A very good radio, with a good selection of bandwidths and step sizes. Can be computer-controlled and it has a discriminator output on the AUX connector. Also has a 10.7 MHz IF output on the back.

A fairly good performer, although mine could use a speaker mod to eliminate the audio cutting in and out that can occur.

Like many owners, I'm looking for the Service Manual for this rig. So far all I have are the schematics.

Four-channel scanning in the VHF band.

GRE America closed down in 2012 and in September 2013 the intellectual property rights were purchased by the Whistler Group of Bentonville, Arkansas.

ICOM bungled the release of the control protocol, but it's been reverse-engineered and is available on the Internet.

As with any receiver, it's important to have the right antenna for the frequencies you're interested in.

I recently purchased a UT-106 DSP Unit and will install it when I have some time.

After all thesee years the internal battery no longer holds a charge.

I bought a second unit, in the original box, from a thrift shop.

The ICOM R7000 is a wideband communications receiver introduced in 1986, and it quickly became one of the most respected and sought-after receivers of its era. Designed for serious hobbyists, shortwave listeners, and radio enthusiasts, the R7000 provides high frequency coverage, robust build, and excellent selectivity and sensitivity. The ICOM R7000 was developed during a time when microprocessor-controlled receivers were becoming more common. It was designed as a high-end VHF/UHF communications receiver, offering continuous coverage from 25 MHz to 1999 MHz (2 GHz). This range included a wide variety of services: public service radio, military air bands, satellite downlinks, amateur radio, and more. Dual conversion superheterodyne design for improved image rejection Programmable memory channels (99 standard, with scanning and search options) Direct keypad entry for tuning A large fluorescent display AM, FM, and wide/narrow FM demodulation Optional computer control via RS-232, which made it one of the early radio receivers to be computer-controllable ICOM eventually discontinued the R7000 in the early 1990s, replacing it with newer models such as the R7100 and later the R8500 and R9000, which added features like wider frequency coverage, improved filtering, and updated computer interfaces. The R7000 is still actively used today by enthusiasts who maintain their units with care. On the used market, the R7000 is often sought after for both its historic value and performance, especially for VHF/UHF monitoring. As with any device of its age, the R7000 has a few known issues, most notably: Aging electrolytic capacitors, which can leak and damage circuit boards Keypad malfunctions from worn rubber contacts Display dimming or flickering However, due to its popularity, there is a good base of user support online, including schematics, modification guides, and repair tutorials. Some users upgrade the receiver with modern filters or digital signal processing (DSP) via external accessories. Full coverage monitoring receiver. I purchased this unit used at the 2017 Dayton Hamvention.

It has a set of modifications; three subminiature switches mounted on the back panel.

Update: I bought another IC-R7000 at the 2025 Dayton Hamvention.

Bought a second unit at the 2018 Hamvention.

The ICOM R8500 covers from 0.1 MHz (100 kHz) to 1999.99 MHz (just under 2 GHz), virtually continuous, except for some cellular frequency blocks due to legal restrictions in the U.S. version. It features:

1. AM, FM (wide/narrow), SSB (LSB/USB), CW
2. 1000 memory channels** (with memory banks and alpha tags)
3. High stability and low noise floor
4. RS-232 port for full computer control, compatible with various monitoring software
5. Built-in spectrum scope (basic, limited display via external 10.7 MHz connection)
6. High-quality digital readout with backlighting
7. Detachable front-facing speaker, with audio output also available for external speakers or recording
8. A large, smooth main tuning knob with variable tuning steps and dial lock
9. Dual VFOs, priority watch, scan functions, and programmable search

Its front-end is relatively strong, allowing it to perform well in RF-dense environments. Users frequently praised the receiver’s ability to pull in weak signals, especially in the shortwave and VHF/UHF bands. The R8500 was an evolutionary improvement over the R7000 and R7100. It retained the all-mode capability and wide frequency coverage but added:

1. **More stable local oscillators**
2. **Tighter selectivity options**
3. **More memory and scanning features**
4. **Improved RF shielding**
5. **Full computer control**, a feature in increasing demand

Compared to the R9000 — ICOM’s high-end receiver of the era — the R8500 was more affordable and somewhat more rugged for field use, though it lacked some of the R9000’s advanced display and IF filtering options.

ICOM discontinued the R8500 in the early 2000s, though it remained available from distributors and on the used market for several years after. It was succeeded indirectly by ICOM’s involvement in more SDR (Software Defined Radio) and amateur radio transceivers with wideband receive functions.

Despite no longer being manufactured, the R8500 is still widely used and highly respected. Many consider it among the best analog-digital hybrid wideband receivers ever made. Its durable design and high-quality RF performance allow it to remain competitive with more modern digital receivers, especially for those preferring knobs and direct operation over software interfaces.

