 2015.
Forgot to mention, are you considering a hand held or are you set on a base station from looking at your list? A Icom R30 hooked to an external antenna would be a sweet receiver that you can take along. Mine goes with me when I go camping out going to the relatives out of my area. Handles phase one digital too. You should post what your antenna setup your planning on doing, indoor or outdoor?
Your antenna, or antennas are more important than the radio. Do you have room to run two 45' wires perpendicular to each other? You could get away with one wire, but two will give you some directivity by using a switch or unplugging one and plugging in the other. You can always buy another wire antenna later as you may be fine with one. If you don't have the space outdoors for a wire, then a loop antenna is a good option, even if you have room for a wire a loop is a good option and it does not need to be high up in the air. Actually, a loop should not be high up in the air. There are passive loops and active loops as well.
Just what is your situation for antennas, are you in a home, or an apartment/condo?
Do you have an AM broadcast station nearby? You may need an AM filter inline as well if you're not trying to dial in those stations.
You may be happy with a sub $200 receiver for years to come. Even a $5000 receiver needs a good antenna, or it will cause regret.
Just what is your situation for antennas, are you in a home, or an apartment/condo?
Do you have an AM broadcast station nearby? You may need an AM filter inline as well if you're not trying to dial in those stations.
You may be happy with a sub $200 receiver for years to come. Even a $5000 receiver needs a good antenna, or it will cause regret.
Icom R75 ...for HF perfect for you...my opinion..Marcie
Will be putting my R75 up for sale shortly once I verify the 8500 I have coming in is working great. Should be here tomorrow and test out this weekend. Was lucky to find a pristine R75 with no marks. Looks like it came out of the original box. Watch the for sale section. its a sweet receiver.
palmerjrusa
Member
Why not get an Icom IC-718 transceiver, it's clearly modeled after the R75 and the IC-718's receiver section may be identical to the R75's.
IC-718's are currently on sale at HRO for $574.95.
IC-718's are currently on sale at HRO for $574.95.
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I'm with everybody else, I owned the R75 since it first came out when you had to purchase DSP as an option and install it yourself, it was soon included with the radio. It finally crapped out recently and I sold it for parts to someone and still got good money. Other than scanners and ham equipment I wanted a receiver for MW... I have always been an AM broadcast DXer. I also want to get a general shortwave receiver for USB, CB and a nice FM stereo radio.
I also did not want to break the bank LOL. I ended up getting a Eton ELITE 750... there is plenty of information on the internet if you use your favorite search engine. It definitely has its pluses and minuses. It's been rebranded several times and you will see the different models over the years. They have finally worked out many of the flaws and now I think it's as good as it's going to get. It's available for $399 at all of the major ham vendors.
You have many options for antenna connections including a pretty long telescopic antenna that comes with the radio and for medium wave it has a rotating ferret bar antenna on top of the radio, Superior performance.
If money is no object I would go with the IC 718.
I also did not want to break the bank LOL. I ended up getting a Eton ELITE 750... there is plenty of information on the internet if you use your favorite search engine. It definitely has its pluses and minuses. It's been rebranded several times and you will see the different models over the years. They have finally worked out many of the flaws and now I think it's as good as it's going to get. It's available for $399 at all of the major ham vendors.
You have many options for antenna connections including a pretty long telescopic antenna that comes with the radio and for medium wave it has a rotating ferret bar antenna on top of the radio, Superior performance.
If money is no object I would go with the IC 718.
palmerjrusa
Member
I'm with everybody else, I owned the R75 since it first came out when you had to purchase DSP as an option and install it yourself, it was soon included with the radio. It finally crapped out recently and I sold it for parts to someone and still got good money. Other than scanners and ham equipment I wanted a receiver for MW... I have always been an AM broadcast DXer. I also want to get a general shortwave receiver for USB, CB and a nice FM stereo radio.
I also did not want to break the bank LOL. I ended up getting a Eton ELITE 750... there is plenty of information on the internet if you use your favorite search engine. It definitely has its pluses and minuses. It's been rebranded several times and you will see the different models over the years. They have finally worked out many of the flaws and now I think it's as good as it's going to get. It's available for $399 at all of the major ham vendors.
You have many options for antenna connections including a pretty long telescopic antenna that comes with the radio and for medium wave it has a rotating ferret bar antenna on top of the radio, Superior performance.
If money is no object I would go with the IC 718.
Still have my R75, it's a great receiver, very sensitive (though I could never detect the synchronous detection function as having any effect at all!) and at its selling price was great value.
I've had both, and the IC-718 receiver is significantly a step down from the R75 performance and function wise. For example the IC-718 has fixed AGC per mode vs. the R75 adjustable.
I assume they had to cut down some things to fit the TX circuitry and control functions.
I kept the R75 and moved the IC-718 on
Got my R8500 today. Letting it get to room temperature over night before testing it out. Once I test it out and everything is working good, should have my R75 posted tomorrow. No doubt, the R75 is a great HF receiver. I just needed to upgrade a little. The 8600 is out of my reach for now. The 8500 will do for now.
cistercian
Member
I've had both, and the IC-718 receiver is significantly a step down from the R75 performance and function wise. For example the IC-718 has fixed AGC per mode vs. the R75 adjustable.
I assume they had to cut down some things to fit the TX circuitry and control functions.
I kept the R75 and moved the IC-718 on
I have a 718...I have never had a R75. 718 is a dual conversion rx, R75 is triple conversion. R75 is a better receiver.
It won't do 100+ watts output on SSB and CW though! I think the 718 is a great radio but my R8500 nukes it as does
my IC-7410.
The R8500 is epic...and not expensive now like when I bought mine new. It is not a scanner. It is a communications receiver
and the gov bought a lot of them. Recommended!
cistercian
Member
Tell me what you think of it. Try it with a good set of headphones. I think you will like the clarity of AM demodulation.
Great on HF as a SSB utility receiver too. I will never sell mine.
Didn't plan ahead and get an adapter for my coax. Won't know about above HF until it gets hear. (POP), pulling my head out of my arse.
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