Discussion:
Icom IC-R5 Worth It?
(too old to reply)
{FireArm}
2003-10-10 15:39:14 UTC
Permalink
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
David Skinner
2003-10-10 16:32:14 UTC
Permalink
In article <***@posting.google.com>, FireArm44
@hotmail.com says...
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
It's a nice compact little unit, and it runs off either rechargeable or
ordinary AA batteries. Yes - what you're referring to as FM is NFM and
it is fully switchable on any band. It defaults to 'expected' settings
on each band, but you can change the modulation type with the push of a
button. NFM is the setting to go for for most non-broadcast
communications, WFM picks up FM broadcast stations nicely (though in
mono) and AM picks up mediumwave broadcast stations and aircraft as
you'd expect it to.

As with anything that tries to do complicated things using not many
buttons, finding your way around memory groups and stuff seems a bit
fiddly at first, but you get used to it.

The ability to add alphanumetic tags to the memories is very handy
indeed.

The only thing I'd say is that, if you're using it in a noisy car, the
little speaker struggles a bit to be intelligible above the engine
noise. I've bought one of those cassette-shaped adapters that fits in
the stereo and plugs into the headphone output of the radio. No trouble
at all indoors or in the garden.

As with all handheld units, to hear distant/faint stuff properly you may
want to invest in an external antenna, but that can wait :-)
RustY©
2003-10-10 18:31:58 UTC
Permalink
Hi - .......... people have told me to go with the IC-R5
Yes buy one. I would recomend though that you also buy the connection lead
and the Icom CS-05 software as this is the easiest software to use at the
moment and without any software you'll never keep track of all those
channells !
--
For Welsh Military Flying visit .......
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/V-A-S/mccoy :-)
Liam
2003-10-11 19:07:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
Yes it is a nice radio, a bit complicated at first because of the minimalist
button design, I found it so anyway being used to full keypad direct entry
type. But with perseverance it can be mastered and operated with your eyes
closed. Performance wise I have heard some say the supplied antenna is a bit
deaf at VHF but I have no complaints.
Scan speed is a bit slow at 10 per second compared to some other units, and
the bank scan facility is not as versatile in that only one or all banks can
be selected for a bank scan, i.e. individual banks can't be switched in or
out of bank scan. But with good bank and channel management this can be
overcome. As one poster said, the software is a must-have accessory to make
this easier. Try http://www.blackbagsoftware.com/icr5/ for the economic
alternative, mine is on order at the moment so can't give a full run-down on
what it is like, but the reviews were very good so I went for this one.
Overall I think the IC-R5 good points easily outweigh the not so good, and
you won't be disappointed.

HTH

Liam
DeWayne
2003-10-13 06:26:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Liam
Scan speed is a bit slow at 10 per second compared to some other units
A bit slow?????? Inexcuseable IMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeWayne
Post by Liam
Liam
Liam
2003-10-13 21:58:15 UTC
Permalink
Post by DeWayne
Post by Liam
Scan speed is a bit slow at 10 per second compared to some other units
A bit slow?????? Inexcuseable IMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeWayne
Post by Liam
Liam
Was trying do be diplomatic but alright then... VERY slow! But otherwise not
at all disappointing IMHO

Liam
Nivis
2003-10-13 10:15:20 UTC
Permalink
Would recommend this radio. I have not been disapointed, but agree that SW
is a must. I have the IC-R5 programmer which is a great package. There are a
couple of bits that could be improved but for most people its more than
capable.
Post by Liam
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
Yes it is a nice radio, a bit complicated at first because of the minimalist
button design, I found it so anyway being used to full keypad direct entry
type. But with perseverance it can be mastered and operated with your eyes
closed. Performance wise I have heard some say the supplied antenna is a bit
deaf at VHF but I have no complaints.
Scan speed is a bit slow at 10 per second compared to some other units, and
the bank scan facility is not as versatile in that only one or all banks can
be selected for a bank scan, i.e. individual banks can't be switched in or
out of bank scan. But with good bank and channel management this can be
overcome. As one poster said, the software is a must-have accessory to make
this easier. Try http://www.blackbagsoftware.com/icr5/ for the economic
alternative, mine is on order at the moment so can't give a full run-down on
what it is like, but the reviews were very good so I went for this one.
Overall I think the IC-R5 good points easily outweigh the not so good, and
you won't be disappointed.
HTH
Liam
{FireArm}
2003-10-13 19:44:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Nivis
Would recommend this radio. I have not been disapointed, but agree that SW
is a must. I have the IC-R5 programmer which is a great package. There are a
couple of bits that could be improved but for most people its more than
capable.
Post by Liam
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
Yes it is a nice radio, a bit complicated at first because of the
minimalist
Post by Liam
button design, I found it so anyway being used to full keypad direct entry
type. But with perseverance it can be mastered and operated with your eyes
closed. Performance wise I have heard some say the supplied antenna is a
bit
Post by Liam
deaf at VHF but I have no complaints.
Scan speed is a bit slow at 10 per second compared to some other units,
and
Post by Liam
the bank scan facility is not as versatile in that only one or all banks
can
Post by Liam
be selected for a bank scan, i.e. individual banks can't be switched in or
out of bank scan. But with good bank and channel management this can be
overcome. As one poster said, the software is a must-have accessory to
make
Post by Liam
this easier. Try http://www.blackbagsoftware.com/icr5/ for the economic
alternative, mine is on order at the moment so can't give a full run-down
on
Post by Liam
what it is like, but the reviews were very good so I went for this one.
Overall I think the IC-R5 good points easily outweigh the not so good, and
you won't be disappointed.
HTH
Liam
what do you get in the box along with the scanner - is it something
like a charger + batteries a hand strap a belt clip and an antenna?
Liam
2003-10-13 22:24:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by {FireArm}
what do you get in the box along with the scanner - is it something
like a charger + batteries a hand strap a belt clip and an antenna?
No, it is all of those PLUS and instruction book! (which takes some reading
I can tell you :-)

