zapper1
Member
I am a casual shortwave listener and recently got a SW portable with a dedicated air band.
I am receiving transmissions from several frequencies from the major airport and although
these are very brief , I am happy to get them and without an external antenna or the whip
antenna being extended. In sourcing info about radio scanning from the web or speaking
with experts at some stores,I understand that an external antenna is required and,in my
case it would have to be a window type as I am in a condo apartment.This is because signals
for air traffic( or rail) do not penetrate as SW signals do, they will bounce off any structure without
an antenna to capture them.
1. Why is that I am receiving transmissions without an antenna?
2. Would a proper scanner work better given my environment and antenna limitations?
I cannot auto scan with the radio and need to key in the frequencies
manually and go to the next one looking for any action
3. Should I look for an older generation scanner before I jump at a $$ new model which would
not serve me well ? particularly the learning curve they have and may be too much for this
non-tech senior.
4. Aside from air traffic , would I have access to rail as well?
5. My understanding that most scanners are programmed with US frequencies so with a new
or older model, will it be difficult to re-program for Canada?
I hope my queries are clear enough and hope that this forum community can assist me.Thanks!!
I am receiving transmissions from several frequencies from the major airport and although
these are very brief , I am happy to get them and without an external antenna or the whip
antenna being extended. In sourcing info about radio scanning from the web or speaking
with experts at some stores,I understand that an external antenna is required and,in my
case it would have to be a window type as I am in a condo apartment.This is because signals
for air traffic( or rail) do not penetrate as SW signals do, they will bounce off any structure without
an antenna to capture them.
1. Why is that I am receiving transmissions without an antenna?
2. Would a proper scanner work better given my environment and antenna limitations?
I cannot auto scan with the radio and need to key in the frequencies
manually and go to the next one looking for any action
3. Should I look for an older generation scanner before I jump at a $$ new model which would
not serve me well ? particularly the learning curve they have and may be too much for this
non-tech senior.
4. Aside from air traffic , would I have access to rail as well?
5. My understanding that most scanners are programmed with US frequencies so with a new
or older model, will it be difficult to re-program for Canada?
I hope my queries are clear enough and hope that this forum community can assist me.Thanks!!
