AM/FM mode

[cassidy1190]

IF a frequency is in AM mode or FM mode does it affect how my scanner will pick up the frequency. For example a frequency is 123MHz, and its AM. My scanner doesnt have the optiion of AM or FM, so if I just program 123Mhz into it, will I still be able to hear comms on 123Mhz?

 

[JoeyC]

Depends on the scanner. Newer ones know that 123.0 is in the aero band and is AM. You can do a test. Program a freq in an AM band and one in a FM band (123.0 and 156.0 for instance) in adjoining channels. Turn the squelch out all the way and notice a volume change. Just about every scanner I ever used had a significantly lower volume when receiving in AM mode.

 

[Voyager]

IF a frequency is in AM mode or FM mode does it affect how my scanner will pick up the frequency. For example a frequency is 123MHz, and its AM. My scanner doesnt have the optiion of AM or FM, so if I just program 123Mhz into it, will I still be able to hear comms on 123Mhz?

If it's a well built scanner, you will not hear much audio on an FM signal while on AM mode, and vice versa.

What model do you have? I can't think of any that cover the air band that don't have AM.

The above test should tell you if it is switching, as will hearing any good level audio on the mode.

Joe M.

 

[CORN]

Yes, most scanners will automatically default to whichever mod that band is set for. The trick is when you get into some of the higher aero bands that the scanner will default to FM and needs to be overrode to Am. That is for most milair listening anyway. I haven't ever seen a scanner default to wrong modulation. Whatever bands yours picks up it should be ok.

 

[cassidy1190]

What are some of the best AM/Milair scanners out there? No specific price range, just give me what u got.

 

[INDY72]

Milair- PRO-2052 is one of the best.. the PRO-95 also with Win95 software to open it for those ranges.. the PRO-96 with Win96 software to open it up.

 

[cassidy1190]

Wow lol I actually have a pro-2052, and I cant hear sh*t on it. I'm even in a special area where all the tankers fly over to McGuire AFB, its called DIXIE or sumthin like that, but I never hear anything. How to I get it to scan AM? Does it just default to it?

 

[INDY72]

Just program in the mil air and civ air freqs, it auto defaults to AM on them. I have owned 2 of them, and loved listening to USAF, USN, ANG, USMC, and USCG in Charleston, SC. USAF, ANG, and USN in Jackson, MS, and the complete mix of EVERYTHING from where I live in SW MS now! The only thing the 2052 can't do is on US Army Helo AM stuff which is VHF Lo and UHF Lo,... you need a multiple format programmable scanner to hear them good. As to you not hearing traffic, do you have all the proper freqs for your area? And do you have a good ant?

 

[cassidy1190]

well not to sure about the frequencies, but I do have a discone antenna.

 

[INDY72]

You have to at least have the primary ops freqs for your area.. then you will catch the major coms,.. if your listening a lot, youll hear them announce freq changes as they go.... if your say within 30 miles or less of an airport/airbase youll be able to hear the Tower, TRACON, and ARTCC responses to the aircraft. If your within a very short range, youll hear Ground freqs also.

 

[INDY72]

What County/State is MAFB in?

 

[mciupa]

It is in New Jersey , here's a link and it looks like there would be some
decent monitoring to be had.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/mcguire.htm

 

[cassidy1190]

I guess Im not exactly a stones throw away form the place but I should still be able to hear the planes that are right over my house. What are some good sites for frequencies, or what to u guys here the most activity on if u live in the area.

 

[GlacierClipper]

McGuire AFB in Burlington County?

Fort Dix is in Burlington County right across the fence from McGuire AFB.
One of the closest cities is Wrightstown.

I took my Army basic training at Fort Dix. Use to fly in and out of McGuire when I was sent to Europe while in the Army. But then had to take a shuttle bus to Philly International to get another flight to home or my next assignment.

 

[INDY72]

Try these:

AMC CP: 130.650
319.400
349.400

AR-777 Primary: 228.000

TRACON: 120.250
259.300
363.800

Ground: 121.800
275.800

Tower: 118.650
236.600
255.600

Army Ops: 41.350
139.300
265.600

Warren Grove MOA: 139.625
277.400
286.200

Dispatcher: 372.200

Mateo: 239.800

Air Tacs: 138.450
138.875
138.975
139.725
139.775
139.825
139.875
142.875
143.825
143.875
149.325
239.650
252.800
269.800
299.500

GCA: 119.050
124.150
134.100
290.900
340.700
391.900
395.900


THat should get you started.

 

[INDY72]

Actual Base Ops are on a UHF TRS.

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=TRSDB&sid=421