I thought I knew all about scan mode, VFO mode, bank assignment, search mode
etc etc etc, but the Icom manual takes a, shall we say, different slant on
these in it's explanation of how to operate the R5. Like I said before, it
takes perseverance and patience to get to grips with it. For about the first
fortnight I had the R5 I hardly used it, because I just did not have the
time to wade through the manual, kept having to put it to one side because
other things like life had to go on.

But don't be put off, because it all eventually falls into place, and now I
wonder why I dreaded going back to 'that book'. The R5 is easy to use...
eventually. If you do get one and are stuck, ask here or join one of the
mailing lists on Yahoo or similar.

HTH

Liam
Liam
2003-10-16 00:03:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Liam
As one poster said, the software is a must-have accessory to make
this easier. Try http://www.blackbagsoftware.com/icr5/ for the economic
alternative, mine is on order at the moment so can't give a full run-down on
what it is like, but the reviews were very good so I went for this one.
Overall I think the IC-R5 good points easily outweigh the not so good, and
you won't be disappointed.
HTH
Liam
A quick update on the IC-R5 software from the supplier above, cable arrived
after only a few days, and works great. Makes everything easier to see and
manipulate and if I make a mistake it is easily recovered.
I have also since got a look at Icom's own CS-R5 software for this receiver,
and to be honest it doesn't look visually as easy to use as the one above.
But I can't comment on the Icom version's functionality as I don't have a
suitable cable (yes, they are different!).

Best regards

Liam
Simon Barr
2003-10-14 08:33:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
All your questions have been answered by other posters but I'd just like to
add my bit.

I bought an R5 about a month ago and its great. It takes time to get
to grips with the controls but once you have its very easy to use. The
built in speaker is OK up to a point but I do most of my listening with
an ear piece which I prefer. The supplied Ni-Cds are Ok but I'm going to
try some Ni-Mh for extended life, the Ni-Cds manage about 6-8hrs on a full
charge.

I'm not using the supplied aerial anymore either, I bought an sma-bnc
adaptor and am using the Moonraker MRH200 (?) from Maplin which has
improved reception a bit.


Now a question from me.

Has anyone here ordered the programming software from www.ic-r5.com? I've
read reviews and it seems very good but when you follow the links to order
the software and cable warnings about the sites certificates pop up. From
the digging I've done they appear to be legit, but I'd feel more comfortable
handing over my credit card details if I knew someone else had already
done it!
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
Simon
2003-10-15 09:15:04 UTC
Permalink
Hi Simon

I ordered the software and had no problems at all with its delivery or with
my card details being handled appropriately. The software is very useful
and saves endless time.

If you decide to buy the software and want a data file to start you off, let
me know.
Simon
Post by Simon Barr
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
All your questions have been answered by other posters but I'd just like to
add my bit.
I bought an R5 about a month ago and its great. It takes time to get
to grips with the controls but once you have its very easy to use. The
built in speaker is OK up to a point but I do most of my listening with
an ear piece which I prefer. The supplied Ni-Cds are Ok but I'm going to
try some Ni-Mh for extended life, the Ni-Cds manage about 6-8hrs on a full
charge.
I'm not using the supplied aerial anymore either, I bought an sma-bnc
adaptor and am using the Moonraker MRH200 (?) from Maplin which has
improved reception a bit.
Now a question from me.
Has anyone here ordered the programming software from www.ic-r5.com? I've
read reviews and it seems very good but when you follow the links to order
the software and cable warnings about the sites certificates pop up. From
the digging I've done they appear to be legit, but I'd feel more comfortable
handing over my credit card details if I knew someone else had already
done it!
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
Simon Barr
2003-10-15 09:46:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by Simon
Hi Simon
I ordered the software and had no problems at all with its delivery or with
my card details being handled appropriately. The software is very useful
and saves endless time.
If you decide to buy the software and want a data file to start you off, let
me know.
Simon
Post by Simon Barr
Has anyone here ordered the programming software from www.ic-r5.com? I've
Thanks Simon, are you the person who mailed me a little while ago when I
posted asking for details of any available software? How long did the
software and cable take to arrive?
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
Nivis
2003-10-16 13:56:12 UTC
Permalink
yes have done business with these guys and would recommend. The deal is once
you had over your $$ they provide you with the info to download the SW and
rego key. The cable is sent via mail. I received from US to Australia in
about a week.

