petitnj...you need a license. That is just a multiple choice test given often by local ham clubs.
Taking a class is never a bad thing. Many are free, except for the book, and provide a chance to get to know local hams as well. There are also study guides and practice tests available on-line for technician (entry level), general, and amateur extra. Study a bit and start taking the practice tests.
I mentioned it in the other thread, but I'll repeat - in states where mobile scanners are prohibited, having a ham ticket (amateur radio license) will usually override that.
And yes, the antenna is important. The better the gain of the antenna, the better your reception, and so is as much height as you can achieve. Combine that with a scanner with great sensitivity and you're in like Flynn.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Raising the antenna as high as possible is the trick to hearing VHF railroad radios. A magnetic mount on the car roof is good but on top of a van is better. Any antenna will work but a 5/8ths wave will have a flatter pattern and be more sensitive out to a long distance. There are 100's of designs of VHF antennae. Here is one--scroll down to the "Slim Jim" made of 300 ohm twin lead. This you can build these for a few dollars and put in a PVC pipe. The more you spend on a scanner, the more features. An alternative is a ham radio VHF tranceiver. They will receive 160 Mhz just fine and can be programmed to scan the entire RR band. To transmit (in the allowed amateur bands) you need a license. That is just a multiple choice test given often by local ham clubs. I use a TYT hand held which runs about $100 with charger and speaker mike.
Hi, B & O Bob!
This makes two threads on basically the same subject. You may want to review MY post in that thread.
http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/268470.aspx
The key is sensitivity. Get one at 0.3 or better. 0.4 is worse. Good scanners are hard to find.
K.P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
I am hoping to do some railfanning this summer. I live in MI and hope to visit sites in Indiana & Ohio primarily. I want to purchase a new scanner. Thinking of the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT. Does anyone have any opinion one way or another on this unit? Been a long time since I purchased a scanner. Is there an automated way to download scanner channels into the unit, rather than entering individual channels or a range? Thanks for any help you folks can provide.
Bob
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