What methods does everyone use to discover frequencies in their area? Spectrum analyzer or frequency counter? I know Close Call can also be helpful.
Finding Frequencies
- Thread starter cpohlad
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Frequency counter only works when you are close, I use FCC database and close call.
What would be the effective range for one?
Depends on the antenna and freq counter, for low cost hobby version typically a few feet or less.
ecps92
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Search Banks
knowing the Target
FCC, RR and other local google/on-line searches
do they actually have/use radios
many questions to start with first
I run custom searches on my Uniden x36HPs and my SDS100 regularly to detect new (to me) stations wherever I go with my radios. Indeed Close Call can be helpful but at times it can be a nuisance as it typically detects ANYTHING emitting a radio signal (regardless if there's voice or not) so I seldom use it unless I'm hoping to capture an elusive simplex user
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Since I have no seen the best answer by far: An SDR like SDR# or SDRPlay or even simple dongle.
Yeah but one drawback here is the need to lug around extra hardware with you. Not always feasible when you're mobile
For finding new stuff in my area I mostly use Sdr# with the frequency scanner plug in. I have predefined ranges set and I scan them. When I find something known., I lock it out of the scan. When I land on something that was not known, I id it and then lock it out.
I've tried using that plugin but I can't seem to figure out exactly how to set it up properly.
I am using it on sdr#1742 and have the dll and magic text somewhere. I did not care for the newer versions of sdr and believe the older plug in does not work with the newer versions.
JethrowJohnson
I love P25
I use the Discovery Modes on my BCD436HP. So far I've only used the trunking one to find new channels on the Ohio MARCS-IP network, but I'm planning on running a few Conventional Discoveries to see if there's any frequencies in my area that aren't in the database.
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I'm in SoCal, which, to say the least, is a frequency rich environment.
I use a combination of methods:
I use a combination of methods:
- Scanning existing (known) frequencies like the itinerants, MURS and FRS
- Scanning between two fixed frequency points (ie. 450-455 MHz)
- Information gleaned from here at RR, other Internet sources, and FCC records
- General institutional knowledge I've gleaned from having been involved in scanning and the news business for 40+ years
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Carrying a simple dongle or AirSpy with one of the apps for an android phone is less that carrying the alternatives so in that case, not extra hardware but actually less.
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racingfan360
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Exatly this. Custom searches to find new frequencies, scanning them them to find out who's using the frequencies. The other pitfall with close call is that it'll always miss simplex/mobile DMR.
Hmm, can you name 1 or 2 of those Android apps? I'm getting sick of lugging this laptop around in my truck.
What apps do you have in mind?
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If referring to Android phone, I use a version of SDR++ for Androids. (I know of none that can deal with P25 or trunkeded but it still can act as a spectrum analyzer for those to help see what signals are there.)
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