The SW is really good too.

Cheers.
Post by Simon Barr
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
All your questions have been answered by other posters but I'd just like to
add my bit.
I bought an R5 about a month ago and its great. It takes time to get
to grips with the controls but once you have its very easy to use. The
built in speaker is OK up to a point but I do most of my listening with
an ear piece which I prefer. The supplied Ni-Cds are Ok but I'm going to
try some Ni-Mh for extended life, the Ni-Cds manage about 6-8hrs on a full
charge.
I'm not using the supplied aerial anymore either, I bought an sma-bnc
adaptor and am using the Moonraker MRH200 (?) from Maplin which has
improved reception a bit.
Now a question from me.
Has anyone here ordered the programming software from www.ic-r5.com? I've
read reviews and it seems very good but when you follow the links to order
the software and cable warnings about the sites certificates pop up. From
the digging I've done they appear to be legit, but I'd feel more comfortable
handing over my credit card details if I knew someone else had already
done it!
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
Simon
2003-10-17 12:57:14 UTC
Permalink
Hello
Yes it was me who emailed you. As Nivs said, you download the software
which is only a few meg' and the cable arrives via airmail within about a
week. The software is registered to you as it uses your email address and a
code the autor will send you. I could send you mine but it seems a bit mean
to cheat the aoftware's author.
Simon
Post by Nivis
yes have done business with these guys and would recommend. The deal is once
you had over your $$ they provide you with the info to download the SW and
rego key. The cable is sent via mail. I received from US to Australia in
about a week.
The SW is really good too.
Cheers.
Post by Simon Barr
Post by {FireArm}
Hi - as everyone can probaly tell from previous posts im looking for a
new scanner, after looking at things like the PSR216 and DJX3 most
people have told me to go with the IC-R5 which looks like a good peice
of kit ;-), i was just wondering anyone who has one of these what do
you think? - whats the audio like as its only a small reciver? and it
covers FM, WFM, AM are these switchable on ever band (not sure if i
have put it in the right terms but basicaly i mean can you listen to
something 400Mhz on AM, FM, and WFM for example) oh and when it says
it covers WFM and FM i assume that WFM is for things like radio
stations and FM is Narrow-FM? - if i get those question out of the way
i'll go and buy it next week cos this scanner looks as if its the real
mccoy :-)
All your questions have been answered by other posters but I'd just like
to
Post by Simon Barr
add my bit.
I bought an R5 about a month ago and its great. It takes time to get
to grips with the controls but once you have its very easy to use. The
built in speaker is OK up to a point but I do most of my listening with
an ear piece which I prefer. The supplied Ni-Cds are Ok but I'm going to
try some Ni-Mh for extended life, the Ni-Cds manage about 6-8hrs on a full
charge.
I'm not using the supplied aerial anymore either, I bought an sma-bnc
adaptor and am using the Moonraker MRH200 (?) from Maplin which has
improved reception a bit.
Now a question from me.
Has anyone here ordered the programming software from www.ic-r5.com?
I've
Post by Nivis
Post by Simon Barr
read reviews and it seems very good but when you follow the links to order
the software and cable warnings about the sites certificates pop up.
From
Post by Nivis
Post by Simon Barr
the digging I've done they appear to be legit, but I'd feel more
comfortable
Post by Simon Barr
handing over my credit card details if I knew someone else had already
done it!
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
Simon Barr
2003-10-20 13:48:21 UTC
Permalink
Post by Simon
Hello
Yes it was me who emailed you. As Nivs said, you download the software
which is only a few meg' and the cable arrives via airmail within about a
week. The software is registered to you as it uses your email address and a
code the autor will send you. I could send you mine but it seems a bit mean
to cheat the aoftware's author.
Simon
Software ordered and downloaded, just need the cable to be delivered now.
--
simon at sbarr dot demon dot co dot uk
Simon Barr.
1.7i Lada Niva Cossack.
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