[Scanner] Scanner communications receiver under $1000

[James R. Chastain]

Hi,
	I'm new to the list but have been an amateur radio operator since the mid
70's.
	(WD4DPD now KD0XX)
	I have had several scanners in the past and have a couple now but I want a
much
	better unit. I am looking at the following BASE receivers....

	AOR AR 8600 II,

	ICOM PCR1000,

	YEASU VR 5000.

	If you have one of these, or have another option, please write and tell me
what you
	like or dislike about your current radio.
	The ICOM is interesting but kind of limited in what I want. I would like to
have front
	panel control since the scanner will be near my bed. I want to remote
locate the
	receiver in the bedroom upstairs and also be able to control and listen
from the
	computer downstairs. I'm not really up on the computer control aspect. Do
any of them
	have the audio on the computer control port or will I have to run an extra
wire for that?

	Whatever I do purchase will probably be with me for a LOOONG time so I will
get a full 	coverage export version of whichever radio I settle on.
	My requirements are...

	1.	Computer control and programming
	2.	500+ memories
	3.	Reasonable scan speed
	4.	VFO control
	5.	Baseband audio output for digital decoding or at least modifiable for
such.
	6.	Allmode (SSB, CW, AM, NFM, WFM)
	7.	Variable tuning rate at least down to 50hz
	8.	Variable selectivity.

	My wants are...

	1.	DC-Light coverage:-))
		*I'm a little flexible here but want at least 100khz-1300mhz

	2.	Digital Module availability for APCO 25
		*It's coming so I might as well prepare for it.

	3.	10.7MHz i.f. output
		*Might need it someday

	4.	IR remote controllable

	That's about all I can think of. ANY SUGGESTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS??
	Please send to jrc@naxs.com

	Thanks,
		James