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ICOM - R9500
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html
The page was updated to reflect FCC approval on Feb. 23, 2007. Universal expects the product in April or May 2007. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much.
"dxAce" wrote in message ... http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html The page was updated to reflect FCC approval on Feb. 23, 2007. Universal expects the product in April or May 2007. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
Bill Amann Jr wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much. I was thinking earlier on that they might run 10K or so but I wouldn't be surprised if it went as high as you suggest. "dxAce" wrote in message ... http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html The page was updated to reflect FCC approval on Feb. 23, 2007. Universal expects the product in April or May 2007. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
Don't give them any ideas! Best to make them thing the price point is
$4,500. In fact I would buy at that price. Sell the old R9000 for $2,500 and I would be happy. Bill Amann Jr wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much. "dxAce" wrote in message ... http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html The page was updated to reflect FCC approval on Feb. 23, 2007. Universal expects the product in April or May 2007. dxAce Michigan USA -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P |
ICOM - R9500
I wish it will be $4,500 I would be knocking the door down at Universal!! I
also have a R-9000 and not to sure if I would sale or trade it in on a R-9500. "**THE-RFI-EMI-GUY**" wrote in message ... Don't give them any ideas! Best to make them thing the price point is $4,500. In fact I would buy at that price. Sell the old R9000 for $2,500 and I would be happy. Bill Amann Jr wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much. "dxAce" wrote in message ... http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html The page was updated to reflect FCC approval on Feb. 23, 2007. Universal expects the product in April or May 2007. dxAce Michigan USA -- Joe Leikhim K4SAT "The RFI-EMI-GUY"© "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." "Follow The Money" ;-P |
ICOM - R9500
Bill Amann Jr wrote:
Where are ICOMs' manufactured these days? If it is china, labor goes from 30 cents a day for unskilled, to $3.00 a day for skilled. Can't be much labor costs involved ... JS |
ICOM - R9500
On Feb 26, 5:42 pm, "Bill Amann Jr" wrote:
I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much."dxAce" wrote in message Not a bad guess. List Price: $15994.00 Your Price: $13500.00 |
ICOM - R9500
junius wrote: On Feb 26, 5:42 pm, "Bill Amann Jr" wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much."dxAce" wrote in message Not a bad guess. List Price: $15994.00 Your Price: $13500.00 Ouch! |
ICOM - R9500
Where did you find those prices?
I looked it up on the Universal website and can't even find R9500 listed? Please give a URL thanks -- John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s RX Icom IC-756 PRO III with MW mods Drake SW8 & ERGO software Sony 7600D, GE SRIII, Redsun RP2100 BW XCR 30, Sangean 803A. GE circa 50's radiogram Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270 Kiwa MW Loop, PAORDT Roelof mini-whip http://www.dxing.info/about/dxers/plimmer.dx "junius" wrote in message oups.com... On Feb 26, 5:42 pm, "Bill Amann Jr" wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much."dxAce" wrote in message Not a bad guess. List Price: $15994.00 Your Price: $13500.00 |
ICOM - R9500
John Plimmer wrote: Where did you find those prices? I looked it up on the Universal website and can't even find R9500 listed? Please give a URL http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband")
Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. -- John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s RX Icom IC-756 PRO III with MW mods Drake SW8 & ERGO software Sony 7600D, GE SRIII, Redsun RP2100 BW XCR 30, Sangean 803A. GE circa 50's radiogram Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270 Kiwa MW Loop, PAORDT Roelof mini-whip http://www.dxing.info/about/dxers/plimmer.dx "dxAce" wrote in message ... John Plimmer wrote: Where did you find those prices? I looked it up on the Universal website and can't even find R9500 listed? Please give a URL http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...rxvr/0095.html dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
Your probably right Ace, as the R8500 was a bit mediocre.
