I am not sure how to get AM channels on my scanner? It is a Uniden BC92XLT. Also I said I was near Burbank, CA. I am not sure if the Santa Clarita Valley is considered NEAR. I tryed the channels you have all suggested, and they are pretty quite. Thanks again
new scanner (Again)
- Thread starter tjtofte
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ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Oh the spelling...arrrgghh...
Alright, lte's start with a downloadable owner's manual. You can get it from the Uniden website. That should show you how to enter frequencies correctly.
Next, let's consider whether you are using the handheld walking about, or in a fixed location (or maybe even both). I'm not too familiar with where you are, but a good rule of thumb is that if you're more than a couple of miles from the airport, chances are good that you won't hear the tower and ground operations. The best you could possibly hope for would be the approach and departure frequencies, depending on where you are in relation to the various routes to/from the landing and takeoff strips. With a good antenna, you will likely hear the aircraft checking in with the local airport's approach and departure controls, but again, if you're more than a couple of miles away, the chances are that you won't hear the airport's reply.
I mentioned having a good antenna. Like any antenna that comes with a handheld, that little thing you got is not very good at VHF air frequencies; it's very lossy, quite the compromise. To increase your chances, you need to do better.
If you're using the handheld in a fixed location, a ground plane antenna is very easy to build; get it up HIGH and feed it with a good coax cable, and the range of the aircraft you hear will improve. As for carrying it around, a better antenna for the handheld (often referred to as 'rubber duck' antennas, or just 'duckies') will also help, though not nearly as much as getting the antenna up in the air.
If you're interested, I can turn up the formula for the lengths; there's nothing difficult about it, and it's a great place to start - you won't damage the scanner in any way, and it's a great beginner project. 73s Mike
Alright, lte's start with a downloadable owner's manual. You can get it from the Uniden website. That should show you how to enter frequencies correctly.
Next, let's consider whether you are using the handheld walking about, or in a fixed location (or maybe even both). I'm not too familiar with where you are, but a good rule of thumb is that if you're more than a couple of miles from the airport, chances are good that you won't hear the tower and ground operations. The best you could possibly hope for would be the approach and departure frequencies, depending on where you are in relation to the various routes to/from the landing and takeoff strips. With a good antenna, you will likely hear the aircraft checking in with the local airport's approach and departure controls, but again, if you're more than a couple of miles away, the chances are that you won't hear the airport's reply.
I mentioned having a good antenna. Like any antenna that comes with a handheld, that little thing you got is not very good at VHF air frequencies; it's very lossy, quite the compromise. To increase your chances, you need to do better.
If you're using the handheld in a fixed location, a ground plane antenna is very easy to build; get it up HIGH and feed it with a good coax cable, and the range of the aircraft you hear will improve. As for carrying it around, a better antenna for the handheld (often referred to as 'rubber duck' antennas, or just 'duckies') will also help, though not nearly as much as getting the antenna up in the air.
If you're interested, I can turn up the formula for the lengths; there's nothing difficult about it, and it's a great place to start - you won't damage the scanner in any way, and it's a great beginner project. 73s Mike
Programming that scanner for AIR band will automatically make it AM mode. I do not think there is a way to manually switch it to AM.
austinscan1
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2004
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- 138
VHF air band
This radio does not have selectable modes. it will default to AM in air band. REPLACE THE ANTENNA AT ONCE. A stock Uniden duck is bad. Use a whip (radio scrap 20-006 or similar 19 to 22 inches extended. As mentioned airnav.com is a great source for freqs. Enjoy, Austin
This radio does not have selectable modes. it will default to AM in air band. REPLACE THE ANTENNA AT ONCE. A stock Uniden duck is bad. Use a whip (radio scrap 20-006 or similar 19 to 22 inches extended. As mentioned airnav.com is a great source for freqs. Enjoy, Austin
DPD1
Member
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- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,994
Yes, that's pretty far radio-wise, as far as getting ground stuff. You might only get air stuff from there with the hills and all. Try the SoCal atc freqs.
Burbank-Fillmore-120.4
Burbank-Glendale-135.05
Burbank-Moorpark/Maverick-128.75
Burbank-Pasadena-119.85
Burbank-Valley-124.6
Burbank-Woodland-134.2
Also try ZLA 119.95 and you will get a lot of the high transitioning guys.
Dave
http://www.DPDProductions.com
- Custom Scanner, MURS, GMRS, & Ham Antennas -
Burbank-Fillmore-120.4
Burbank-Glendale-135.05
Burbank-Moorpark/Maverick-128.75
Burbank-Pasadena-119.85
Burbank-Valley-124.6
Burbank-Woodland-134.2
Also try ZLA 119.95 and you will get a lot of the high transitioning guys.
Dave
http://www.DPDProductions.com
- Custom Scanner, MURS, GMRS, & Ham Antennas -
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