Radio Scanners

[Mario Facchini]

guys, i am looking to buy a radio scanner to listen in to ATC when i am out spotting.

I have found this scanner at $88:

http://www.ryda.com.au/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TX670&Click=1946

is it any good, are there any other suggestions from others that have had more experience with scanners?

[Maikha Ly]

Mario

Do a search of these forums, and they will uncover many threads on the best/recommended scanners. I'll also refer you to one of my replies a while ago here: http://www.yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=45031&postcount=9

Back then (Not really that long ago), I wasn't as versed into aviation and 'spotting' as I am now, so hope that gives you some context with my recommendation.

[Ken B]

The TX670 will scan through all 40 UHF channels. This frequency band is not the air band range.

This scanner is more designed for your usage.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Uniden-UBC73XLT-100CH-Handheld-Scanner-p/ubc73xlt.htm

It contains the Air Band Search range of frequencies.

[Nigel C]

The TX670 will scan through all 40 UHF channels. This frequency band is not the air band range.


Perhaps not, but on Channel 40 it will give you hours of daily amusement as Nick Harris winds the truckies of Sydney up with his constant chatter about trucks and drugs, Nimbin cheese, hair care, life on the dole etc etc. It's fair to say the truckies would like to shove his microphone into all sorts of orrifces.:D Nick can be heard during the morning and evening peak hours.

[patrick woodward]

I heard Mr Harris relaying the Sydney ATIS on channel 40 the other evening... most interesting....

[Nigel C]

Were the truckies going nuts at him? :D

[patrick woodward]

In a word...... Yes!!! When they could get a word in!!

[Nigel C]

Haha...he claims he's running only 5w of power, and a 12db aerial from Moorebank (used to be Cabramatta before that), but I have my doubts that's all he's using. But even so, 12db will get him above all the truckies quite comfortably, and if he's perched on top of a hill they've got no chance.
I laugh when he tells the truckies to not swear on 'his' channel and that his mother doesn't like it when they swear. The response is quite predictable:D:D:D

The other funny (and quite annoying) opertor is "Double-O 1"...he seems to get on when Nick goes for another toasted sandwich or has another Nimbin cheese snack.:rolleyes:

[patrick woodward]

Yes i'm guessing he has a aerial that is very high or the gear he is using is pushing out alot more than 5w!!! Possible remote location for his transmitter!! He knows what buttons to push!!:D

[Nigel C]

"So what do you truckies think about drug use while driving?"

:D

[Mario Facchini]

guys thanks for the info (escpecially Maikha Ly and ken B).

I ended up purchasing a uniden UBC73xlt, i have found the Sydney frequencies and i am happily listening to aircraft take off and land on 16L/R !!!

thanks again guys !

[Mario Facchini]

Actually i do have a question, i was listening to frequency 126.250 (ATIS) and the time check was 2 hrs behind the actual time, does anyone know why this is the case?

[patrick woodward]

Hi Mario,

The time you here on the ATIS is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)..

Cheers

[Mario Facchini]

Cool that clears that up then, thanks patrick