Hearing only one side of traffic, analog?

[mk262]

I was following a federal agency aircraft (likely dea) assisting a local agency with surveillance, but only heard the aircraft talking. It was not digital, or encrypted. They did appear to be carrying on one-half a conversation. What am I missing?

 

[W6KRU]

That can happen when the surveillance is done on simplex. The height of the chopper causes it's transmissions to be heard at a greater distance than the cars.

 

[n5ims]

It was simplex and you were too far away from the folks to hear their signals. You could hear the aircraft since it was high in the air and had a much greater range.

 

[canav844]

2nd simplex, or if you were listening to the repeater input not output.

 

[ecps92]

Many times the Helo will be the only talker to prevent missing vital info being passed along. OR as others say, you were too far away :wink:

I was following a federal agency aircraft (likely dea) assisting a local agency with surveillance, but only heard the aircraft talking. It was not digital, or encrypted. They did appear to be carrying on one-half a conversation. What am I missing?

 

[mk262]

That makes perfect sense and the signal was a little weak too, which adds up. Thanks!

 

[krokus]

Was this on VHF, UHF or HF?