Full coverage monitoring receiver. The successor to the R7100. Solid performance, built-in discriminator output and 10.7 MHz IF output.

The "IF OUT" jack on the back panel outputs a 10.7 MHz IF signal with 9 volts DC for external equipment.

Update: I bought a second full coverage unit at the 2016 Dayton Hamvention.

I'm looking for SAMS Photofact 659-4, which covers this model.

It covers 25 to 520 MHz and 760 to 1300 MHz (less cellular) and can decode CTCSS, DCS and DTMF tones. It can track analog Motorola, EDACS and LTR trunked systems and can scan up to 100 channels per second. For monitoring data systems that use frequency shift keying (FSK), the receiver has a built-in data slicer. The Optocom uses a modified version of the Optoscan OS-535 interface with a documented application programming interface (API).

Unfortunately, it's discontinued. It's a neat design -- a GRE receiver board interfaced to a computer-control board (controlled via a Winbond 8051 microprocessor).

Opto had planned to offer a series of add-ons to the receiver, but eventually had trouble getting boards from GRE in the small quantities that sales numbers dictated.

I purchased one at the 2024 Dayton Hamvention.

Eight memories. Coverage from 30 to 50 MHz, 144 to 174 MHz and 450 to 512 MHz.

I don't have a user manual, but these are from a forum posting back in 2005:

1. Place all the "Memory Channel" toggle switches in the Down/Off position.
2. Rotate the "Tuning Speed" dial so that "Manual Scan" and "Auto Scan" are NOT selected.
3. Tune in the frequency desired using the "Tuning Up/Down" switch. The speed at which you go through frequencies can be adjusted by turning the "Tuning Speed" dial to "Low," "2nd," "3rd," or "Top."
4. When the desired frequency is displayed on the LCD panel, switch the toggle switch corresponding to the "Memory Channel" you wish to program to the On/Up position.
5. Press the "Memory Push" button to save the frequency to the selected "Memory Channel."
6. Repeat for the remaining seven "Memory Channels" (Note: Do not have more than one toggle switch in the Up/On position when you press the "Memory Push" button.)
7. Once your memory channels are programmed, you can turn the tuning dial to "Auto Scan," which will automatically scan through all memory channels that have their toggle switch in the up/on position. Or, you can turn the tuning knob to the "Manual Scan" selection and manually switch through the memory channels that have their toggle switch in the up/on position by using the "Channel Selector" switch. Hint: Be sure to install two 9 volt batteries in the compartment on the bottom so that if you lose power or unplug your scanner, you won't have to reprogram all your memory channels. I learned this the hard way.

Very good sound from this receiver.

This radio is still in the original box.

I have two of these units.

Support documents can be found on Radio Shack's support web site, here.

Support documents, including a manual in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, can be found on Radio Shack's support web site, here.

This radio is identical to the Sangean ATS-909.

Missing the smaller backup battery door.

I have a little more information about this scanner here.

I have more information about this scanner here.

Covers 550 kHz to 30 MHz.

For more information and photographs, click here.

• DX-150 (original): Released ~1967
• DX-150A: Improved version with cosmetic and circuit refinements
• DX-150B: Released ~1970, the most popular and best-known version

The Realistic DX-150 was a solid-state receiver, a major step forward from earlier vacuum tube-based designs. It featured:

• General coverage reception from 535 kHz to 30 MHz (AM and shortwave)
• Five bands**, clearly labeled on a large front-panel dial
• AM and CW (code), with SSB (single sideband) demodulation possible with practice or modification
• Analog tuning dial with a separate bandspread control, offering better fine-tuning
• Solid metal cabinet with faux wood side panels and a front-facing speaker
• Analog signal strength meter
• Selectable antenna inputs for longwire and whip configurations

The DX-150 offered a good balance of usability and price, and while it wasn’t the most precise receiver in its class, its robust build and simple controls made it popular with both novices and experienced DXers.

Performance-wise, the DX-150 series provided respectable sensitivity and selectivity for its time, especially in the AM broadcast and lower shortwave bands. However, it had limitations when it came to SSB reception, as it lacked a true BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator). Some later models, like the DX-160 (a direct successor), included better SSB capabilities.

Despite these constraints, it was well-loved for picking up major international broadcasters like Radio Moscow, BBC World Service, Voice of America, Radio Havana Cuba and Deutsche Welle. I remember using one in the mid-1970s to listen to WWV.

The DX-150 holds an important place in shortwave radio history, particularly in the United States. During its time, there were few ways to hear unfiltered foreign news and cultural programming. The DX-150 gave everyday people access to a global spectrum of voices, making it more than just a technical device — it was a window to the world during a time of geopolitical tension and change.

Its widespread availability in the U.S., through Radio Shack’s massive retail network and popular mail-order catalog, helped democratize shortwave listening. Many ham radio operators, military personnel, and curious teens from the 1960s and 70s got their start with a DX-150 sitting on their bedroom desk.

