KG9NZ
Member
I have an Icom PCR-1500 that can receive up to 3GHz. I've tried scanning between 1 and 3GHz, but have not found anything too interesting. I do hear some pulsed noise just above 2.4GHz, which I assume is some type of spread-spectrum digital (maybe bluetooth?). I can also hear a buzz from my microwave oven about 30 feet away from about 2450 to 2460 MHz (in fact, I can hear the frequency vary as the food rotates). Interesting, but as far as anything to actually listen to I have not found it.
I think part of the problem is that sensitivity is drastically reduced in general coverage receivers at frequencies above 1GHz. For example, my PCR-1500 is specified to have a NFM sensitivity of 0.63uV at 1GHz, but only 5.6uV at 2GHz and 18uV at 3GHz. This is close to a 30dB loss in sensitivity at 3GHz vs. at 1GHz. I've seen similar specs for other wide-coverage receivers, so I don't think the reduced sensitivity at higher frequencies is unique to my particular radio.
Assuming one went to the trouble of making a good antenna - say a yagi or dish good at these frequencies - is there anything worth receiving for a scanner and utility listener? That can be received without resorting to modifications such as IF taps and the like?
Thanks,
Frank
I think part of the problem is that sensitivity is drastically reduced in general coverage receivers at frequencies above 1GHz. For example, my PCR-1500 is specified to have a NFM sensitivity of 0.63uV at 1GHz, but only 5.6uV at 2GHz and 18uV at 3GHz. This is close to a 30dB loss in sensitivity at 3GHz vs. at 1GHz. I've seen similar specs for other wide-coverage receivers, so I don't think the reduced sensitivity at higher frequencies is unique to my particular radio.
Assuming one went to the trouble of making a good antenna - say a yagi or dish good at these frequencies - is there anything worth receiving for a scanner and utility listener? That can be received without resorting to modifications such as IF taps and the like?
Thanks,
Frank