As for the running hot, probably a yes there as well, seems to be an Icom characteristic. My 756pro3 runs hot as hell in receive mode only and chews 3.5 amps of power. It's really tedious to have that heat generated in the shack when the temps here in summer run 105F -- John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa "dxAce" wrote in message ... John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
dxAce wrote:
John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. dxAce Michigan USA That's always been my thinking. Although, I have to say, that of the widebands, ICOM has done a pretty creditable job of taking measures to keep IF performance pretty close to what's required for performance. Instead of the impossibly wide first IF's shared by the HF and V/UHF stages found in many widebands. IC-R8500 was pretty decent. Although the AOR direct competitors to R8500 seemed to do a better job on HF. My attorney had a pair of R9000's in his office. And I shouldn't be surprised at how well it did HF. For the price, it should have poured my tea. I'm reasonably confident R9500 will be at least as good, if not better than most quality HF rigs out there. I'd also like to think ICOM got the audio right on this one, but that's too much to ask for only $15k. BTW, have you noticed that WLS has gone to the dark side? The trashing is complete. Now I can't listen to anything on the lower half of the AM band but WGN and WIND. |
ICOM - R9500
D Peter Maus wrote: dxAce wrote: John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. dxAce Michigan USA That's always been my thinking. Although, I have to say, that of the widebands, ICOM has done a pretty creditable job of taking measures to keep IF performance pretty close to what's required for performance. Instead of the impossibly wide first IF's shared by the HF and V/UHF stages found in many widebands. IC-R8500 was pretty decent. Although the AOR direct competitors to R8500 seemed to do a better job on HF. My attorney had a pair of R9000's in his office. And I shouldn't be surprised at how well it did HF. For the price, it should have poured my tea. I'm reasonably confident R9500 will be at least as good, if not better than most quality HF rigs out there. I'd also like to think ICOM got the audio right on this one, but that's too much to ask for only $15k. BTW, have you noticed that WLS has gone to the dark side? No, I hadn't, but upon checking you are certainly right. The trashing is complete. Now I can't listen to anything on the lower half of the AM band but WGN and WIND. Thanks to Edtardo and Friends! dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
John Plimmer wrote: Your probably right Ace, as the R8500 was a bit mediocre. As for the running hot, probably a yes there as well, seems to be an Icom characteristic. My 756pro3 runs hot as hell in receive mode only and chews 3.5 amps of power. And folks seem to think that the R8 series runs 'hot' at around 2 amps. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
D Peter Maus wrote: dxAce wrote: John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. That's always been my thinking. Although, I have to say, that of the widebands, ICOM has done a pretty creditable job of taking measures to keep IF performance pretty close to what's required for performance. Instead of the impossibly wide first IF's shared by the HF and V/UHF stages found in many widebands. IC-R8500 was pretty decent. Although the AOR direct competitors to R8500 seemed to do a better job on HF. My attorney had a pair of R9000's in his office. And I shouldn't be surprised at how well it did HF. For the price, it should have poured my tea. I'm reasonably confident R9500 will be at least as good, if not better than most quality HF rigs out there. And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
dxAce wrote:
D Peter Maus wrote: dxAce wrote: John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. That's always been my thinking. Although, I have to say, that of the widebands, ICOM has done a pretty creditable job of taking measures to keep IF performance pretty close to what's required for performance. Instead of the impossibly wide first IF's shared by the HF and V/UHF stages found in many widebands. IC-R8500 was pretty decent. Although the AOR direct competitors to R8500 seemed to do a better job on HF. My attorney had a pair of R9000's in his office. And I shouldn't be surprised at how well it did HF. For the price, it should have poured my tea. I'm reasonably confident R9500 will be at least as good, if not better than most quality HF rigs out there. And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA No ****. How long have they been promising this, now? |
ICOM - R9500