Late 1960's vintage GRE-built shortwave receiver.

You can read more about this model here.

For more information and photographs, click here.

Coverage: 118-136 MHz and 144-148 MHz.

Coverage: 25-520 MHz, 760-823.945 MHz, 851-868.945 MHz, 896-1300 MHz

The gaps in 800 MHz coverage are due to the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) which mandated that the FCC deny certification to scanners that could tune to these (at the time) analog cellular telephone frequencies.

Coverage could be restored by clipping a particular diode.

A quick guide to operations is available here.

Coverage: 29-50 MHz, 144-148 MHz, and 410-512 MHz.

A schematic and manual can be found here.

A local copy of the schematic (click for a larger image):

Click here for more photos.

• Beacons: 175 to 400 kHz
• AM Broadcast: 550 to 1600 kHz
• Marine: 1.6 to 4 MHz

This model originally came out around 1971.

Covers the following bands: 33-47, 118-136, 154-164 and 450-512 MHz.

Full coverage (less cellular) TrunkTracking handheld scanner. Capable of computer control.

I bought this unit at a garage sale. When I plugged it in, instead of channel numbers, the two-digit display showed 'L'. I hit the [WX] button and immediately heard the local NOAA weather radio transmission. Hitting [SCAN] after that caused the scanner to run through all sixteen channels.

Apparently there are folks out there who get the 'L' display and are unable to proceed. If the [WX] doesn't work, try programming one of the 16 channels with a known frequency (NOAA weather frequencies are good for this: try 162.400 and 162.550 first). After receiving a good signal, manually step thorugh each channel - you should hear static if the squelch is set correctly.

Serial number format: YM PPPSSS, where Y is production year in the 1980's (e.g. '4' = 1984), M is the productiom month (e.g. 'E' = May), PPP is the production run and SSS is the individual serial number.

The letter 'M' preceeding the serial number indicates the factory installation of a memory module.

• Dual-band operation: Covers 144–148 MHz and 430–450 MHz transmit; broader receive coverage (up to 520 MHz)
• Power output: Selectable 5W / 2.5W / 0.5W transmit power
• Rugged design: MIL-STD-810 compliant for shock and vibration; IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance
• Large speaker: Delivers 1 watt of audio output for clear communications in noisy environments
• Battery life: Ships with a 1950 mAh Li-Ion battery (or 2500 mAh as an option), offering up to 9–10 hours of operation
• FM broadcast reception: Includes an FM radio receiver for 88–108 MHz
• 200 memory channels: Easily programmable via keypad or optional software
• CTCSS / DCS: Includes tone squelch options for repeater use
• Includes a programmable emergency alert function

While the FT-65 can be manually programmed via the keypad, most users prefer to use programming software like CHIRP (free, open-source) or Yaesu’s own PC programming suite. A programming cable is required.

Handheld dual-band transceiver.

This radio was released under both the Yaesu and Vertex Standard brands, depending on region and time of sale. It was marketed as a compact but powerful base receiver that could fit easily into a desktop shack while offering serious performance.

The Yaesu VR-5000 offers:

• Coverage: 100 kHz to 2600 MHz (continuous) – one of the widest available in a consumer receiver at the time.
• Modes: AM, FM (narrow and wide), USB, LSB, CW – allowing reception of everything from aviation to amateur radio, HF utilities, and more.
• Memory: 1000 memory channels organized into banks, with priority scan, band scanning, and programmable search.
• DSP Filtering: Included a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) unit for noise reduction and audio enhancement—cutting-edge at the time.
• Spectrum Scope: Had a built-in basic spectrum analyzer, a rare feature in its class, allowing users to visually scan a portion of the band.
• PC Connectivity: Serial port for CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) control, enabling control via software for remote operation or integration into a logging system.
• IF Output: Could output an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, useful for more advanced SDR or signal analysis.

Yaesu discontinued the VR-5000 in the mid-2010s, as wideband software-defined receivers (SDRs) such as the SDRplay, Airspy, and ICOM IC-R8600 began to dominate the market with better performance, digital decoding, and higher dynamic range at similar or lower cost.

Desktop receiver covering 10 kHz to 2.6 GHz (less cellular) with a 10.7 MHz IF output. This particular unit was manufactured in 2008.

I'm looking for computer control and cloning commands beyond the few CAT messages described in the manual.

I bought a second one at the 2016 Dayton Hamvention.

After WWII, Zenith continued to develop this line, releasing increasingly refined models. The H500 replaced the earlier G500 (1949–1951) and was followed by the 600 series (starting in 1954).

The H500 Trans-Oceanic was a portable vacuum tube multiband receiver with coverage of standard AM (broadcast band) and several shortwave bands, enabling reception of international and maritime broadcasts.

