ATIS Reception Problems ?

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BOBRR

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Hi,

Have a new Uniden SDS 200 scanner.

Live fairly close to Hanscom AFB (Bedford, Mass.) and about 15 miles from Logan Airport (Boston).

I can hear lots of Tower comms, Tracon, etc. from both.

But, If try to pick up any ATIS from either, nothing but continuous static.

Was wondering:

Have they (both ?) perhaps gone to digital ?
Or, extremely low low power ?
Or, ?

Was wondering why this might be ?
Any thoughts on this ?

Regards,
Bob
 
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Or, extremely low low power ?


ATIS is extremely low power. You'd probably need to be within 5 miles of the airport.


"In 1996, ATIS entered the digital age when Houston Intercontinental introduced data link ATIS (D-ATIS) over ACARS. The new system allows pilots to receive ATIS hundreds of miles from the destination. [ACARS is a digital data link technology that allows pilots to exchange text information with their company.] "
 

andy51edge

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The new system allows pilots to receive ATIS hundreds of miles from the destination.

At the airports with Digital ATIS are available to us via ACARS which is nice. Very useful during a busy arrival and/or when the destination weather is changing rapidly. It's also helpful for helping us "shop for weather" when a diversion may be needed and we need to create a plan. Also useful for watching the weather at destination or alternate fields from thousands of miles out.

As far as monitoring goes, only a few dozen airports have this nice tech. Although the airports that do have D-ATIS will also broadcast it in the clear on VHF. It's normally somewhat low powered and the antennas are not very high. So any energy is attenuated quickly on the ground; but this works for airplanes that receive if from up high or on the ground at the airport.
 

slayer816

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The closest towered airport's ATIS is receivable on the ground for only about 3/4mi radius. The local uncontrolled AWOS can only be heard on the ground once you enter airport property. In theory, it points up and out as much as possible. With us on the ground, that makes those signals very very close and that's it. Even DFW's ATIS didn't light up until I was close to the perimeter fence.
 

trentbob

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I listen to a lot of Aviation with the 100 and the 200, normal filter which is the default Global filter seems to work best with Aviation but after the tax day update my Aviation reception was compromised but...

I ended up putting IFX on all my Aviation channels and they started coming in better.

Just for shts and giggles sit on the ATIS frequency and push function 7, see if it helps. If it does improve and you are in a fixed location with an SDS 200 just put IFX on all of your Aviation frequencies. If it does not help at all then just push function 7 again and it'll take IFX off the display.

You are just not close enough.
 
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BOBRR

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Hi,

New at this.

What is IFX, please ? How do I install it ?

What menu has this "Global Filer " ?

Thanks for help, and a thank you for everyone's comments.

Bob
 

trentbob

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The intermittent frequency Exchange changes the IF on a specific frequency to reduce interference, It often does nothing, but I noticed on Aviation frequencies in my particular location it improves reception and volume.

As I stated in my post above sit on the frequency and press function 7, if there is improvement leave it alone and it will show on the display for that particular frequency. That is now a global setting and will be applied to that particular frequency anywhere on the radio even if it was involved in a trunked system. If it makes no difference in reception then toggle function 7 again and remove it.

As far as filter use, that is a very detailed explanation that has been repeated over and over here on RR. I know I've written several detailed posts myself. There is a tremendous amount of information on the filters. Also check Wiki resources. Use the search option or if you want just Google the use of filters on the sds200. You will come up with the tremendous amount information that will explain it all to you.

Nice to see you making progress.
 

prcguy

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I'm listening to Hanscom AFB ATIS right now on 124.6 from a remote radio in Tewkesbury about 10mi north of the base. Antenna is a dual band 2m/440 at roof level, which is not very good in the VHF air band. In So Cal I pick up ATIS stuff 50mi and more from various airports depending on terrain.
 
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BOBRR

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Hi,

I'll have to see about a better antenna for my attic, I guess.
Thanks for comments and info.

Bob
 

majoco

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Intermediate Frequency Exchange, commonly called 'passband tuning' on better HF receivers. Enables you to move the IF to avoid an interfering signal or maybe an internally generated 'birdie'.


PBT.jpg
 

spanky15805

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Slayer816

"The closest towered airport's ATIS is receivable on the ground for only about 3/4mi radius. The local uncontrolled AWOS can only be heard on the ground once you enter airport property. In theory, it points up and out as much as possible. With us on the ground, that makes those signals very very close and that's it. Even DFW's ATIS didn't light up until I was close to the perimeter fence."

Yes sir, almost everything I've seen and read about. the FAA wants it's rf pointing up just like a funnel and they mount their antennas accordingly. I've seen the Taco D5xxx series antennas with some Antenna Specialist floating around, all on black/gray fiberglass poles.

prcguy

Spent way too much time looking on google maps trying to find the Hanscom RTR where the ATIS is probably located. Any ideas?
 

kentshaw

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I am a pilot and usually do not start listening for ATIS or AWOS until 30nm away and will usually pick it up around 20nm out. That is for 3000-5000ft
 

MisterLongwire

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I'm listening to Hanscom AFB ATIS right now on 124.6 from a remote radio in Tewkesbury about 10mi north of the base. Antenna is a dual band 2m/440 at roof level, which is not very good in the VHF air band. In So Cal I pick up ATIS stuff 50mi and more from various airports depending on terrain.
Cannot do that out here in San Diego county. Too many damn hills!
 

N0GTG

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Some airports have a landline number that you can call and hear the ATIS/AWOS, if that would help you. You could probably call the airport, and eventually find someone that could give you the number.
 

vagrant

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I can pick up a local ATIS from about four miles away using a handheld inside. The signal is not the best, but once I step outside it improves quite a bit. With antennas above the roof I can pickup an ATIS 40 miles away.

This has me wondering if there is a set power output level for ATIS.
 
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