D Peter Maus wrote: dxAce wrote: D Peter Maus wrote: dxAce wrote: John Plimmer wrote: Wow! impressive. Thanks for that Ace (I forgot to look in "wideband") Maybe if I tell the tooth fairy I want one she will tell farmer Christmas? Or maybe the stockmarket will treble? Or pigs may fly.................. I wonder if it will run as hot as some of their earlier offerings did. I've always been somewhat leery of 'wideband' receivers. To me, 'wideband' equates to 'compromise'. That's always been my thinking. Although, I have to say, that of the widebands, ICOM has done a pretty creditable job of taking measures to keep IF performance pretty close to what's required for performance. Instead of the impossibly wide first IF's shared by the HF and V/UHF stages found in many widebands. IC-R8500 was pretty decent. Although the AOR direct competitors to R8500 seemed to do a better job on HF. My attorney had a pair of R9000's in his office. And I shouldn't be surprised at how well it did HF. For the price, it should have poured my tea. I'm reasonably confident R9500 will be at least as good, if not better than most quality HF rigs out there. And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... No ****. How long have they been promising this, now? Not real sure. Since late 2005, early 2006? They state on their website that "The release date is still unknown, but we hope that we can present the receiver in 2006." Last update to the website as a whole was on 8 January, 2007. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 2, 10:14 am, dxAce wrote:
And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," Keep your eye on AOR-UK as well. It is possible, but only possible, that they may be introducing a new DSP receiver within the next year or so according to Richard Hillier. John Thorpe and some other radio designers would be involved with this receiver if it does, in fact, get the "go-ahead." You can write to him at for more information. He will reply to you. One can only hope that the price will be "reasonable," that is, within the reach of hobbyists. I will say this - it will HAVE to be a SUPERLATIVE design in order to improve upon the performance and quality of the AR7030 Plus, at least in my opinion. Best, Joe |
ICOM - R9500
Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 2, 10:14 am, dxAce wrote: And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," Keep your eye on AOR-UK as well. It is possible, but only possible, that they may be introducing a new DSP receiver within the next year or so according to Richard Hillier. John Thorpe and some other radio designers would be involved with this receiver if it does, in fact, get the "go-ahead." You can write to him at for more information. He will reply to you. One can only hope that the price will be "reasonable," that is, within the reach of hobbyists. I will say this - it will HAVE to be a SUPERLATIVE design in order to improve upon the performance and quality of the AR7030 Plus, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 2, 8:15 am, dxAce wrote:
Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 2, 10:14 am, dxAce wrote: And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," Keep your eye on AOR-UK as well. It is possible, but only possible, that they may be introducing a new DSP receiver within the next year or so according to Richard Hillier. John Thorpe and some other radio designers would be involved with this receiver if it does, in fact, get the "go-ahead." You can write to him at for more information. He will reply to you. One can only hope that the price will be "reasonable," that is, within the reach of hobbyists. I will say this - it will HAVE to be a SUPERLATIVE design in order to improve upon the performance and quality of the AR7030 Plus, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Likewise here...and without a decent complement of knobs and switches to control functionality - that remove the need to resort to nested tech menus - the AOR is a nonstarter for me. Bruce Jensen |
ICOM - R9500
junius wrote: On Feb 26, 5:42 pm, "Bill Amann Jr" wrote: I am going to make a guess $15,000. Love to have one but way to much."dxAce" wrote in message Not a bad guess. List Price: $15994.00 Your Price: $13500.00 Who will be the first to order one up? dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
bpnjensen wrote:
On Mar 2, 8:15 am, dxAce wrote: Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 2, 10:14 am, dxAce wrote: And meanwhile, we sit and wait patiently for the new K + D offering... dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," Keep your eye on AOR-UK as well. It is possible, but only possible, that they may be introducing a new DSP receiver within the next year or so according to Richard Hillier. John Thorpe and some other radio designers would be involved with this receiver if it does, in fact, get the "go-ahead." You can write to him at for more information. He will reply to you. One can only hope that the price will be "reasonable," that is, within the reach of hobbyists. I will say this - it will HAVE to be a SUPERLATIVE design in order to improve upon the performance and quality of the AR7030 