The H500 used 5 vacuum tubes, including miniature types such as 1U4 and 1L6, which were favored for their low power consumption and compact size.

The H500 received the AM broadcast band plus five shortwave bands (from roughly 1.6 to 18 MHz), divided into labeled world bands to assist travelers and hobbyists. It includes a telescoping whip antenna and an internal loop antenna for AM reception. It operated on both AC and battery power. The battery was a combined "A" and "B" supply, often difficult to replace today. It featured a black leatherette-covered steel case with a front-opening door, giving it the look of a briefcase or luggage—a deliberate styling choice for travel appeal. A removable **Wavemagnet** loop antenna could be used for directional AM reception and attached to windows in hotel rooms for better reception.

The H500 included simple but durable tuning and volume controls, a band selector switch, and a flip-up world time zone chart to help users calculate local time in various countries—highlighting its international focus.

The H500 marked the end of an era as it was the last major Trans-Oceanic model based entirely on vacuum tube technology before the line transitioned to hybrid and then all-transistor designs. It was produced from 1951 to 1954, after which it was succeeded by the 600 series, which included the L600, R600, and B600, all of which refined the design but kept the same general aesthetic.

Vacuum tube shortwave radio, model H500.

I need to get a spare set of tubes for this unit.

Does anyone have a good source for tubes, especially the 1L6, that aren't at a ridiculous price?

The worse the weather gets, the better AEA FAX III is. This is because AEA FAX III allows you to colorize your received WeFax images, producing amazing full-color weather displays.

This IBM-compatible software receives HF SSB transmissions. Satellite maps and WeFax images are received in gray-scale and can be displayed in dazzling 256 pseudo-color like the one you see above. In addition to images, you'll be able to receive and decode Morse code, RTTY, and NAVTEX transmissions.

AEA FAX III's color enhancement lets you colorize maps and WeFax images however you want. See cloud formations and weather patterns that just can't be seen in gray-scale. Export your colorized images to PCX or GIF files for use in other applications.

Choose schedules from the fax station database (included) and go do something else. AEA FAX III allows your computer to switch frequencies on your computer controllable receiver, receive transmissions, and save them. When you come back you'll have images waiting for you. View the images you receive in the special slide show-mode.

AEA FAX III is easy to use right out of the box. Simply plug in the demodulator (shown here), install the software, and you're ready to receive highly detailed images. Tuning the signal is easy, AEA FAX III has an on-screen tuning indicator to help you keep the signal coming in clearly.

Don't be left out in the cold when it comes to high-tech weather reception, get AEA FAX III.

Requires PC-compatible XT, AT, or better and a general coverage HF SSB receiver. VGA monitor required for gray-scale fax display and false-color.

Note: Timewave Technology Inc. acquired the AEA data products line in April, 1997.

The KT-2 has two basic modes of operation. You may choose between a keyer and a Morse trainer. Control for each mode is provided from the keypad for full feature programming.

You have a fully programmable trainer with an incredible range of features for learning or teaching Morse code. You also have a programmable keyer with selectable speed, tone, dot-dash ratios and automatic and semi-automatic (bug) capabilities.

The Morse Machine is a full-featured, high performance keyer featuring 2-255 WPM programmable or 2-99 WPM variable speed selection and 8,000 memory characters that can be stored into 20 memories (36,500 characters if 32K RAM is used. See page 4). Seven programmable modes of operation are included: KEYER/MEMO- RY SEND, BEACON (to automatically repeat a Morse or RS-232 ASCII message at a programmed interval of one to 999 seconds), MEMORY LOAD, TRAINER (allows random code group practice at steadily increasing speeds), MORSE TERMINAL, CONTEST SIMULATOR and QSO SIMULATOR.

A computer serial port can be interfaced to The Morse Machine through its RS-232 compatible I/O allowing any front panel function to be programmed from the computer. Loading memories is as simple as typing them on the computer keyboard. Further, your random code, contest or practice sessions can be displayed on your computer screen.

Brief documentation is available from Radio Shack's support web site at here. The September 1998 Hints newsletter from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has the following modification:

Louder DSP with the RS 21-543 Box

Michael, N4TMI, has a quick fix for anyone trying to get more volume out of a Radio Shack 21-543 DSP box:
The cure is simple. The gain of the audio amplifier can be doubled by soldering wire jumpers across R54 and R57. These are clearly labeled 100-ohm chip resistors on the underside of the circuit board. According to the manufacturer's data sheet, the KIA7227CP audio amp chip does not require these components. Their only purpose is to reduce gain, apparently a bad idea in this situation. After the mod, it's much easier to get room-filling volume from a speaker. Sound quality is excellent, and digital signal processing is unaffected.
--Michael A. Covington, N4TMI, 285 St George Drive, Athens, GA 30606; e-mail mc@ai.uga.edu