Many prior Icom receivers blocked the entire 800 MHz band, which IS a problem because it inhibits the ability to monitor non-trunked, conventional repeaters in the 850-870 MHz range (or even trunked systems). I would have been just as happy with it had my R8500 been the blocked version. It may perhaps have some value in other countries where this blocked out region is utilized for other services but in the USA having an un-blocked model means nothing. I have several "un-blocked" receivers and it offers no advantage whatsoever. I would like to add that having an un-blocked version isn't any better than the blocked model because, at least in the USA, there's absolutely NOTHING you can hear in the blocked out ranges of the 800 MHz cellular phone band since everything has been digital for several years now. Although I do use software to control it at times, I couldn't imagine having to solely rely on virtual controls to use it, as I'm also one of those people that really wants and NEEDS real controls on the front of the radio in order to effectively use it. I recently purchased a used un-blocked R8500 and love it.
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