ICOMR6 Sport Wide Band Handheld Communications Receiver, Requires 2 x AA Batteries, Black

I didn't get it from amazon, but I bought one of these from some radio website. It's a radio for radio nerds, but that's why I love it. This thing is bomb proof, I've been using it for years. It's a great little radio. With the right antennas and adapters you can listen to local transmissions, download images from weather satellites, listen to shortwave/am/fm radio, listen in on radio conversations at walmart, listen to check if your radio is transmitting. I've done all those things personally with this radio.I used to be a truck driver, so that's how I know that if you get the right adapters you can connect this radio to mobile CB antennas and pick up shortwave very well. Another thing I did was compile a list of the most used frequencies in the US and plugged the top 50 into the radio for scanning purposes. Works really well for cross country listening. Picked up a drive thru once, which was funny at the time.Did I mention I really like this radio?

Icom makes great products and this receiver appears to be one of them. The only problem I am having with it is programming the frequencies I want to monitor. The manual that comes with the receiver leaves a lot to be desired.

Could they design a radio any more complex to operate? Seriously DONT BUY THIS, find something that’s easier to operate.

The radio is full of features but lacks in buttons and display, making using it very clumsy. Programming from the font panel is a nightmare; the manual while well written grammatically is poorly sequenced. Must say I'm very disappointed with ICOM, for decades their products have had excellent technical performance mixed with quirky programming issues, but this one is off the charts bad. The least they could do would be to bundle PC-based programming software and a cable with the radio. It would cost them next to nothing and make customers happy. Solve the too small display / lack of buttons problem. Instead, I'm forced to buy third party programming software and cable to see if I can salvage it, will report back later.

This will pick up local scanner frequencies if your first Responders are digital only.Excellent quality from iCOM once again. Easy to operate for those with a license in HAM Radio. Quite a learning curve if you do not possess one. These are great to quickly find what dual band frequency is being used when you go mobile. These are great to quickly scan first Responders which has become more popular while we have Bidens running lose. I highly recommend this little radio because of the scan speed and its mobile, along with that iCOM quality radio operators have come to know. Perfect to help quickly tune in on your dual band TX.

Very good audio, loaded with "goodies" but I'm finding it difficult to program even with the software. Not too happy that it went on sale for 30.00 less shortly after I bought it.

I saw some not so good reviews on this Icom. On the airband I pick up 4 airports. They are 7, 22, 49, & 59 miles away. Not static but crystal clear. Shortwave is almost as good as my shortwave radio. Everything I listen to I can receive. I do recommend getting the RT Systems programming software. Once programmed it is very easy to use. I had the original Icom R1 which was ok for the time. The front end would overload big time and only used rechargeable batteries. If Icom ever decides to discontinue this unit I will never have to worry about getting a proprietary battery 10 years down the road. Plus, I live in hurricane central and having a pack of AA batteries is way easier then trying to charge up when there is no power. The only thing I miss a little is the keypad on the R1 but it isn't a dealbreaker. I really like the R6 and the more I use it, the more I am loving it.

The manual is fine. Just invest in the software and cable by RTS and everything in the manual will make sense. Very portable and great reception for its size.