Plus, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Likewise here...and without a decent complement of knobs and switches to control functionality - that remove the need to resort to nested tech menus - the AOR is a nonstarter for me. Bruce Jensen I thought that way, too. Until I bought an HF-150. Using the software driven interface took a bit of getting used to, but I noticed fairly quickly, that there were none of the artifacts of switching with dedicated controls that I'd begun to notice, even on rigs as simple as my SW-2. And a year down the road, I wasn't having any of the artifacts of dirty switches I see so much of with electronics in this neck of the woods. So, when I went to the AR-7030+, I already had a reasonably good sense that control of parameters need not be a knobs-and-switches kind of affair. And the operating within the menu trees, while presenting a certain learning curve, became second nature fairly quickly, while capturing some pretty difficult signals that even R-71 had trouble sucking in. And the interface isn't as complicated as many have suggested it may be. The controlling menues are logically laid out, so most used functions are at the top. If you need to dig deeper, each layer of controls groups similar functions together, so as you work harder to capture that ephemeral signal, you can bring up complimentary functions with a single button press, as you need them, without having to renavigate the tree. Once you use it for any length of time, you'll not notice the lack of knobs and switches. Now, I will say that AR-7030+ is a bit small for someone as ham handed as I can be, but the operating system produces as fine a DXing experience as anything I've used to date. In a small package on the desktop, with plenty of room to grow on the inside. And as easy to operate as the Ten-Tec sitting next to it. The whole knobs-and-switches thing...I don't even notice anymore. |
ICOM - R9500
D Peter Maus wrote:
bpnjensen wrote: Likewise here...and without a decent complement of knobs and switches to control functionality - that remove the need to resort to nested tech menus - the AOR is a nonstarter for me. Bruce Jensen I thought that way, too. Until I bought an HF-150. Using the software driven interface took a bit of getting used to, but I noticed fairly quickly, that there were none of the artifacts of switching with dedicated controls that I'd begun to notice, even on rigs as simple as my SW-2. And a year down the road, I wasn't having any of the artifacts of dirty switches I see so much of with electronics in this neck of the woods. So, when I went to the AR-7030+, I already had a reasonably good sense that control of parameters need not be a knobs-and-switches kind of affair. And the operating within the menu trees, while presenting a certain learning curve, became second nature fairly quickly, while capturing some pretty difficult signals that even R-71 had trouble sucking in. And the interface isn't as complicated as many have suggested it may be. The controlling menues are logically laid out, so most used functions are at the top. If you need to dig deeper, each layer of controls groups similar functions together, so as you work harder to capture that ephemeral signal, you can bring up complimentary functions with a single button press, as you need them, without having to renavigate the tree. Once you use it for any length of time, you'll not notice the lack of knobs and switches. Now, I will say that AR-7030+ is a bit small for someone as ham handed as I can be, but the operating system produces as fine a DXing experience as anything I've used to date. In a small package on the desktop, with plenty of room to grow on the inside. And as easy to operate as the Ten-Tec sitting next to it. The whole knobs-and-switches thing...I don't even notice anymore. If you can't operate the radio without having to constantly look at the display to see what the menu indicates, I wouldn't be interested, regardless of the performance. One of the reasons I like the R8B is you can operate most of the functions with the touch of a button, even in the dark, without having to keep looking at the display to see what's going on. |
ICOM - R9500
HFguy wrote:
