Airband Scanners
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Is it worth using a receiver to help "learn" pilot speak?
I got hold of an airband radio whilst I was obtaining my PPL. I felt it was useful to hear the chatter on the radio. OK - most of it was airline as I lived in West London but I sorted out an external aerial (antenna to some) that meant I could hear the ground stations.
After a while, I felt quite comfortable with the radio as I had heard enough of it to know the phrases used. Talking to a recorder would have helped in the sense of being forced to speak the necessary words.
It takes time for some people to gain confidence with the radio. Possibly realising that, for most PPL flying, it's the pilot who is in charge - not the person on the ground operating the radio. We don't need to "ask permission" to change frequency when talking to "Estuary" Radio or Information. We tell them. OK, Information does have the final say on the ground in the long term but we are in charge of the aircraft and have a big say in what happens when things to get difficult (such as engine failure only to be told that "sorry but you'll have to give me lots of facts whilst you are trying to land the 'plane" - yes, it really happens and I heard it when a Tiger Moth was plonking itself down in a nearby field after the engine stopped).
So do spend a few GB pounds on a radio after having established that you can hear aircraft where you live (a basement flat in a big town really won't be any good...).
PS - someone asked about using an airband radio in flight. I've lifted this from the BA web site...
"Electronic games, iPods, iPaqs, small radios, tape and disc players, miniature television receivers, GPS receivers and similar entertainment equipment have negligible effect on aircraft systems and may be used during flight, but must be switched off during take-off, approach and landing."
Hope that reassures the questioner.
I got hold of an airband radio whilst I was obtaining my PPL. I felt it was useful to hear the chatter on the radio. OK - most of it was airline as I lived in West London but I sorted out an external aerial (antenna to some) that meant I could hear the ground stations.
After a while, I felt quite comfortable with the radio as I had heard enough of it to know the phrases used. Talking to a recorder would have helped in the sense of being forced to speak the necessary words.
It takes time for some people to gain confidence with the radio. Possibly realising that, for most PPL flying, it's the pilot who is in charge - not the person on the ground operating the radio. We don't need to "ask permission" to change frequency when talking to "Estuary" Radio or Information. We tell them. OK, Information does have the final say on the ground in the long term but we are in charge of the aircraft and have a big say in what happens when things to get difficult (such as engine failure only to be told that "sorry but you'll have to give me lots of facts whilst you are trying to land the 'plane" - yes, it really happens and I heard it when a Tiger Moth was plonking itself down in a nearby field after the engine stopped).
So do spend a few GB pounds on a radio after having established that you can hear aircraft where you live (a basement flat in a big town really won't be any good...).
PS - someone asked about using an airband radio in flight. I've lifted this from the BA web site...
"Electronic games, iPods, iPaqs, small radios, tape and disc players, miniature television receivers, GPS receivers and similar entertainment equipment have negligible effect on aircraft systems and may be used during flight, but must be switched off during take-off, approach and landing."
Hope that reassures the questioner.
I tried using a scanner on a long haul flight recently from Heathrow. It worked fine landside and even airside whilst waiting to board - I was flicking between ground, approach and tower. However on the aircraft itself - I could get nothing. Don't know if the aircraft is shielded or if the shape of the fuselage requires that you need an external aerial (as aircraft have)
Perhaps someone can shed some light for me?
Perhaps someone can shed some light for me?
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The aircraft fuselage is effectively a "Faraday cage" (see Google for more detail) that prevents radio signals from passing. The windows leak a bit of RF through, so holding your radio up against a window will allow some reception.
But as said above, the local oscillator in your receiver may interfere with the aircraft equipment. Or it may not, but I wouldn't risk it.
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I bought a Vertex Standard Pilot VI (VXA-220) Transceiver from pilot mall. It was 115 quid plus shipping.
Now I KNOW its a transceiver but for the extra 30 quid why not?
Its waterproof and has great sound. I figured it would double up as an emergency radio in case of coms failure...but previous threads lead me to believe otherwise.
I am happy with it regardless.
Best,
Sicknote
Now I KNOW its a transceiver but for the extra 30 quid why not?
Its waterproof and has great sound. I figured it would double up as an emergency radio in case of coms failure...but previous threads lead me to believe otherwise.
I am happy with it regardless.
Best,
Sicknote
Join Date: May 2003
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This is a tip for preserving the condition of seat buttons in light aircraft.
I didn't read this thread the first time around, so my advice is probably too late for the OP. However, for what it's worth ...
