Hi everyone,
I purchased an AOR AR 1000XLT back in the 90's and had a lot of fun, my main focus was Air Band but the Police band was even more entertaining.
Now that I have more time on my hands I am interested in listening again (without the Police band access? ) but I do not understand areas like Trunking etc.
Do I need to spend 2K on a desk top to get better access or an updated hand held?
What are you all listening to?
Thanks in anticipation.
Chuck
Newbie
-
VK3RX
- Registered User
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:18 pm
- Location: Woodend, Victoria
Re: Newbie
40+ reads and no responses ...
G'day Chuck - welcome to the group.
I don't know what State you are in, but most if not all have a number of trunked networks operating. A number of users are on these, including emergency and commercial services. Some users are encrypted, some not. Police around the country are encrypted apart from (at the moment) country Victoria and I think pockets in rural areas in other States.
As to the type of scanner, it depends on your needs. If you tend to listen at home or want a mobile unit, a desktop model like the UBCD536PT will set you back around $750. If you prefer your scanning to be portable, the handheld UBCD436PT is around the same price. I have both, the handheld doesn't get a lot of use but when it does the batteries seem to last for a couple of days before requiring recharging.
Both these models are capable of receiving the APCO P25 digital mode Phase 1 & 2. Many networks are currently using Phase 1 and are likely to move to phase 2 in the future. Some older model scanners are capable of receiving P25 Phase 1 only e.g. the UBCD396XT and UBCD99TT/XT. The digital mode DMR is also used in Australia, but as yet a firmware upgrade isn't available for these models but will be in the not too distant future.
Programming trunked networks can be a challenge but a good learning experience, but there are a few sellers on ebay who have done all the legwork and can provide your State networks and other services on SD card or CD ready to load to your scanner.
There is still much to listen to in analogue mode including aircraft, marine, some military comms and utilities etc. I'm in country Victoria so am somewhat limited re what is available, but I monitor the local police, CFA including air bombers, local Shire as well as some ISS (International Space Station) frequencies and during better sunspot activity, I scan a range of frequencies between 39-43 MHz for international comms.
Further info on how trunking and DMR networks are available from the Tait Radio Academy here:
https://www.taitradioacademy.com/courses/
And one on trunked networks:
https://www.taitradioacademy.com/topic/ ... ng-work-1/
G'day Chuck - welcome to the group.
I don't know what State you are in, but most if not all have a number of trunked networks operating. A number of users are on these, including emergency and commercial services. Some users are encrypted, some not. Police around the country are encrypted apart from (at the moment) country Victoria and I think pockets in rural areas in other States.
As to the type of scanner, it depends on your needs. If you tend to listen at home or want a mobile unit, a desktop model like the UBCD536PT will set you back around $750. If you prefer your scanning to be portable, the handheld UBCD436PT is around the same price. I have both, the handheld doesn't get a lot of use but when it does the batteries seem to last for a couple of days before requiring recharging.
Both these models are capable of receiving the APCO P25 digital mode Phase 1 & 2. Many networks are currently using Phase 1 and are likely to move to phase 2 in the future. Some older model scanners are capable of receiving P25 Phase 1 only e.g. the UBCD396XT and UBCD99TT/XT. The digital mode DMR is also used in Australia, but as yet a firmware upgrade isn't available for these models but will be in the not too distant future.
Programming trunked networks can be a challenge but a good learning experience, but there are a few sellers on ebay who have done all the legwork and can provide your State networks and other services on SD card or CD ready to load to your scanner.
There is still much to listen to in analogue mode including aircraft, marine, some military comms and utilities etc. I'm in country Victoria so am somewhat limited re what is available, but I monitor the local police, CFA including air bombers, local Shire as well as some ISS (International Space Station) frequencies and during better sunspot activity, I scan a range of frequencies between 39-43 MHz for international comms.
Further info on how trunking and DMR networks are available from the Tait Radio Academy here:
https://www.taitradioacademy.com/courses/
And one on trunked networks:
https://www.taitradioacademy.com/topic/ ... ng-work-1/
-
chuck doobie
- Newly Registered Users
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:18 pm
Re: Newbie
Thanks Damien,
I am in SA and many thanks for you have answered my question with great detail. I was wondering what Software Defined Radio was all about? I have hooked into the Tait Radio Academy courses and found it very informative.
Regards,
Lyndon
I am in SA and many thanks for you have answered my question with great detail. I was wondering what Software Defined Radio was all about? I have hooked into the Tait Radio Academy courses and found it very informative.
Regards,
Lyndon
-
VK3RX
- Registered User
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:18 pm
- Location: Woodend, Victoria
Re: Newbie
Have a look over this link:
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/
One of those TV tuner dongles with the free SDR# (pronounced SDR Sharp) software listed in their "Software" tab would be a good start.
Check out this topic link below and start a new thread there for more info. I'm sure there are others here who can give you more info including advice.
http://www.aussiescanners.com.au/forum/ ... 271&t=7399
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/
One of those TV tuner dongles with the free SDR# (pronounced SDR Sharp) software listed in their "Software" tab would be a good start.
Check out this topic link below and start a new thread there for more info. I'm sure there are others here who can give you more info including advice.
http://www.aussiescanners.com.au/forum/ ... 271&t=7399