Airshow Monitoring Strategery... :)

[b52hbuff]

I'm curious what are folks airshow monitoring strategery? I just picked up a copy of Monitoring Times and read the article on the Andrews Airshow. One of the articles was written by the 'scanner wagon dude', and he listed out his strategery.

I'm curious how many radios most folks bring to a show? How do you have things setup?

As for me, if I'm lucky enough to get to watch the practice, I'll have three or four radios in the car. I'll have the 996 and 396 programmed for 'everything'. Everything is all frequencies from the MT Airshow Guide, anything I can find out about the base/field I'm visiting and local, state, federal and military frequencies.

Since the 996 has CC DND, I'll have it running CC as well as scanning low activity channels. The 396 is the main monitoring radio used to check off activity and record CTCSS/PL tones.

The 246 is programmed with 'everything' that is in it's range and isn't P25. Off-base/practice day, I like to use it for searching the military 2M band. It can also be used in Search & Store mode for both digital and analog 3600 bps TRS. The more I can rely on radio 'automation', the more I can focus on other things.

Sometimes I'll dust off the Pro-96. I will use it as a scratch-pad scanner, monitoring a particular frequency or set of frequencies.

On 'show day', the Pro-96 and 996 will sit the day out. I'll bring the 396 and 246 with any refinements discovered during the practice day. The 396 will be scanning frequencies of 'interest'. Between flying acts, I'll focus on base/lmr.

About an hour or so before headliner takes off, I'll scan their ground/base to see how maintenance checks are going. About 15 minutes before, I'll start scanning their air frequencies. during this time, I'll probably knock off listening to the base comms.

If I'm 'mobile', the 246 will be in my pocket either in CC AutoStore or TRS Search and Store. When I'm sitting and watching, the 246 is searching/scanning low activity stuff, looking for tones or trying to classify the hits it has already found. The 396 will be used to scan known frequencies depending on what's going on.

If found that two radios at the show is pretty much my limit...

As for monitoring, I certainly don't go 'discreet', but I don't have speakers. I usually listen with an Otto Earpiece (sometimes w/earplug attachment) and an old set of RS/Koss racing headphones.

OK, what do other folks do?

 

[ka3jjz]

The headphones are a must - but something else, too - batteries! Always have a fresh set nearby and ready to go. Having done a few public service events (Towson parade, ect.) you learn that in a hurry - and it's just as important at an airshow

73s Mike

 

[CORN]

I use the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method. Actually the "stupid" part is a joke when it comes to this hobby but that's the last part in the initials. But seriously when i go to an airshow that i have to travel to (can't hear paractice) i carry one scanner, usually my traveling companion BC-296D. Now that i have a Pro-97 (with signal stalker) it would come in handy. But the 296 is easier to program on the fly. You don't have to push a program button. But, if i am able to view a practice then i would probably have a couple of scanners in the car. I just can't hang with the "wagon" guys and don't need that many radios to enjoy the show. Only one act flies at a time. That's what i do.

Also, on my 296 the carry case holds the radio off of my body and all i need is the stock antenna.

 

[b52hbuff]

I use the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method.

I just can't hang with the "wagon" guys and don't need that many radios to enjoy the show. Only one act flies at a time. That's what i do.

...but do you find yourself simply scanning the known frequencies, or do you actively hunt for new stuff?

 

[CORN]

Well, i do scan the known freqs for all the acts if the freqs are published. However, betweeen acts i will periodically scan for ground stuff. But, i'm there to enjoy the show and if i had two or three scanners hanging off my belt that would take away from the immediate show. But since i have a Pro-97 with signal stalker it might replace my BC-296 as my airshow pal. It has good sensitivity in that area and that is a good advantage as opposed to conventional searching.

 

[mkewman]

i usually post on the forums to see if anyone's been there during practice and picked anything up, and include those along with commonly known.

never missed a comm!

