Range/Location/Zip Question

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Am I correct about this: (SDS200)

There is no mode or function in which the unit actually simply listens for whatever
it may happen to pick up ?

Rather, the Range/Location, and also the ZIP button setting, compute a radial distance between your location
and the physical location of various transmitters, and those meeting the set distance criteria are what you listen to.

There is no "just see whatever it picks up" (from anywhere) mode. Or,...?

Is the above correct ?

Bob

 

[trentbob]

Yes Bob there is such a option.

Push the zip services button and enter the ZIP code where you are. Set the range to let's say 10.0 miles or leave it on the default which I think is 23.0 but honestly I don't know because I never use this option. Make sure all service types are turned on, by default some might be turned off. The radio will prompt you and ask if you want the database on and push enter to initiate that and off you go. I thought I had described that in an earlier post. The zip is your location, the range is how far out your reach and the service types determine what type of services you want to listen to. Because some systems are large you will reach out further than 10 miles but it'll keep you local.

If you find something you want to keep then stop on that object, backing up if you have to, press enter and follow the prompt to add it to a favorites list.

I'm pretty sure that was in one of our earlier exchanges... have fun.

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Sorry for the confusion.
You explain these items really, really well. Very much appreciated. Very.

The problem is with me. That "old age" thing, probably.

Let me re-phrase and ask a bit differently what I am uncertain about.

Let's say I set up all the Range, Zip, etc. distance options.

But within this (computed) "listening circle," a Pirate station starts.
Clear signal.

BUT, this Pirate station is Not in any Database, or listing, anywhere.

Would I hear him ? (If so, via ZIP, or...?)

Best regards, and thanks again,
Bob

 

[StaticDischarge]

You would if that frequency is programmed and the pirate station is trespassing on a pre-programmed frequency or you were scanning from between a set of frequencies (say scanning from 155Mhz to 160Mhz) and the pirate was transmitting on 156.670Mhz for example, then you would hear the station.
Zip code or GPS only uses the pre-programmed database of frequencies within the range you set.

 

[trentbob]

To answer your question the way I think you meant it, you want to know if searching the database is the same as an old tunable radio would be and it is not.

When you use zip services and scan through the database you will only hear what is programmed in the database in the radio. If it's not in the database you're not going to hear it. It's good to update the database once a week and I'm sure you are on the latest firmware update also.

 

[phask]

If I understand the original question, no scanner will do that while scanning. Scanning you are checking a set list of freqs. Any not entered you won't hear.

Searching (various methods) might find these, as that is what it is designed for. Close Call - if close and strong enough can as well.

 

[trentbob]

Yes Bob, phask beat me to it. Yes you can do custom searches between two parameters of frequencies and it will pick up whatever is being broadcast within the range that your radio is capable of picking up. Look up custom search on Google. Also look up close call. As soon as I had sent that post I realized that you can do custom searches.

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

What a great Forum, and folks on it.

All set now.
Very clear explanations.

Thanks again,
Bob