Video of SDS150 and Icom IC-R30 Monitoring Airband

[racin06]

I had yet to see how my SDS150 would perform on the airband. I was also curious how the SDS150 would compare to the R30, which, of course, is known to be excellent on the airband. See video below.

The SDS150 audio encompasses the first 3 minutes of the video, then the R30 audio follows. The SDS150 has the Diamond RH77CA antenna, and the R30 has the Diamond SRJ77CA. I believe these two antennas are close in performance; therefore, I didn't swap antennas during thr comparison.

The SDS150 performed well on the airband! Though I do believe the R30 tempers the noise a little better than the SDS150 and may do a little better on signal reception. Perhaps I'm incorrect. Also, the volume scale is obvouosly different for these two radios, and I may have had the R30 volume a little low compared to the SDS150 volume. Anyway, what are your thoughts?

SDS150/R30

 

[buddrousa]

Thanks for the video that should answer several questions others have ask.

 

[bearcatrp]

Wow, Uniden must have made some serious changes to the 150 to keep up with the R30 on air band. Any way you can lock onto a air tower or a distant frequency that shows about 50% signal strength on the R30? Your video shows the R30 pegging the S meter so not far off for both to lock in on. Just want to see if the 150 can hold onto a distant frequency and not drop while the R30 remains. I have a air tower about 20 miles from me that has the constant airport information broadcasted. This is how I check my radios against my R30.

 

[buddrousa]

That is what we have been saying now for a month.

 

[bearcatrp]

That is what we have been saying now for a month.

Had to wait for a R30 comparison before applauding the 150. Still would like that other test though.

 

[bearcatrp]

Another test would be lock in the R30 on a distant frequency in airband. Have the 150 scan in that area to see if it stops on the locked in frequency. Had my R15 locked in on a mil air base about 50 miles from me. Turned on my 160DN to scan the mil air band. The 160DN would scan right past the frequency the R15 was locked in on. But, if I manually tuned to that frequency with the 160DN, it would pick it up.

 

[bearcatrp]

Will do this test when mine arrives.