The Icom R-75 receiver is being discontinued...

[rtc]

DX'ers:
The Icom R-75 receiver is being discontinued:

http://swling.com/blog/2016/03/the-icom-ic-r75-is-being-discontinued/

 

[boombox4]

DX'ers:
The Icom R-75 receiver is being discontinued:

http://swling.com/blog/2016/03/the-icom-ic-r75-is-being-discontinued/

With less and less to listen to on HF (and I'm sure comm receiver sales reflect that), it's amazing that the R-75 lasted as long as it did.

Even the move to SDR's is just delaying the inevitable. SW and HF are what AM radio will be in a decade or so.

 

[CTListener]

With less and less to listen to on HF (and I'm sure comm receiver sales reflect that), it's amazing that the R-75 lasted as long as it did.

Even the move to SDR's is just delaying the inevitable. SW and HF are what AM radio will be in a decade or so.

Difference being that there's no desire within either national governments or private broadcasting companies to see shortwave broadcasting survive, while here the FCC wants to keep taking in license fees and private broadcasters without a full-power FM option don't want to go dark, so AM continues to be propped up and will probably still be around in the US long after other nations have abandoned the band.

I suppose the hams will be on shortwave for the foreseeable future, as there are still plenty of licensees here and abroad, but an increasing number of them -- the younger ones, especially -- are more likely to be working VHF or UHF and using digital modes rather than filling the HF bands with SSB and CW rag-chews.

 

[Icangelp]

Difference being that there's no desire within either national governments or private broadcasting companies to see shortwave broadcasting survive, while here the FCC wants to keep taking in license fees and private broadcasters without a full-power FM option don't want to go dark, so AM continues to be propped up and will probably still be around in the US long after other nations have abandoned the band.

I suppose the hams will be on shortwave for the foreseeable future, as there are still plenty of licensees here and abroad, but an increasing number of them -- the younger ones, especially -- are more likely to be working VHF or UHF and using digital modes rather than filling the HF bands with SSB and CW rag-chews.

Unfortunately for all AM stations including those in the U.S., the only people who listen are old folks. Eventually, the revenue stream will dry up.

I think all not-for-profit stations should be moved to AM. That would free up space for the for-profit stations.

 

[CTListener]

Unfortunately for all AM stations including those in the U.S., the only people who listen are old folks. Eventually, the revenue stream will dry up.

I think all not-for-profit stations should be moved to AM. That would free up space for the for-profit stations.

College radio would probably go online-only or cease to exist under that scenario, as will the NPR/PRI affiliates and miscellaneous "community" broadcasters that still depend on music to attract listeners and donations. There is zero potential in music on AM.

 

[Ai4i]

I think all not-for-profit stations should be moved to AM.
That would free up space for the for-profit stations.

You are really hostile toward non-coms.
Were you ever attacked by one with fangs and claws?

 

[Icangelp]

College radio would probably go online-only or cease to exist under that scenario, as will the NPR/PRI affiliates and miscellaneous "community" broadcasters that still depend on music to attract listeners and donations. There is zero potential in music on AM.

It was an attempt at humor. I guess I should banish any thoughts of a career in stand-up comedy.

Your point is well taken.