If you're going to buy a scanner en route to a PPL, why not save/spend a bit more and get a transceiver instead ? Make sure it's one that you can jack your headset into via an adapter, and then make sure you take them with you on every flight.
Then, when you experience a complete electrical failure in flight, at least you can then continue to talk to someone on the ground. Despite all the other problems you may still have (flaps, Dunlops, nav etc) this can help prevent your nether regions trying to remove those seat buttons !
Just remember to keep the battery charged ... !
I didn't read this thread the first time around, so my advice is probably too late for the OP. However, for what it's worth ...
If you're going to buy a scanner en route to a PPL, why not save/spend a bit more and get a transceiver instead ? Make sure it's one that you can jack your headset into via an adapter, and then make sure you take them with you on every flight.
Then, when you experience a complete electrical failure in flight, at least you can then continue to talk to someone on the ground. Despite all the other problems you may still have (flaps, Dunlops, nav etc) this can help prevent your nether regions trying to remove those seat buttons !
Just remember to keep the battery charged ... !
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton. UK. (Via Liverpool).
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Liam, you can buy one right now if you like.........
http://www.transair.co.uk/icom_trans...tegory_ID=1936
http://www.transair.co.uk/icom_trans...tegory_ID=1936
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Agree absolutely with the "buy a transceiver" advice. It may save your life some day. Otherwise, you may find yourself selling your scanner and buying a transceiver in a year or so.
Ideally, you need the "old model" Icom, which appears from time to time in "for sale" ads. There are serious problems with headset adapters with the later Icom models - Icom know about the problem, but either don't care or don't know how to fix it. (Unless there's new news in the last couple of months).
You absolutely do need a headset adapter - you'll never hear what's being said otherwise, if the engine's running.
Some transceivers are "legal" for use in aircraft, and some aren't. There's mostly no difference in performance - only in whether or not the manufacturer paid to have them approved by the CAA. For normal use (eg in a homebuilt or a microlight), you'll want to be legal. If it's only ever going to transmit in an emergency, it's up to you. Better in court for using an unapproved radio, than at the bottom of the sea.
Ideally, you need the "old model" Icom, which appears from time to time in "for sale" ads. There are serious problems with headset adapters with the later Icom models - Icom know about the problem, but either don't care or don't know how to fix it. (Unless there's new news in the last couple of months).
You absolutely do need a headset adapter - you'll never hear what's being said otherwise, if the engine's running.
Some transceivers are "legal" for use in aircraft, and some aren't. There's mostly no difference in performance - only in whether or not the manufacturer paid to have them approved by the CAA. For normal use (eg in a homebuilt or a microlight), you'll want to be legal. If it's only ever going to transmit in an emergency, it's up to you. Better in court for using an unapproved radio, than at the bottom of the sea.
A little less conversation,
a little more aviation...
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Originally Posted by Keef
Some transceivers are "legal" for use in aircraft, and some aren't.
It states on the front;
"The license also authorises the use of Aeronautical VHF hand portable radio equipment operating in the frequency band 118 to 137 for use on the above named aircraft"
No mention of 'CAA approved'....I just need to be able to carry it by hand.
There is a lot of small print below that though.
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I'm not an expert "quoter of the ANO etc" (there are a few of those around). I'm pretty sure you're not "allowed" to use any radio equipment that isn't CAA approved while airborne over the UK. Maybe that's EASA-approved or JAA-approved now, I dunno. My Icom is approved anyway, so that's not an issue.
Many years ago, I asked the CAA for permission to use my amateur radio equipment in the aircraft, outside controlled airspace and inside the UK etc. They were very positive, and explained that all I would need to do would be to submit the necessary forms, samples of the equipment, etc plus the requisite fee for approval of the equipment. They sent me the precise wording of the regulations at the time - it was very clear indeed. I just didn't feel like investing something like £15k (then) in the exercise.
Many years ago, I asked the CAA for permission to use my amateur radio equipment in the aircraft, outside controlled airspace and inside the UK etc. They were very positive, and explained that all I would need to do would be to submit the necessary forms, samples of the equipment, etc plus the requisite fee for approval of the equipment. They sent me the precise wording of the regulations at the time - it was very clear indeed. I just didn't feel like investing something like £15k (then) in the exercise.
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im surprised that anyone can just go buy a two way airband radio, i wouldnt want just anyone being able to transmit on important frequencies.
