Equipment for a beginner?

[smuk91]

Hi All.

I'm afraid this is another typical newbie post. But as the title clearly says, I am a beginner

I'm basically looking at purchasing equipment that would let me listen to air frequencies for Luton airport which is about 15 miles away. My house is directly below the flightpath for arrivals and I have always been interested in listening in. I am at a total loss when it comes to what equipment to buy so I have come to you.

I checked out the FAQ post, but I am still a little confused. Models mentioned seemed to be rather old now. Here is what I have:

- Do I need a large aerial/antenna at all? What is the standard range on a scanner?
- What models/manufacturors would you suggest?
- I have about £150 budgeted. Can I get reasonable equipment for that price?
- What specifics should I look for when lookingfor a scanner capable of receiving air freqs?

I do understand that listening to air comms is illegal and usually wouldn't ask about it on a forum, but from what I have read, the general consensus here is that it is a harmless hobby that violates an archaic law. It's 4.50am. Enough research, time for bed.

[dave]

I'm basically looking at purchasing equipment that would let me listen to air frequencies for Luton airport which is about 15 miles away. My house is directly below the flightpath for arrivals and I have always been interested in listening in. I am at a total loss when it comes to what equipment to buy so I have come to you.

I checked out the FAQ post, but I am still a little confused. Models mentioned seemed to be rather old now. Here is what I have:

- Do I need a large aerial/antenna at all? What is the standard range on a scanner?
- What models/manufacturors would you suggest?
- I have about £150 budgeted. Can I get reasonable equipment for that price?
- What specifics should I look for when lookingfor a scanner capable of receiving air freqs?

I do understand that listening to air comms is illegal and usually wouldn't ask about it on a forum, but from what I have read, the general consensus here is that it is a harmless hobby that violates an archaic law. It's 4.50am. Enough research, time for bed.

- Many antenna options are available, primarily limited by whether you want to buy local or via mail order.  If you only care about airband buy a narrowband antenna tuned to airband only.  If not, use a general coverage antenna like a discone.

- Range is determined by a number of factors: distance, terrain differences along the path from you to the transmitter (tower), and local noise sources (i.e., AC line noise).   At 15 miles you have a decent chance of picking the tower up, but you are getting close to the normal range limit.  Unless you are higher in elevation, then your chances are better.

- Scanner models: varies all over the map - anything that picks up airband will work!  You have to mainly decide what other features you want and what else you might use it for.

- And for £150 you ought to be able to purchase a reasonable entry level scanner and antenna, but I am not familiar with the local market and prices there.  eBay can be a great source of value.

Hope this helps.

Dave

[smuk91]

Thanks alot for your advice. I have found a few scanners but I have a few more questions.

- Leaving out portability, is there a big advantage of going with with a stationary scanner as opposed to a handheld scanner? What are the disadvantages?
- Can a stationary antenna be hooked to a handheld scanner?
- What specifics should I be looking for when looking for an airband scanner? I see http://www.radioscan.co.uk/uniden_usc230.html offers 8.33KHz step sizes. What is this?

I like the look of that radio (specification wise) and my limited knowledge tells me it's suitable. Is it?

Sorry for all the questions, but I appreciate the help.


*edit* Here is some info about the airport in question. http://mrc.virtual-skies.com/index.php/London_Luton_Airport_(EGGW)

Sam.

[ect76]

Hi Sam.

I'm up in Edinburgh, and I do exactly what you're looking to do.

Base station scanners have the advantage of large displays, usually a better speaker and having lots of programming options (Like naming freqs in the scanner).

Handhelds (What I use, but I'm a no-frills kinda guy!) tend to have a tinny speaker, but can be used with a wide variety of antennae from the standard rubber-ducky type to a long telescopic to a mag-mount.

You will probably find if you go with a base station scanner you will have to put an antenna on the roof to get the best results.

I personally have a Uniden BC92XLT ( http://alatest.co.uk/reviews/two-way-radio-walkie-talkie-reviews/uniden-bc92xlt-radio-scanner/po3-32492915,10/ ) which is fairly basic and inexpensive, but I find it does everything I want it to. I also have a mag-mount antenna for the car which is tuned for the airband and it's become a setup that I love. That in my opinion is the huge advantage of a handheld scanner - You can listen to it in the car!

To answer about antennae, there are two connection types I have come accross. You get BNC and SMA fittings but which one you end up with shouldn't be a deal breaker as adapters are inexpensive!


Overall, my setup cost me about £70-80 and I am perfectly happy with it.

[smuk91]

Excellent. That's very helpful. Thanks alot.

I'm gonna go with the USC230-E that I linked you to.

[dave]

8.33KHz step sizes are important for you - heavily in use in Europe.