I am not sure if this is the right area in the forum to ask, but does anyone know what type (best option) of handheld Radio/Scanner that I can pick up before the Races to listen in on the radio chatter? Also, Perhaps where I can find a channel chart of the different teams and various feeds? It would be nice to listen in, and hopefully through ear phones. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanx
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
Here's whats gonna get posted here:
DONT BRING A TRANSCIEVER! (thats not me yelling, its the community, and the PA system all week) bring only a non-transmitting scanner.
Second, they won't post freqs...Check the notams before the races for Stead though...that'll help a lot.
Don't know what a notam is?
Go here: https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/
and put in the box KRTS -
Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
PLEASE add the qualifier... "AIR BAND" TRANSCEIVEROriginally posted by capjessop View Post
Not all transceivers transmit on the Air Band !
-> If you are a licensed ham radio operator and know your radio can not transmit
-> in the am air band frequencies, that's one thing.
-> Otherwise, like capressop & Coyote Chris noted, use only a scanner.
Bob
W6AJOLast edited by Tibia; 08-31-2012, 12:57 AM.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
Actually, I only use a scanner for the qual days, but I like the Uniden BC72XLT.
It works with the short NASCAR (1.5 in) BNC antennas at the ranges we are using these things at so it isnt very big. Ask folks with scanners on the flightline for the freqs. I would check Amazon for any Uniden scanner specials. Get one that takes AA or AAA bats. I like ear buds, personally....but I only use one cause I want to hear those engine sounds!
(Hint: I spent my working life fixing police radios, including thousands of portables, but I carry a cheat sheet with the basic instructions with me as some scanners can be confusing to operate).
I think transceivers are great backups for us pilots in GA but they have no place at the races and should not be allowed in for us fans. Neither should laser pointers.
(Dont tell me how good a pilot you are and how swift you are at programing that transceiver to not transmit.....I dont want to hear about it...park your ego and leave the transceivers at home.Last edited by Coyote Chris; 08-31-2012, 12:08 AM.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
As the guys who "makes his living" during Race Week on the radio, thanks to all who chimed in to say leave the transceivers home. While much of my day is spent on the UHF side of the house (Pylons, Timing&Scoring, Chief Pylon Judge, Op's, etc.) we do monitor the VHF side of things and the trickle-down effect of a stuck mic is infuriating...and potentially very dangerous.
I can't provide specifics, but suffice to say the internet is a wonderful thing when doing a search for one thing or another.
Hope you all enjoy the week! It's time to go Racin!
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
You don't even need a scanner. I use to bring an old multi-band radio that included aircraft frequencies (108-136 mhz), and it did just fine.
I'd plug a connector cord between the radio's headphone jack and my car stereo when I use to park out at the fenceline, so everyone within 50 feet of me could hear the calls, and they appreciated that. Fun days...
I don't think I can remember a year when the announcer DIDN'T say, " we're waiting because we have an open mic here somewhere...", or some similar reference to a transmitter somewhere nearby causing interference on the air race frequency(s).
Somebody sitting on their transmit button no doubt.
Receivers only, please.Last edited by AirDOGGe; 08-31-2012, 08:38 AM.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
Thank you to everyone who replied. Was mainly just seeing if there was a preferred unit that Air race fans at Reno used and knew worked best. (perhaps a specific type for listening to Aircraft frequencies) Had no intentions of using anything but a scanner, btw. (I have heard the announcers for years begging for everyone to check for a stuck mic, too. **arg**) I just wanted to listen and make sure I was getting the unit I needed. After doing a little online research, I ordered a Uniden BC72XLT from Amazon at a great price. ($80) It seems like it will do the job, is nice and small, will allow me to listen using headphones, and is less than I thought I would need to spend.
Thanks again to everyone who replied! Greatly appreciated.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
The Radio Shack in Stead usually has a "frequency sheet" available during race week. Not all inclusive, but a good start. They also have a good selection of scanners, from basic to outlandish. You don't need anything high priced to get the job done.
As coyote stated earlier, keep the instructions with you. That will alive a lot of frustration. I also write freq down on the back of my instructions just in case they get erased at some point.
Always nice to listen to race control, but other freqs can be just as fun. Like hearing security chasing a motorcycle on the backside of the course, or listening to the pylon judges report the cuts after a race.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
My question is: Could a person bring in an Air Band Transceiver and intentionally broadcast on the frequencies used at the Reno Air Races, (as a prank, like something some young kids would do), delaying the races because of a safety issue?Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
SkyvanDelta,
The quick answer is yes... IF they wanted to spend some time in FEDERAL PRISON !!! Get the drift.... ????Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
So if it's possible to transmit, why doesn't the Air Races have their own frequencies that are issued to certain people only? Seems like with all this digital technology that can do a million things per second, why can't or don't they prevent this from either occurring or potentially occurring?
Originally posted by Tibia View PostComment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
SkyvanDelta...
You asked a question. I answered THAT question. If I found you intentionally transmitting on a race frequency with intent to disrupt and interfere with legal communications, you can bet your bottom dollar that I, and possibly a whole hoard of like minded individuals, will gladly escort you to the BAR HOTEL !!!
END OF DISCUSSION.Last edited by Tibia; 08-31-2012, 08:05 PM.Comment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
If you choose to stay out of a topic, fine, but others may wish to address the issue. I'm sure it has happened before, even by accident, for example, a racer puts his radio down and accidentally pushes the transmit button and walks away not knowing he's transmitting.
Originally posted by Tibia View PostComment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
This isn't hard to figure out:
1. You push the transmit buttin and it transmits on whatever frequency its on.
2. There are a limited number of frequencies available
3. The transmissions are not encrypted and the equipment in the aircraft and tower are not capable of that
4. A scanner will find whatever freqs are being used in a few seconds. The new freqs will be public knowledge within minutes.Sky CritterComment
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Re: Radio/Scanner Advice
It is sad that we live in a world where people will intentionally try and jam police frequencies and take hand held lasers and shine them at commercial aircraft and police helicoptor cockpits. I think they catch more lasers users than jammers. Unfortunately, pressing a PTT switch for a few minutes and then moving is all too easy.
If I had a golf cart at Reno, a spectrum analyzer, and a four ft Yagi antenna, I could tell in a hurry where the offending signal was coming from. If it is a case of a butt key, then the person should be given a choice of leaving and not coming back or having their tranceiver confiscated. If its some disgruntled home owner or wacko, I have some interesting other ideas.....if the national guard helicopter still available for drops?Comment
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