 

[RadioJonD]

Sounds like we all have a common approach! Here's mine:

The Monitoring Times Airshow March issue is a must for setting monitoring strategy. The mid season update around July should be considered as well. Larry Van Horn does an outstanding job coordinating his own notes and “field reports”. Don’t forget to e-mail your own notes to Larry after an airshow! Post 'em here too. Looking for updates right here in Radio Reference is wise too.

For myself, I use two handhelds, one for ground and one for air. Both have signal stalker modes. Once I have determined the air boss frequency, it is set for priority. If I find a ground ops frequency that is primarily for security/medical, I'll set it as a priority. I should also mention that each scanner is programmed as a back up to the other. All I have to do is activate or deactivate banks as needed.

The ground ops scanner has a simple ear plug for one ear. That is placed under one of the cups of the full headphones plugged into the air scanner. Sometimes the volume of the ground scanner can even be adjusted loud enough to where I don’t have to have the plug directly in my ear.

In addition to the handhelds, I usually have a couple of scanners in the vehicle programmed similarly. If we make the airshow early enough, I’ll search and scan with them for about thirty minutes before going into the show grounds. This is also a good time to search/stalk with the handhelds.

I have a handful of airshow lists and notes going back to about 1991. One of these lists even has Corn's address on it as we met at an airshow many moons ago before everyone and their brother had internet access! Looking at these lists, I can pretty much say that pre-programming about twenty-five or so VHF air frequencies will get you the air boss and the civilian demo teams about ninety-five percent of the time. These are more or less the same frequencies listed in MT for the air acts. For military demo acts, have all known frequencies programmed starting with the most recent season reports.

For the ground scanner, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) frequencies are pre-programmed along with the newer Military Inter-Squad Radios (ISR). Though I have yet to hear the ISRs, the CAP has come in handy many times. These are followed by the ground ops frequencies for the USN Blue Angels & USAF Thunderbirds. I just lock out the ones that don’t apply. Finally, I’ll load the statewide and local mutual aid frequencies for the area of the airshow. As for trunking, unless I can quickly find a show talkgroup, I just have the system in-puts programmed to catch nearby units that may be involved with the show. Don’t laugh, it works!

One bank in my scanner contains all the off the shelf Motorola handheld radio business frequencies. These include the star/dot and common low power frequencies. Though I have the FRS/GMRS/MURs stuff programmed, I tend to have this bank turned off; too much of a distraction. I simply use a FRS radio to scan these if the need arises. The MURS freqs are in the Motorola bank.

Each scanner has preprogrammed search banks as well. Air- 122.050 to 124.00. Military Land Moble- 137.000 to 144.00, 148.000 to 151.00, 406.00 to 420.000. FAA- 172.125 to 172.950 (I have never heard anything on these). Radio Station Remotes- 450.000 to 450.995, 455.000 to 455.995, 161.640 to 161.760. Business/Low Power/FRS/GMRS – 460.800 to 470.000 (I caught a wireless mic used by an air act here once).

Both scanners are carried on/in a fanny pack that contains, among other things, fresh batteries, antennae, sunscreen and sunflower seeds. The fanny pack can be easily removed to be searched if required. If allowed, a folding or bag chair is handy too, preferably one with dual cup holders. Bring sunglasses and a cap or bucket hat too. You will be glad you did!

In keeping with the KISS approach; arrive early at the airshow so that you can search/stalk frequencies and take in the static displays. By having the hosting facility/airport frequencies preprogrammed (www.airnav.com), one can often learn the air boss frequency. Pilots like to listen in too, you know! Leave a bank open in each scanner in order to place all the active frequencies found. As you identify, make a note and/or transfer the frequency. By the time the first two or three acts are done, you should pretty much have everything you need. This is the time I use to lock out unused frequencies to increase the scan rate. As Corn stated, you are there to SEE the show. The most important frequency to have is the air boss! If you have it, you have about ninety percent of what you need. Don’t waste anymore time searching for what you THINK you are missing with your scanner(s) and miss what you SHOULD be seeing in the air!