D Peter Maus wrote: bpnjensen wrote: Likewise here...and without a decent complement of knobs and switches to control functionality - that remove the need to resort to nested tech menus - the AOR is a nonstarter for me. Bruce Jensen I thought that way, too. Until I bought an HF-150. Using the software driven interface took a bit of getting used to, but I noticed fairly quickly, that there were none of the artifacts of switching with dedicated controls that I'd begun to notice, even on rigs as simple as my SW-2. And a year down the road, I wasn't having any of the artifacts of dirty switches I see so much of with electronics in this neck of the woods. So, when I went to the AR-7030+, I already had a reasonably good sense that control of parameters need not be a knobs-and-switches kind of affair. And the operating within the menu trees, while presenting a certain learning curve, became second nature fairly quickly, while capturing some pretty difficult signals that even R-71 had trouble sucking in. And the interface isn't as complicated as many have suggested it may be. The controlling menues are logically laid out, so most used functions are at the top. If you need to dig deeper, each layer of controls groups similar functions together, so as you work harder to capture that ephemeral signal, you can bring up complimentary functions with a single button press, as you need them, without having to renavigate the tree. Once you use it for any length of time, you'll not notice the lack of knobs and switches. Now, I will say that AR-7030+ is a bit small for someone as ham handed as I can be, but the operating system produces as fine a DXing experience as anything I've used to date. In a small package on the desktop, with plenty of room to grow on the inside. And as easy to operate as the Ten-Tec sitting next to it. The whole knobs-and-switches thing...I don't even notice anymore. If you can't operate the radio without having to constantly look at the display to see what the menu indicates, I wouldn't be interested, regardless of the performance. Again, it doesn't work that way. You don't have to navigate the trees esch time you need a function. Functions are grouped in such a way, that one button is all you need to hit to activate a function. For instance, if you're changing mode, that's one function. One button And you can do that from anywhere within any menu tree. Same button. One press. You're there. You don't need to be looking at the screen. Only at the face to find the button over the tuning knob. Change filters, one button, change the filter. Dial in an IF offset, one button, turn the knob. No need to navigate, it's all at your fingertips. It's effortless. Once you get the hang of it, operating AR-7030 is as intuitive as R8B. One of the reasons I like the R8B is you can operate most of the functions with the touch of a button, even in the dark, without having to keep looking at the display to see what's going on. As you can with the AOR. Just like R8B, you simply have to get used to where the buttons are on the panel. The most complex function is setting the clocks. Much as been made of the nested menu trees. Mostly by people who've never worked the radio. |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 2, 11:15 am, dxAce wrote:
Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA Hello "Ace," Well, you're right regarding the AR7030 Plus' styling. It certainly does not look like a Hammarlund HQ-180! But I think you're making a mistake if you ignore products just because of the way they look. What really counts in a shortwave radio is performance, sound, and build-quality and, in these regards, the '7030 is second-to-none, in my opinion. Regarding the person who complained about having to "look at the display when operating the set," that's no different than with any other radio, and the AOR is VERY easy to operate once you become familiar with it.(Can you work a VCR or a DVD burner? This radio is actually easier!) And remember - the AR7030 Plus can be practically totally computer-controlled if the user so wishes (I so wish!). You can "work" it from across the room if you like (that's what I do - right from the comfort of my reclining sofa - with an older notebook computer and, by the way, there is NO computer "hash" whatsoever with this arrangement) and you almost never have to touch the radio. I have always thought that this radio is not particularly attractive visually - but I'm sure glad I bought one. (Looks can grow on you but bad perfomance ALWAYS grates!) I have owned mine for three years now and operate it four-to-twelve hours EVERY day (except when I'm on vacation). It's totally reliable and hears things that no other radio I own can. For example, in the evening, I can hear Radio Australia with the AOR radio (with a Wellbrook ALA 330S) and I CANNOT with my Grundig Satellit 800 (also using a Wellbrook ALA 330S - I own two of them). I don't even bother trying really weak signals with my portables or even the Satellit 800 except for comparisons. I think it's a true winner (note that it has been manufactured for over ten years) and I believe that AOR-UK is REALLY going to have to work hard to design a radio that can outperform it (THAT would really be something!) at a reasonable, affordable price. ($13,500.00 "ain't" my idea of a reasonable price - nor is a radio that evidently runs so hot that it requires a fan - a terrible and inelegant "solution" - to cool it, according to Dave Zantow's web page.) If you've never actually tried an AOR AR7030 Plus, and you can afford it, I recommend that you buy one. I believe you'll never regret the purchase. Best, Joe |
ICOM - R9500
Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 2, 11:15 am, dxAce wrote: Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA Hello "Ace," Well, you're right regarding the AR7030 Plus' styling. It certainly does not look like a Hammarlund HQ-180! But I think you're making a mistake if you ignore products just because of the way they look. What really counts in a shortwave radio is performance, sound, and build-quality and, in these regards, the '7030 is second-to-none, in my opinion. Regarding the person who complained about having to "look at the display when operating the set," that's no different than with any other radio, and the AOR is VERY easy to operate once you become familiar with it.(Can you work a VCR or a DVD burner? This radio is actually easier!) And remember - the AR7030 Plus can be practically totally computer-controlled if the user so wishes (I so wish!). You can "work" it from across the room if you like (that's what I do - right from the comfort of my reclining sofa - with an older notebook computer and, by the way, there is NO computer "hash" whatsoever with this arrangement) and you almost never have to touch the radio. I have always thought that this radio is not particularly attractive visually - but I'm sure glad I bought one. (Looks can grow on you but bad perfomance ALWAYS grates!) I have owned mine for three years now and operate it four-to-twelve hours EVERY day (except when I'm on vacation). It's totally reliable and hears things that no other radio I own can. For example, in the evening, I can hear Radio Australia with the AOR radio (with a Wellbrook ALA 330S) and I CANNOT with my Grundig Satellit 800 (also using a Wellbrook ALA 330S - I own two of them). I don't even bother trying really weak signals with my portables or even the Satellit 800 except for comparisons. I think it's a true winner (note that it has been manufactured for over ten years) and I believe that AOR-UK is REALLY going to have to work hard to design a radio that can outperform it (THAT would really be something!) at a reasonable, affordable price. ($13,500.00 "ain't" my idea of a reasonable price - nor is a radio that evidently runs so hot that it requires a fan - a terrible and inelegant "solution" - to cool it, according to Dave Zantow's web page.) If you've never actually tried an AOR AR7030 Plus, and you can afford it, I recommend that you buy one. I believe you'll never regret the purchase. Sorry, ain't gonna happen. I doubt they are as good as the price tag. dxAce Michigan USA Drake R7, R8, R8A. and R8B. 236 Countries heard on the NASWA list and 221 Countries QSL'd on the NASWA list. |
ICOM - R9500
"Joe Analssandrini" wrote in message oups.com... On Mar 2, 11:15 am, dxAce wrote: Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off. dxAce Michigan USA Hello "Ace," Well, you're right regarding the AR7030 Plus' styling. It certainly does not look like a Hammarlund HQ-180! If you've never actually tried an AOR AR7030 Plus, and you can afford it, I recommend that you buy one. I believe you'll never regret the purchase. Best, Joe Why would you want a radio that you have to ask "Can you work a VCR or a DVD burner"??? I run an old simple Grundig that I just put the frig in and that's it!! Burr 14.5° N 121.0° E, Philippines +8Z Grundig Sat800, YB400 Drake SW8, BC895XLT 200' Long Wire & Dipole |
ICOM - R9500
In article qzoGh.7961$PG5.5729@trndny07, HFguy
wrote: D Peter Maus wrote: bpnjensen wrote: Likewise here...and without a decent complement of knobs and switches to control functionality - that remove the need to resort to nested tech menus - the AOR is a nonstarter for me. Bruce Jensen I thought that way, too. Until I bought an HF-150. Using the software driven interface took a bit of getting used to, but I noticed fairly quickly, that there were none of the artifacts of switching with dedicated controls that I'd begun to notice, even on rigs as simple as my SW-2. And a year down the road, I wasn't having any of the artifacts of dirty switches I see so much of with electronics in this neck of the woods. So, when I went to the AR-7030+, I already had a reasonably good sense that control of parameters need not be a knobs-and-switches kind of affair. And the operating within the menu trees, while presenting a certain learning curve, became second nature fairly quickly, while capturing some pretty difficult signals that even R-71 had trouble sucking in. And the interface isn't as complicated as many have suggested it may be. The controlling menues are logically laid out, so most used functions are at the top. If you need to dig deeper, each layer of controls groups similar functions together, so as you work harder to capture that ephemeral signal, you can bring up complimentary functions with a single button press, as you need them, without having to renavigate the tree. Once you use it for any length of time, you'll not notice the lack of knobs and switches. Now, I will say that AR-7030+ is a bit small for