RadioBanter - View Single Post - R-75 status?

July 22nd 05, 04:19 PM

wrote:
This is probably nothing, but I noticed that Universal has deleted the
message that once used to be on its R-75 ad, stating that the R-75 is
discontinued. I then went to the Icom America website, and noticed that
the R-75 is there, even though I seem to recall its having been removed
at one point.

Is there more to this than I think?

Steve

I was in ham radio outlet in Sunnyvale, CA yesterday and asked about
this particular issue as there are not many SWL receivers now in the
~$500 range. I was told that they had talked to Icom about it (They
move a LOT of Icom out of this HRO location, very friendly with them.)
and that Icom had to discontinue it because one of the key component
suppliers went out of business and there weren't alternatives for that
component. They said they had spoken to Icom and that they were working
on redesigning the R75 into a new radio without the component. If this
is in fact true, they'll likely release it as a new radio. (Anyone for
an IC-R85?)

Icom, if you're reading this, please fix the SSB on the new one, and
keep all the stuff about the R75 we all love. Oh, and it would be
really nice if you continue to include the DSP option, in fact, just put
it in as standard at the factory. Widen out the AM just a tad to
improve program listening for those of us who don't always want to chase
utility, improve the speaker just a bit too. Oh, and try to keep the
~$500 price point, I think that is the sweet spot for tabletop units.
Should produce enough sales volume for you to own this segment of the
tabletop market. I'd even pay ~$600 for all the improvements.

p.s. a nice option would be a daughter board like the JRC-545 for a few
hundred dollars that allows me to expand it into a wide-coverage
receiver. That way you won't have to put out a replacement for the 8500...