I'm newly back into scanning after having the radio off for a couple of years and I'm having trouble hearing my local railroads. A few years ago when I listened they all came in loud and clear here (6 miles from the track). Now after getting my new BCD996XT set up I can't hear them. I've been listening to a local feed and there's lots of traffic, just none coming across my new digital or old analog scanner. Any advice?
Need some advice
- Thread starter StephenVa
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I would say that there was a frequency change.
This is the live feed...
RailroadRadio.net - Orange, Virginia
I've have all the freq. programmed (correctly I hope) on the live feed page as well as some others I've found. I've even downloaded the US railroad database from this site and just scanned it with no luck. Even with all the AAR freq in the scanner I don't hear a single thing, but know there's traffic from the feed.
RailroadRadio.net - Orange, Virginia
I've have all the freq. programmed (correctly I hope) on the live feed page as well as some others I've found. I've even downloaded the US railroad database from this site and just scanned it with no luck. Even with all the AAR freq in the scanner I don't hear a single thing, but know there's traffic from the feed.
Railham_CJ
Member
What antenna are you useing ?
This is the antenna I'm using. With xmas coming a more expensive antenna will have to wait.
SP800BNC, SPIDER BASE SCANNER ANTENNA 25-1300 MHz FULL FREQUENCY COVERAGE, ANALOG OR DIGITAL with cable and BNC connector - Scanner World - The Largest Dealer of Scanning Radios in the World
I actually got a new one when I bought the scanner to replace the old one (same antenna) that was beat up while in storage. Although new, it's the same antenna I was picking them up on previously. I got great reception with the old one so wanted to stick with it. Also, no joy with the 2 whips I have and the extendable one that came with the new scanner.
I'm getting good reception but no railroad reception.
SP800BNC, SPIDER BASE SCANNER ANTENNA 25-1300 MHz FULL FREQUENCY COVERAGE, ANALOG OR DIGITAL with cable and BNC connector - Scanner World - The Largest Dealer of Scanning Radios in the World
I actually got a new one when I bought the scanner to replace the old one (same antenna) that was beat up while in storage. Although new, it's the same antenna I was picking them up on previously. I got great reception with the old one so wanted to stick with it. Also, no joy with the 2 whips I have and the extendable one that came with the new scanner.
I'm getting good reception but no railroad reception.
Railham_CJ
Member
Norfolk Southern Washington District:
AAR Channel 56: 160.950 - CH 1, road and Washington Disaptcher (Greenville, SC)
AAR Channel 9: 160.245 - CH 2, dispatcher to train
AAR Channel 48: 160.830 - CH 2, train to dispatcher
Trackside Analyzers:
MP 91.5 - Somerset
MP 79.2 - Rapidan
MP 64.4 - Inlet
MP 52.7 - Bealeton
Buckingham Branch Railroad Orange, Piedmont, and North Mountain Subdivisions:
AAR Channel 23: 160.455 - road and dispatcher
AAR Channle 40: 160.710 - yard
Try these for a bit if it doesen't work then you might have to go to a mono band VHF Antenna . Have you checked your coax and connections for possible short or break ?
AAR Channel 56: 160.950 - CH 1, road and Washington Disaptcher (Greenville, SC)
AAR Channel 9: 160.245 - CH 2, dispatcher to train
AAR Channel 48: 160.830 - CH 2, train to dispatcher
Trackside Analyzers:
MP 91.5 - Somerset
MP 79.2 - Rapidan
MP 64.4 - Inlet
MP 52.7 - Bealeton
Buckingham Branch Railroad Orange, Piedmont, and North Mountain Subdivisions:
AAR Channel 23: 160.455 - road and dispatcher
AAR Channle 40: 160.710 - yard
Try these for a bit if it doesen't work then you might have to go to a mono band VHF Antenna . Have you checked your coax and connections for possible short or break ?
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I have all of those loaded. I just picked up some very static laden traffic on AAR 23 160.455. Nothing on any of the others.
Would this antenna be a better choice than my current one for receiving these frequencies?
https://www.scannermaster.com/ST2_Antennacraft_Base_Antenna_with_Kit_p/34-541241.htm
Also can't see anything wrong with the cable. It is brand new and I checked it when I put it up for any damage.
Would this antenna be a better choice than my current one for receiving these frequencies?
https://www.scannermaster.com/ST2_Antennacraft_Base_Antenna_with_Kit_p/34-541241.htm
Also can't see anything wrong with the cable. It is brand new and I checked it when I put it up for any damage.
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wdx4cwc
Member
Why not go track side with your scanner and try the stock antenna to rule out your base antenna and or frequency input error? If nothing track side, I would think frequency input error. Also just to be sure, check attenuator setting and mode setting too.
Craig/WDX4CWC Orlando, FL
Craig/WDX4CWC Orlando, FL
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If I can find my old hand held I'll give it a try next time I'm in town.
I wouldn't go with that antenna as it receives well, but it's construction leaves something to be desired. If I lived locally I would give you mine.
The ST2 fixed me right up. Either something has changed or the old spider was better than the new one. Besides the RR's it seems to pick up everything else just as well though. I'm thinking of adding another 10 feet of mast next week and calling the antenna situation done (at least for now).
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