Good portable scanner radio for rail traffic?

[RME]

tree68

I suspect that listening to PTC will be like listening to EOTs - just data bursts.

There is at least one hobby group (SoftEOT at Yahoo) that has developed the environment to scan and parse EOT data.  Using this information it would not be difficult to build a portable receiver connected to a laptop/tablet or smartphone, which would display telemetered information.  In a sense this might be more useful than 'voice' communication reception, as (somewhat like e-mail) all the communications taking place within range would be stored and displayed in context, rather than potentially 'stepping on' each other during reception.

[K. P. Harrier]

Hi, iawestern!

Sensitivity is they KEY.  Get a scanner with 0.3 sensitivity or better, such as 0.3 is better than 0.4.  Sensitivity of 1.0 is for the birds.  Sensitivity of 0.3 is hard to find.  Example, Scanner World only offered 2 with such at last checking (a few years go).  Junk proliferates!

Take care,

K.P.

[tree68]

I suspect that listening to PTC will be like listening to EOTs - just data bursts.  While hearing EOT's is an indicator of nearby rail traffic, PTC involves a lot of fixed locations, which may or may not generate traffic.

If someone develops an ATCS-like app for PTC, it could be interesting.

If the railroads go digital, low-end scanners will become boat anchors.  The apparent technology of choice for the railroads is NXDN.  Most scanners, even digital, probably don't have that yet.  Older digital scanners can't even pick up the current public safety digital technology, which is P25.

That doesn't mean that we'll forever be in the dark, as it appears that NXDN is an open standard.  It will come down to who wants to invest the time and money to develop an NXDN capable scanner.

If you normally limit your railfanning to just a few locations, it might be possible to pick up an NXDN capable handheld when the time comes - just be sure the transmit is disabled. 

For the present, buy a scanner that meets your needs.  If you listen to public safety channels, get whatever you need for that - the railroads are still conventional narrowband FM, which any scanner will handle.  I usually advise "go big," ie, buy the best you can afford.  You'll likely be rewarded with better sensitivity, among other features.

There's no need for a separate antenna port - many scanners now use BNC or other common connectors (many used to just screw in - no RF connectors involved).  Get the appropriate adapter and a better antenna, no matter if you're listening at home or in your vehicle (local laws allowing).  A good antenna will improve your listening significantly.

There are inexpensive VHF transceivers available - some as low as $40, but once again, you need to ensure that the transmit function is disabled, as transmitting on unauthorized frequencies is highly illegal (a federal offense), and could carry a fine of up to $10,000 if you're caught.

[bml]

iawestern

What would you recommend for a good portable scanner radio?  Am wanting to buy a new one that I can use ear phones with, has a port for a secondary attenna, is either battery or AC powered, and will 'pick up' the coming PTC signals? 

Thanks,

Mark

 

none will pickup ptc yhey are all digital

[nycstlrr]

I have an old Radio Shack 200 channel portable scanner that I have used for years. They are probably dirt cheap now. I would think you would be able to pick up a good analog/digital, whatever one, for a good price.

[iawestern]

What would you recommend for a good portable scanner radio?  Am wanting to buy a new one that I can use ear phones with, has a port for a secondary attenna, is either battery or AC powered, and will 'pick up' the coming PTC signals? 

Thanks,

Mark