someone as ham handed as I can be, but the operating system produces as fine a DXing experience as anything I've used to date. In a small package on the desktop, with plenty of room to grow on the inside. And as easy to operate as the Ten-Tec sitting next to it. The whole knobs-and-switches thing...I don't even notice anymore. If you can't operate the radio without having to constantly look at the display to see what the menu indicates, I wouldn't be interested, regardless of the performance. One of the reasons I like the R8B is you can operate most of the functions with the touch of a button, even in the dark, without having to keep looking at the display to see what's going on. Use the remote control. It has a button for most functions irrespective of where the radio is in the menu tree. -- Telamon Ventura, California |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 3, 11:24 pm, dxAce wrote:
Sorry, ain't gonna happen. I doubt they are as good as the price tag. dxAce Michigan USA Drake R7, R8, R8A. and R8B. 236 Countries heard on the NASWA list and 221 Countries QSL'd on the NASWA list. Dear "dxAce," Your loss. While you may doubt, I KNOW - they are INDEED "as good as the price tag." (And even better!) As always my opinion, but based on the fact that I have owned my AR7030 Plus for three years now. Best, Joe Philco Model 40-180, EMUD T-7, Lafayette HE-10/HE-11, Hitachi KH-1108S, Realistic DX-400, (2) Realistic DX-375, Sangean ATS-808A, Sangean ATS-606AP, (2) Sony ICF-SW35, (2) Sony ICF-SW7600G, (5) Sony ICF-SW7600GR, Grundig Classic 960, Grundig Satellit 800, AOR AR7030 Plus, AND --- (ta da) --- THE BELL + HOWELL Radio (Top That!!!) I have lost count, over the years, as to how many countries I have heard, but, when I threw them all out over thirty years ago, I had well-over 100 QSL cards (all from different countries). (I kept and still have Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book.) I wonder if the $13,500.00 radio will hear, with the same antenna, anything more than the AOR AR7030 Plus (or the Drake R8B for that matter) will hear (below 30 MHz, of course) or will "sound" $11,500.00 "better." By the way, I notice that you own or owned all three versions of the Drake R8 series. You, of course, know that you cannot "upgrade" a Drake R8 to a Drake R8B - but you CAN upgrade, should you wish, ANY AR7030 ever made to the latest standards. This is superb engineering, again in my opinion. |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 3, 11:28 pm, "download.com" wrote:
Why would you want a radio that you have to ask "Can you work a VCR or a DVD burner"??? I run an old simple Grundig that I just put the frig in and that's it!! Burr 14.5° N 121.0° E, Philippines +8Z Grundig Sat800, YB400 Drake SW8, BC895XLT 200' Long Wire & Dipole Dear Sir, It was not necessary at all to ask about using a VCR or DVD Burner - I was merely mentioning an example to show just how simple the AR7030 Plus actually is to operate. The menu operating parameters, which have been explained in detail in this thread along with their simplicity in everyday usage, allow performance equal to a professional receiver to be incorporated into a radio that is within the financial reach of many shortwave hobbyists. I too still own older analog-operated shortwave receivers and I trot them out once in a while for old time's sake but I certainly would not want to use one of these for DXing, what with all the newer advanced radios available! Best, Joe |
ICOM - R9500
Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 3, 11:24 pm, dxAce wrote: Sorry, ain't gonna happen. I doubt they are as good as the price tag. dxAce Michigan USA Drake R7, R8, R8A. and R8B. 236 Countries heard on the NASWA list and 221 Countries QSL'd on the NASWA list. Dear "dxAce," Your loss. While you may doubt, I KNOW - they are INDEED "as good as the price tag." (And even better!) As always my opinion, but based on the fact that I have owned my AR7030 Plus for three years now. Best, Joe Philco Model 40-180, EMUD T-7, Lafayette HE-10/HE-11, Hitachi KH-1108S, Realistic DX-400, (2) Realistic DX-375, Sangean ATS-808A, Sangean ATS-606AP, (2) Sony ICF-SW35, (2) Sony ICF-SW7600G, (5) Sony ICF-SW7600GR, Grundig Classic 960, Grundig Satellit 800, AOR AR7030 Plus, AND --- (ta da) --- THE BELL + HOWELL Radio (Top That!!!) I have lost count, over the years, as to how many countries I have heard, but, when I threw them all out over thirty years ago, I had well-over 100 QSL cards (all from different countries). Threw them out? (I kept and still have Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book.) I have mine as well. I wonder if the $13,500.00 radio will hear, with the same antenna, anything more than the AOR AR7030 Plus (or the Drake R8B for that matter) will hear (below 30 MHz, of course) or will "sound" $11,500.00 "better." By the way, I notice that you own or owned all three versions of the Drake R8 series. You, of course, know that you cannot "upgrade" a Drake R8 to a Drake R8B No need to upgrade either of the three. They are all outstanding performers. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
