Hello From The Great White North!

[VA3HQB]

Good afternoon,

Im pretty new at this, in fact.. Im not even licensed yet, Iv done my research, and the call sign Iv chosen is NOT taken. I have had quite a bit of experience with radio theory, and some background in electronics, but nothing more then a few high school courses. Im also a pilot, and a soldier. So... My girlfriend and I attending a course held localy in Mississauga. We are going to take both the basis, and advanced courses, and get licensed respectively. I myself am also working on some Morse Code. So.. I hope to be up and running within the next few months.

As for equipment, Iv bought myself a Yaesu FT-60R. Its a great little handheld, TONS of feature to figure out. Most of which Im completely oblivious too. ARTS? EAI? WIRES? CTCSS? DCS? and more! So far, Im just using it as a scanner, to pick up the local police, and airport traffic. Iv also figured out how to use the NOAA stations, and program a couple Frequencies into memory.

If anyone can give us any pointers, or advice. thank you all!!

 

[doublescan]

Hello back

A pilot , also eh? I could probably tie you up for a couple of hours with questions! I've recently gotten back into scanning, no 2 way interests (yet, haha) Scanning the aviation frequencies is really my big interest right now. It's amazing how much you can learn from reading the posts on this forum-people here have years of experience at this stuff. I've learned a lot already, from finding the plans from various places on building your own antennas. So far I've built several ground planes, a couple of simple 3 element yagis, and yesterday , my first J-pole, all for scanner-listening. And yes, I have heard of Mississauga before!
Tony

 

[nanZor]

Welcome aboard!

Know that the ARTS, EAI, and WIRES are options not found on scanners - only on amateur handhelds.

Until that ticket comes in, you may want to investigate how to custom program the PTT LOCKOUT - #25 in the menu system. No need to have it slip in the car, or under the couch while at the same time keying the transmitter.

I think you'll really like the FT-60 for amateur and conventional analog scanning. As always, a better antenna is usually recommended - many threads here to investigate on that matter.

Have fun - but take a break if it gets frustrating - nobody I know masters their radio in a day.

 

[VA3HQB]

Thanks guys, Im doing some scanning while I study for my ticket. So far, this little HT has been great! As for the Antenna situation.. I live in Toronto, so there is an abundance of radio traffic, so I get quite good reception. But.. Ill still look into a better one, as the forums dictate. I will say, this little thing REALLY has great options, most of which Iv got time to learn. Ill be picking up a rig I can use in the shack an din the mobile.

Im a soldier, so I get a lot of time working with radios, and a LOT of opportunity to scan