Wow...I haven't checked this thread in a couple of days. Thanks for all of
the wisdom and information. I'm still relatively new to the hobby so I have
a lot to learn. I spent several hours over the weekend doing research on
widebands and, based on that research and on the great recommendations here,
I'll stick with what I have. My Drake R8-B has enabled me to pick up
transmissions that none of the other receivers that i've owned have been
able to flush out. I guess this excite got me to thinking about what else
is out there, especially in the more esoteric frequencies. I didn't realize
that, at this point, the higher frequencies are primarily for use in data
transmissions and other such things. I simply thought there would be more
voice transmissions up there above 1.2GHz. Even if this were the case,
given my location (Southeast Kansas, USA), the odds of picking up any high
frequency voice transmissions would be slim at best; even the "air" band
around here, with a small local airport, is pretty quiet.

Again, thanks for your kind responses to my inquiry.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Jenni_is_a_Whore" wrote in message
news:8ZZpb.211$jt.139@okepread05...
Hello all. I have been into DXing for about 5 years or so, and I recently
purchased a Drake R8B. It's fantastic. Anyway, after using it for a
month
or so, I've found myself thinking about a wideband receiver to complement
my
Drake. However, I already have a Uniden BC 780 XLT scanner, which I enjoy
as well. So I guess I have 2 questions:

1. Am I really missing anything by not having a receiver that does not go
above 1.2 GHz? In other words, is it worth the $$$ to get access to the
1.2
+GHz spectrum above and beyond what my scanner will pick up?

2. Assuming that I decide to go with another receiver, do any of you have
recommendations as to a wideband receiver? I've been looking at the Icom
R-8500 and the Yaeseu VR-5000 (but the reviews I've read indicate this
thing
stinks up the joint somewhat). I was also thinking about a JRC NRD-545
with
a VHF/UHF converter, but that would probably be expensive overkill.

All comments/suggestions/wisdom welcome.

Thanks!