Wonder when airband will go digital like the emergency services and global rather than the old FM VHF and HF... mind you thats a whole new topic.
Liam
Wonder when airband will go digital like the emergency services and global rather than the old FM VHF and HF... mind you thats a whole new topic.
Liam
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London Under EGLL(LHR) 27R ILS
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Hi all,
Sorry to bump an old thread but Maplin currently have the Maycom AR108 at 39.99 till the 22nd of this month, thought it was a good deal
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...anner#overview
Cheers
Garrie
Sorry to bump an old thread but Maplin currently have the Maycom AR108 at 39.99 till the 22nd of this month, thought it was a good deal
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...anner#overview
Cheers
Garrie
I live 15 miles from EGLL and 5.5 from CITY and 11 from biggin and 23 from gatwick. What can i pick up with the Maycom AR108?
Regards,
Robbie
P.s: Any tuts on making a quality aerial for it that can be placed in my House or outside?
Join Date: Jul 2006
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I really would not recommend the Maycom AR108.
I used to own one a few years ago and sold it on ebay recently.
The audio quality and level is very poor and the sensitivity of the receiver is pretty rubbish.
I also bought a Yupiteru MVT-7100 from ebay and it is superb for airband using just the standard BNC telescopic antenna.
From what you say Robbie it sounds as though you live either in or v near to central London in which case you would need a quality receiver to pick up all the airfield ATC that you mention.
I live in Chelsea and can pick up ATC at Heathrow, Gatwick and City quite easily. I couldn't hear them on the AR108.
If you have an ebay account it really is worth searching on there for either a Yupiteru scanner or you can possibly pick up a really cheap (£5-£10) AR108 (if you really have to!).
DenhamPPL
PS: It wouldn't be worth making an external antenna for the Maycom. The sensitivity and selectivity is poor and any external antenna would most likely overload the receiver.
I used to own one a few years ago and sold it on ebay recently.
The audio quality and level is very poor and the sensitivity of the receiver is pretty rubbish.
I also bought a Yupiteru MVT-7100 from ebay and it is superb for airband using just the standard BNC telescopic antenna.
From what you say Robbie it sounds as though you live either in or v near to central London in which case you would need a quality receiver to pick up all the airfield ATC that you mention.
I live in Chelsea and can pick up ATC at Heathrow, Gatwick and City quite easily. I couldn't hear them on the AR108.
If you have an ebay account it really is worth searching on there for either a Yupiteru scanner or you can possibly pick up a really cheap (£5-£10) AR108 (if you really have to!).
DenhamPPL
PS: It wouldn't be worth making an external antenna for the Maycom. The sensitivity and selectivity is poor and any external antenna would most likely overload the receiver.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Hey Thanks.
My mum won't let me buy something of Ebay.
So i am stuck with Maplin or any other London Store that sells scanners for cheap.
What Aerial can i get for that Scanner to make it better than what you said it was?
Regards,
Robbie
P.s Is this one good?
Product: Bearcat UBC-30XLT
200 channel air, marine and public service scanner with FM broadcast receiver
The compact new scanner from Bearcat that covers the popular air, marine and VHF public service frequencies – and includes FM broadcast as well!
Featuring 200 memory channels and selectable 8.33kHz memory steps, the UBC30XLT gives you everything you need for listening in to the action whether you’re on the coast, at an airport or miles from anywhere. With Uniden Bearcat’s legendary ease of use, the UBC30XLT is perfect whether you are a beginner or an advanced user.
Price: £59.95 (€78.18) Including VAT at 17.5%
Ex-VAT Price: £51.02 (€66.54)
My mum won't let me buy something of Ebay.
So i am stuck with Maplin or any other London Store that sells scanners for cheap.
What Aerial can i get for that Scanner to make it better than what you said it was?
Regards,
Robbie
P.s Is this one good?
Product: Bearcat UBC-30XLT
200 channel air, marine and public service scanner with FM broadcast receiver
The compact new scanner from Bearcat that covers the popular air, marine and VHF public service frequencies – and includes FM broadcast as well!
Featuring 200 memory channels and selectable 8.33kHz memory steps, the UBC30XLT gives you everything you need for listening in to the action whether you’re on the coast, at an airport or miles from anywhere. With Uniden Bearcat’s legendary ease of use, the UBC30XLT is perfect whether you are a beginner or an advanced user.
Price: £59.95 (€78.18) Including VAT at 17.5%
Ex-VAT Price: £51.02 (€66.54)