With web-sites like this one, please do coordinate to meet and strategize with others that share the hobby. The earlier you can get in and get planted, the better you will be when the airshow starts. Be prepared to have folks ask you about frequencies or about what you are doing. I have been known to pull out extra scan lists, mark and/or add frequencies, and give them out. With that in mind, it would probably help to have websites like this one listed on the page!

I am planning to be at Millington in September for the USN Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds. I hope to see some of you there!

 

[b52hbuff]

Sounds like we all have a common approach! Here's mine:
For myself, I use two handhelds, one for ground and one for air. Both have signal stalker modes. Once I have determined the air boss frequency, it is set for priority. If I find a ground ops frequency that is primarily for security/medical, I'll set it as a priority. I should also mention that each scanner is programmed as a back up to the other. All I have to do is activate or deactivate banks as needed.

In addition to the handhelds, I usually have a couple of scanners in the vehicle programmed similarly. If we make the airshow early enough, I’ll search and scan with them for about thirty minutes before going into the show grounds. This is also a good time to search/stalk with the handhelds.

I have a handful of airshow lists and notes going back to about 1991. One of these lists even has Corn's address on it as we met at an airshow many moons ago before everyone and their brother had internet access! Looking at these lists, I can pretty much say that pre-programming about twenty-five or so VHF air frequencies will get you the air boss and the civilian demo teams about ninety-five percent of the time. These are more or less the same frequencies listed in MT for the air acts. For military demo acts, have all known frequencies programmed starting with the most recent season reports.

For the ground scanner, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) frequencies are pre-programmed along with the newer Military Inter-Squad Radios (ISR). Though I have yet to hear the ISRs, the CAP has come in handy many times. These are followed by the ground ops frequencies for the USN Blue Angels & USAF Thunderbirds. I just lock out the ones that don’t apply. Finally, I’ll load the statewide and local mutual aid frequencies for the area of the airshow. As for trunking, unless I can quickly find a show talkgroup, I just have the system in-puts programmed to catch nearby units that may be involved with the show. Don’t laugh, it works!

What radios do you bring? I am enjoying my 246 and 396. I would like to replace the 246 with a 330 or another 396, but I'm waiting until finances allow.

One other important note is that by arriving early, you get the opportunity to search/scan for the ever important 'radio checks'. Great time to hear them run through the frequencies.


Here are the search ranges from my 396:
MilAir 138-144 138.0000 144.0000 12.5k
MilAir 148-150.8 148.0000 150.8000 12.5k
MilAir 225-400 225.0000 399.9750 25k
MilGnd 138-144 138.0000 144.0000 12.5k
MilGnd 148-150.8 148.0000 150.8000 12.5k
MilGnd 162-174 162.0125 174.0000 12.5k
400MHz TrunkCC 406.0000 419.9875 AUTO
800MHz TrunkCC 851.0000 868.9875 AUTO
900MHz TrunkCC 935.0000 939.9875 AUTO
380MHz TrunkCC 380.0000 399.9875 AUTO

Part of the reasons I go to the shows is to listen for new comms. I actually sat out the Travis AFB show from my car, since they wouldn't let me in with the radios. I managed to score a bunch of new airshow-specific TGIDs that I wouldn't have gotten w/o the monitoring time in my car.

I have all of the same stuff programmed. I have heard California CAP use the ISRs. I haven't heard it on a military base, not even MCAS Miramar.

Interesting use of the priority. I'm not much for using that feature, since I find the interruptions distracting...

 

[b52hbuff]

How to configure Scanner?

My standard configuration includes the following 'Systems':
Latest version of Monitoring Times Airshow Configuration
Inter-Squad Radio
Motorola XTN / FRS / GMRS ...
...and a per-field configuration.

I typically lay the frequencies out into the following groups and sub-quick keys. It gives me '0' for unknowns and new finds for the trip.

1 Field Frequencies - Tower, Ground, etc...
2 Operations - Known air operations frequencies
3 Approach
4 Air Show
5 Operations/Unknown
6 Utility - Nav Beacon
7 PD/FD - Security, Fire, Medical, EOD, etc...
8 Ops/LMR - Land Mobile Radio, misc ops
9 PW - LMR, Public Works

How do others config?

