Alinco DJ-X100T

[NS9710]

Has anyone tried this receiver with the railroad band? I’m just not wanting to invest into one with poor railroad range, I’ve been struggling to find anyone who has or used one, and reported how the range is, or does anyone have any better suggestions for railroad monitoring? NXDN and EOT/DPU reception are both things I really want to be able to listen for.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Given the lack of responses on your other two threads regarding the DJ-X100T I'd surmise not a whole lot of people here have gotten their hands on one yet, but we shall see. If you're on Facebook there's a group there with a few active users that may be able to give you feedback. And as I mentioned to you here, the antenna is the most important piece of hardware with regards to receiving any band so pick up a VHF antenna for optimal railroad band reception on any receiver.

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[Whiskey3JMC]

Or perhaps you could try reaching out to users from this thread directly?

 

[wa8pyr]

Given the lack of responses on your other two threads regarding the DJ-X100T I'd surmise not a whole lot of people here have gotten their hands on one yet, but we shall see. If you're on Facebook there's a group there with a few active users that may be able to give you feedback. And as I mentioned to you here, the antenna is the most important piece of hardware with regards to receiving any band so pick up a VHF antenna for optimal railroad band reception on any receiver.

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To add to that, the stock antenna with any scanner is a major compromise, and isn't going to provide particularly stellar reception on any band.

I've always had good luck with the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck 160 MHz, which is specifically tuned for the railroad band. It also works reasonably well for EOT/DPU reception.

5/8 SLIM DUCK 160 MHZ — Smiley Antenna

5/8 SLIM DUCK Super efficient VHF antenna show a OMNI directional 6 dbd gain flexible base loaded antenna, manufactured tough enough for the military and aesthetically pleasing for the consumer. Sealed in synthetic rubber and utilizing the Tuned Antenna's one piece NT-MIL Space Age covering system (

www.smileyantenna.com

Before dropping a lot of money on a DJ-X100T, try the BCD160DN; it's a good, reasonably-priced scanner which receives analog as well as NXDN (and DMR, which some railroads do use). Couple that with the Smiley 5/8 Slim Duck, and you'll probably be quite pleased with the results.

As far as reception range goes, there are so many variables there it's difficult to predict how far away from a train you'll be able to hear it, and I've found that most scanners perform about the same, but perk up considerably with a better antenna.

 

[kc2asb]

As mentioned above, the 160DN is an excellent radio to consider, especially with NXDN/DMR capability out of the box. The 160DN was also recommended in the thread below, which is well-worth reading through:

Which Radio to Monitor HOT / EOT / DPU at Same Time?

I'm a newbie to radios, so please be patient if my questions are dumb ;) With ATCS going away soon, I'm looking for a "Plan B" to detect if there are trains approaching as I happen to live near two rail lines. I'm aware that some of the railroad web cams I watch, (like this one at Slinger, WI)...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[AK9R]

NXDN and EOT/DPU reception are both things I really want to be able to listen for.

Regarding NXDN, are any railroads that you plan to listen to using NXDN? While the Florida East Coast is reported to be experimenting with it and there are reports that a few railroads are using NXDN in yards and terminals, I don't think that NXDN use is widespread.

Regarding EOT/DPU transmissions, I believe that you will need a computer to decode them. You can hear their data bursts on just about any radio that covers their frequency range, but you need more technology to decode the bursts.

 

[KB1VLA]

I got a DJ-X100 specifically for railroad monitoring; a local shortline uses NXDN full-time. It works very well.

 

[NS9710]

Not widespread, but I do like to have it with me in case someone is using NXDN

Regarding NXDN, are any railroads that you plan to listen to using NXDN? While the Florida East Coast is reported to be experimenting with it and there are reports that a few railroads are using NXDN in yards and terminals, I don't think that NXDN use is widespread.

Regarding EOT/DPU transmissions, I believe that you will need a computer to decode them. You can hear their data bursts on just about any radio that covers their frequency range, but you need more technology to decode the bursts.

 

[W4KRR]

I have the DJ-X100T. Works very well. Compact size, color customizable display, fast scan speed. DMR decoding works well. The downsides: accessories, such as the desktop charging cradle, are difficult or impossible to find. Support is lacking, nobody seems to have much information except for the advertising brochures. The official programming software from Alinco only works on the Japanese version of the radio. No word on if or when USA version (the T version) software will be available. Only supports NXDN 48, will not decode NXDN 96. Also no P-25 decoding, and the upper frequency cutoff is 470MHz. No 700, 800 or 900 coverage.