Dear "dxAce,"
Sorry - can't resist (with all due respect to you) ---- No need to upgrade the Drake R8 series? Evidently DRAKE thought they needed upgrading! ;-) Sorry again. Best, Joe On Mar 5, 5:43 pm, dxAce wrote: Joe Analssandrini wrote: By the way, I notice that you own or owned all three versions of the Drake R8 series. You, of course, know that you cannot "upgrade" a Drake R8 to a Drake R8B No need to upgrade either of the three. They are all outstanding performers. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 5, 5:43 pm, dxAce wrote:
I have lost count, over the years, as to how many countries I have heard, but, when I threw them all out over thirty years ago, I had well-over 100 QSL cards (all from different countries). Threw them out? dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," Yes, I threw them out. I had gotten married, we moved into a small apartment, I had lots and lots of "junk" (not MY description, however), and I "had" to get rid of some of it. My (now thankfully EX-)wife "helped" me with her "suggestions" which included all my QSL cards and other shortwave memorabilia, my car catalog collection, many of my books, almost all of my jazz records, plus much miscellanea..She was very "helpful" that way. I can't recall what SHE threw out - perhaps some used Kleenex tissues ... ??? Best, and sadly, Joe |
ICOM - R9500
Joe Analssandrini wrote: Dear "dxAce," Sorry - can't resist (with all due respect to you) ---- No need to upgrade the Drake R8 series? Evidently DRAKE thought they needed upgrading! ;-) Not upgrades really, more like simple enhancements. They all hear equally well. Get back to me when you have more than a hundred or so thrown out QSL's. Sorry again. dxAce Michigan USA |
ICOM - R9500
On Mar 5, 6:03 pm, dxAce wrote:
Joe Analssandrini wrote: Dear "dxAce," Sorry - can't resist (with all due respect to you) ---- No need to upgrade the Drake R8 series? Evidently DRAKE thought they needed upgrading! ;-) Not upgrades really, more like simple enhancements. They all hear equally well. Get back to me when you have more than a hundred or so thrown out QSL's. Sorry again. dxAce Michigan USA Dear "dxAce," If only I'd known then what I know now --- one of the saddest phrases in the English language. At the very least I could have donated the QSLs and the memorabilia to The Committee to Preserve Radio Verifications, though I do not believe any such repository existed at that time. Since that time, though I have continued to listen to shortwave radio, it is more as a program listener than as an active DXer. While I do search for exotic signals on occasion, I never ask for QSLs any more, even when I write to a station. I guess the "desire" was tossed away, along with my QSLs, by my ex-wife (though, of course, I should not and do not place all the blame on her). Back to the ICOM - do you think truly that ANY communications receiver can really be worth $13,500.00? You know, I have a high-fidelity stereo preamplifier ($299.00 in 1980) along with its associated power amplifier ($399.00), both made by The David Hafler Company; ALL the parts inside are what was then called "mil-spec." You know what kind of tolerances those things had! But the price tag was reasonable and affordable by almost anyone. (They were kits; if bought assembled, you added $100.00 each) Both units still function as new. I personally do not believe there is anything inside (or outside) this new receiver that could possibly warrant such a high price tag. Best, Joe |
ICOM - R9500
Joe Analssandrini wrote: On Mar 5, 6:03 pm, dxAce wrote: Joe Analssandrini wrote: Dear "dxAce," Sorry - can't resist (with all due respect to you) ---- No need to upgrade the Drake R8 series? Evidently DRAKE thought they needed upgrading! ;-) Not upgrades really, more like simple enhancements. They all hear equally well. Get back to me when you have more than a hundred or so thrown out QSL's. Sorry again. Dear "dxAce," If only I'd known then what I know now --- one of the saddest phrases in the English language. At the very least I could have donated the QSLs and the memorabilia to The Committee to Preserve Radio Verifications, though I do not believe any such repository existed at that time. Since that time, though I have continued to listen to shortwave radio, it is more as a program listener than as an active DXer. While I do search for exotic signals on occasion, I never ask for QSLs any more, even when I write to a station. I guess the "desire" was tossed away, along with my QSLs, by my ex-wife (though, of course, I should not and do not place all the blame on her). Back to the ICOM - do you think truly that ANY communications receiver can really be worth $13,500.00? No. |
ICOM - R9500
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