PPRuNe Forums - Airband Radio Recommendations

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Airband Radio Recommendations

I was down at my local airport today watching the planes (East Midlands - EGNX) and asked another person who was there what radio he was using to tune into the tower as I have always wanted to get one.

He was using a uniden ubc125xlt which is seemed happy with. This is around £110.

i then came across a Uniden EZI-33XLT which is around £60.

I have no idea what makes a good radio or a bad radio so was hoping to see what you feel are good ones.

My requirements for one include the following:-

1. Be able to tune into airport / ATC frequencies in the vacinity
2. Be small and compact - pocket radio
3. Be chargeable from a car charger
4. [IDEALLY] be able to tune into a airport tower from my home. I live 8-9 miles as the crow flies from East Midlands Airport. Failing that I would like to be able to tune into the approach as they come straight over my house - near ELVOS waypoint.
5. My budget is £100-£120 if it means getting a good one but ideally would like only spend £50-£60.

All recommendations welcome.

Many thanks.

You probably wont regret spending the extra on the 125 over the EZI-33XLT. Cracking radio for the money and is a very popular choice at the minute.

The 125 has a keypad which makes inputting frequencies quicker, rather than tapping up, down and search buttons. Much easier to navigate.

The 125 will also pick up military frequencies where the EZI will not.

For me, the 125 with a Watson 881 antenna is the ideal combo, will do everything you want it to for years to come :)

Thanks for the advise guys. I've decided to go for the 125.

Just out of interest where do you all get your frequencies from to tune in to? Is there a database online somewhere? If so please could you share it?

I expect you will have seen the " Sticky " on the PPRUNE Air Traffic Control section regarding the law in the UK regarding listening to these communications.

Regarding details of frequencies in use in your area I have attached a link to the NATS website and would refer you to the Aerodrome Index - Specific section where you should find details for your local airport. Also section ENR 3.1 has details of lower route frequencies and ENR3.2 upper route frequencies.

Also. if you Google " Books on Air Traffic Control " you may find some thing of interest.

Here is the link:-
NATS | AIS - Home

mdavenport

The RAF's No 1 AIDU publishes an extensive selection of publications, see here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...15_16_Full.pdf

Probably the best one for you is the 'En-Route Supplement British Isles and North Atlantic (BINA)' which costs £19.68 plus P&P. It contains a comprehensive listing of UK airfields both RAF and civilian and includes both VHF and UHF frequencies. It can be purchased by civilians.

Just to be clear about what Albaman is talking about WRT the "Sticky:"

Quote:

As this is a regular topic for discussion, the relevant information from the UK authorities is detailed here.

The full text can be found at the following site (OFCOM) in PDF format.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archi...fo/ra169r7.pdf

Quote:

Anyone who intends to listen to radio transmissions should be aware of the following:

A licence is not required for a radio receiver as long as it is not capable of transmission as well (The Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus (Receivers) (Exemption) Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No 123). The exception to this is that it is an offence to listen to unlicensed broadcasters (pirates) without a licence. Licences are not issued for this purpose.

Although it is not illegal to sell, buy or own a scanning or other receiver in the UK, it must only be used to listen to transmissions meant for GENERAL RECEPTION. The services that you can listen to include Amateur and Citizens' Band transmissions, licensed broadcast radio, and weather and navigation broadcasts.

It is an offence to listen to any other radio services unless you are authorised by a designated person to do so.
And OFCOM also gave PPRuNe the following direct interpretation of the law (similar to the above).

Quote:

In short you can use a scanner to listen to anything broadcast for general reception, radio amateurs, CB, weather and navigation broadcasts. Unless you are a police officer or work in the emergency services you are not allowed to listen to their communications.

You can only listen to other services if you have the permission of the sender. The air show is a good example where the control tower frequencies are publicised and that would be considered permission.
In practical terms, you are unlikely to be prosecuted for simply listening in, if discrete and sensible. However, if you pass on information from what you hear, through Bulletin Boards, the press, or by setting up a live feed, then it's entirely feasible to feel Ofcom's hand on your collar and an appointment before the beak.

Note though that the publication of a frequency in a trade publication is not considered publication for general use, even when sold in a general interest store or obtained from a website. Like the sticky says, you're unlikely to be prosecuted for listening to aviation broadcasts, but on a slow news day stranger things have happened. Just don't go around making a big splash about what you hear, and you'll be fine.

I can tune to my local airport TWR from home about 10 miles (as the crow flies) but can't seem to tune into their ATIS. Would you expect I would be able to from 10 miles away?

Quote:

I can tune to my local airport TWR from home about 10 miles (as the crow flies) but can't seem to tune into their ATIS. Would you expect I would be able to from 10 miles away?

Depends. Where is the antenna that broadcasts the ATIS? Although most airports have it co-located with the other antennas on the top of the tower, it is by no means universal.

In the old Dash 8-102 I used to fly when we were on the ground almost all our communication had to be conducted through COMM 1. This is because the antenna is on the top of the airplane and actually has line of sight. COMM 2's antenna is on the bottom of the airplane and, in some cases, was shaded by ground objects making communication impossible.

A similar thing could be happening to you.

Are there any interesting standard frequencies that are available throughout the UK that I could also tune into? Looking for some interesting and exciting ones. Please share.

mdavenport

Quote:

..... Looking for some interesting and exciting ones. Please share.

I know the UK law is a bit old fashioned about this whole issue but have another look at the "sticky" again, especially this bit:

Quote:

In practical terms, you are unlikely to be prosecuted for simply listening in, if discrete and sensible. However, if you pass on information from what you hear, through Bulletin Boards,.......

I think it would be safe to point out that there are plenty of commercial outlets selling flight guides/plates that contain frequency information...

mdavenport;
Try this page for what seems to be a fairly comprehensive list:
London Control Frequencies

I wonder why it is headed "London Control frequencies" when it obviously contains many that are not?