 

[RadioJonD]

Recently, I replaced a PRO-43 with a PRO-97 and a BC-200 with a PRO-83. This will be my first season with signal stalker capability! I have used the signal stalker at other outdoor/indoor events with much success!

The PRO-97 is banked thusly:

0- Interoperability & Nationwide Commons
1- Common Aircraft / Airshow
2- Regional Aircraft facilities
3- Columbus (MS) AFB
4- USAF / NORAD
5- ISR / CAP / Blue Angel & T-Bird Ground Ops
6- Blue Angel, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds Air
7- Motorola handhelds (VHF & UHF)
8- AL-TN-MS State Agencies
9- Home or on scene scanning

Of course I don’t have all banks and/or channels active at the same time in any situation. My “have quick” frequencies are programmed to channel number, i.e. Marine Channel 16 is 16, USCG Marine Channel 22 is 22, Common FSS Mil 255.4 is 255, SAR 123.1 is 123, etc.

For airshows or other events there is room in bank one & bank five to include scene specific frequencies. Spill overs go into bank nine. Bank nine is also for confirmed frequencies.

The PRO-83 is programmed similar except for Interoperability & Mil-Air. I’ll usually have the scene specific, CAP, and Mil-Air Demo ground frequencies in a couple of banks and an open bank for confirms. The goal is to have all the "good stuff" reduced to one bank before the show starts or during the first two or three acts! That goes for the PRO-97 as well. When the main Mil-Air Demo team goes up, all other banks are cut off!

Another tip for airshow or event monitoring is to have a piece of gaffer’s tape over your battery compartment cover. Gaffer’s tape won’t leave a residue like other types. With all the bumping around and motion, depending on your scanner model, the battery compartment can come off easily. Definitely have tape on your PRO-83 or 84!

For the vehicle, I’ll have a BCT-8 (a loaner, courtesy of a friend here on the boards), and a BCT-7 or BC-700. Sometimes I may bring along my older PRO-2004 for Mil Air. I used to sit an audio cassette recorder on vox next to the vehicle scanners to catch some of the activity. I may experiment with a Pogo Radio Your Way (http://tinyurl.com/7v4fx) MP-3/digital recorder this year.

 

[b52hbuff]

The PRO-97 is banked thusly:

0- Interoperability & Nationwide Commons
1- Common Aircraft / Airshow
2- Regional Aircraft facilities
3- Columbus (MS) AFB
4- USAF / NORAD
5- ISR / CAP / Blue Angel & T-Bird Ground Ops
6- Blue Angel, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds Air
7- Motorola handhelds (VHF & UHF)
8- AL-TN-MS State Agencies
9- Home or on scene scanning

Of course I don’t have all banks and/or channels active at the same time in any situation. My “have quick” frequencies are programmed to channel number, i.e. Marine Channel 16 is 16, USCG Marine Channel 22 is 22, Common FSS Mil 255.4 is 255, SAR 123.1 is 123, etc.

I don't really care for the 'monster banks' of 100 channels on the 1k channel radios. Banks are too big to focus on scanning a small set of frequencies, and you only have 10 banks to turn on/off.

The uniden DMA radios give you up to 100 System Quick keys, and within each of those systems, you have ten more group quick keys. It give you a lot of flexibility to select what you want to scan.

 

[RadioJonD]

I don't really care for the 'monster banks' of 100 channels on the 1k channel radios. Banks are too big to focus on scanning a small set of frequencies, and you only have 10 banks to turn on/off.

The uniden DMA radios give you up to 100 System Quick keys, and within each of those systems, you have ten more group quick keys. It give you a lot of flexibility to select what you want to scan.

Yeah, I wasn't a fan of "monster" banks either. But the advantagce is that I can keep alot of stuff catagorized and programmed without needing eveything in the banks. For example, for airshows I have the Blues, T-Birds and Snowbirds in the same bank. I just lock out what I don't need.