RadioBanter - Handheld widebands.

On Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:27:59 GMT, Warren wrote:

On 11 Apr 2006 09:58:12 -0700, "N9NEO"
wrote:

I am curious about these little handheld wideband scanners that I see.
They are so tiny and go from like almost DC to lightwaves. Some even
have tv screen I think.

Does anybody have any experience with these. Maybe I will go and try
to find a review somewhere. Just looking for yea or nay comments.

73
NEO
Hi,

I have an ICOM IC-R5 that I recently purchased. I have mixed feelings
about it. The performance with the stock antenna is only so-so. I
got an SMA to bayonet adapter and that helped (with a longer 2M and
440 antenna) with better signal capture on more frequencies. I also
got an SMA to SO-259 cabled adapter to use my outdoor antenna for HF
frequencies. That also helped quite alot.

I use it to scan the bands to check for actvity and then go to my
regular receivers and tune them to the selected freq. that I decided
upon. Does that make sense to you?

At any rate, they are fine for limited use but not as a primary piece.

That is my personal impression.

Warren
WA3FWD

I use the previous Icom model, R2 and am satisfied - though do
understand that I did not expect much for the HF coverage. It's a
good VHF/UHF scanner; the issues with HF a
1) the bandwidth is a bit wide
2) you need a bit more than the stock rubber duck for HF.
I have used it mobile with a 1/4 wave 2 meter mag-mount antenna and
have found that due to the coax being part of the antenna I actually
receive the major broadcasters pretty good - in the later afternoon
through the night. While I'm happy with it - you need to understand
these types of radio, particularly the handheld variety, tend to be
better scanners than HF radios. That being said, if you have the
disposable income go for it!
Howard