Override Scanner Defaults (Frequency)

[N3GZR]

My objective is to monitor via scanner, a number of VHF and UHF Ham beacons. The purpose of which is to identify band openings.

I have two scanners, one the Uniden BCD996P2, the other a Radio Shack Pro-2044 - both have the same issue - - - they won't accept the frequency input, and instead, load something else.

For example, the N4PPG 2 meter beacon runs on 144.281
But the BCD996P2 loads it in as 144.2812

In another example, the N0YK 2 meter beacon is on 144.288
But the BCD996P2 loads it in as 144.2875

The Edit Channel menu has no provision for overriding defaults that I can see.

Is it possible that this is a firmware issue that simply cannot be overcome?

Thanks to all.

 

[mikewazowski]

144.281? What are you trying to listen to?

If this is an FM frequency, you would most likely want 144.280.

If it's CW or SSB, then neither one of those scanners will receive those modes.

 

[RaleighGuy]

My objective is to monitor via scanner, a number of VHF and UHF Ham beacons. The purpose of which is to identify band openings.

I have two scanners, one the Uniden BCD996P2, the other a Radio Shack Pro-2044 - both have the same issue - - - they won't accept the frequency input, and instead, load something else.

Is it possible that this is a firmware issue that simply cannot be overcome?

Thanks to all.

Yes it is a firmware issue that can't be overcome, scanners have preset spacing set for the different modes and for the most part you can't change it. That said if the frequency is only off .0002 or .0005 you should still be able to hear the beacon okay.

 

[N3GZR]

144.281? What are you trying to listen to?

If this is an FM frequency, you would most likely want 144.280.

If it's CW or SSB, then neither one of those scanners will receive those modes.

In Ham Radio, a beacon transmits every few minutes – day and night, 24/7 365.

Because of FCC regulations, the beacons are required to identify themselves, so they transmit their call letters plus maybe their grid square info in Morse code.

So, if I can hear a beacon from a distant location, a location or direction from which I don’t normally hear other hams talking, then there is a good chance of being able to make a long distance contact.

Beacon operators don’t have to abide by the standard spacing, as long as their frequency coordinator is OK with it.

And there are a lot of beacons that don’t abide by the standard spacing.

And yes, a number of the frequencies on my scanners identify themselves with (CW) Morse code, and I hear all of that.

Thanks Mike, for getting back to me. I'm pondering whether to load a few of these off-standard beacon frequencies into my Kenwood TM-281 transceiver.

I have my answer from N1GAW. Thanks Glenn.

 

[rk911]

i know next to nothing about vhf beacons but i thought they were mostly CW. if so you'll need something other than a scanner to monitor.

 

[mikewazowski]

Yes, beacons are mainly cw and identify using Morse code.

Since this is in the 2m beacon band, it is most likely cw and is on a standard 1kHz channel. The OP is trying to listen with an FM scanner which can’t do 1 kHz steps.

He’ll probably need a receiver which can do ssb or cw.

The Kenwood TM-281 will do 2.5kHz steps but it’s still just an FM radio. There’s a difference between hearing a beacon operating on CW and an FM transmitter using Morse code to ID.

 

[rk911]

Yes, beacons are mainly cw and identify using Morse code.

Since this is in the 2m beacon band, it is most likely cw and is on a standard 1kHz channel. The OP is trying to listen with an FM scanner which can’t do 1 kHz steps.

He’ll probably need a receiver which can do ssb or cw.

The Kenwood TM-281 will do 2.5kHz steps but it’s still just an FM radio. There’s a difference between hearing a beacon operating on CW and an FM transmitter using Morse code to ID.

OP...a proper communication receiver like the Icom linf of R-x radios would be worth a look. just be sure the receiver covers the freq range, can receive CW and can tune tomyhe required decimal value.

 

[N3GZR]

Great information! Thanks all for the education. And thanks for being patient with me.