Mil-Air Radio Question!

N1SQB · #1 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 9:31 AM

Hello All!
I have used a Pro-2006 for Mil-Air monitoring as long as I can remember. I would like to upgrade to something newer with Alpha tag capabilities as there is a laundry list of frequencies as you are all aware. I would like to hear from those of you who use the newer scanners for this purpose. What in your opinion and experience is the best modern scanner for this purpose?

Manny

Intellifax · #2 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 3:07 PM

Uniden 780XLT. It sure isn't new by any means (in fact, pretty old, but newer than that 2006), and it does alpha tagging and was/is a favorite of milair listeners. Often found cheap on the used market. Mine still cranks away here in the shack. Computer programmable too.

N1SQB · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 3:31 PM

Interesting! I had a BC 780 when they first came out but I really wasn't into Mil-Air back then and eventually I upgraded to the 785 then the 796. Hmmm! Thanks for suggesting it!

Manny

rankin39 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 3:43 PM

yeah, I had a couple of 780s when the digital revolution came along, and, rather than just dump them on the used market, I dedicated them to milair listening. The 780 had a front end that was more resistant to intermod and other interference than several of the later models. It's a good choice.

Bob, WoNXN

combatcomm · #5 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 12:27 PM

I recommend the Uniden BCT15X. This is a high performance, modern receiver. Mine has been in service for over a year. Price has been reduced since my purchase, so, I may add an additional receiver.

N1SQB · #6 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 1:05 PM

I own two of them,as luck would have it! Unfortunately A. I have never used them for mil-air and B. they are my main workhorses for all my analog needs in my county and the surrounding areas. I don't know why it never ocurred to me to use them for that. Maybe because my trusty Pro-2006 has been doing such a great job. It's just getting to be too much to not have alpha tags. Between all the mil-air and then the civil-air stuff, I am in serious need for alpha tags. Hmmm! I may just have to add a third! Wow, now how do I sneak this past my wife.......

Manny

eorange · #7 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 1:19 PM

Totally recommend the 780XLT. It's been my primary mil air receiver for over 10 years, for all the reasons the other 2 guys said and more. Fast scan rate, generous tag size, and the sensitivity is tops.

N1SQB · #8 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 1:28 PM

I have heard that about the 780 from a LOT of people, not just on here. Problem is finding a deceent one at a reasonable price. I can get another BCT15X brand new delivered to my house for $168 A lot of the 780s I have seen for sale in decent shape, have been selling around the $130-$150 price range or higher, too close to the 15X new price I mentioned before. It's a tough call!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UBC780XLT-78...item337f7f064e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uniden-Bearc...item3a7db6964e

Manny

mancow · #9 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 1:56 PM

The 780 has a dead quiet receiver in AM milair but loud clean audio when a signal is present. The milair performance is the only reason I am keeping mine. Couple it with proscan and it's an excellent setup.

combatcomm · #10 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 6:20 PM

The price difference between the "780" and BCT15X is significant. For a few dollars more, you will have a brand new receiver that should provide years of reliable service. I am completely satisfied with the superior performance provided by the BCT15X. The alpha tags are essential for identification of the numerous frequencies that I monitor. I have retired my PRO-2006, actually it is still used for for local ATC monitoring.

N1SQB · #11 (**permalink**) 01-28-2013, 7:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by combatcomm

The price difference between the "780" and BCT15X is significant. For a few dollars more, you will have a brand new receiver that should provide years of reliable service. I am completely satisfied with the superior performance provided by the BCT15X. The alpha tags are essential for identification of the numerous frequencies that I monitor. I have retired my PRO-2006, actually it is still used for for local ATC monitoring.

I think I'm going to go this route. As much as I wanted to try out a 780, I cannot ignore the going prices vs. the cost of a brand new unit out of the box. I have already experienced the 15X unit first hand. I guess I'm adding a 3rd one. The Pro 2006 may just have to go bye bye!

Manny