Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to buy

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Dave787
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2016 6:56 pm

Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to buy

Post by Dave787 »

Hi all,

I'm a keen aircraft spotter but have never tried radio scanning. I'd be keen to listen to the aviation channels. My main problem at the moment is I'm not sure what to buy.

What is the difference between these two units apart from the difference in channels which can be received?

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/phones/UHF/un ... ck/843545/

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/offi ... unezi30xlt

Are they also both non-transmitting? I definitely want a non-transmitting unit.

Thanks! any help appreciated.
yorky
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Re: Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to bu

Post by yorky »

Hi there, the first one no as that's just a "walkie talkie" (yes I know I shouldn't be using that word but easiest to describe it). But the second one yes that's what you want!

And you'll never get a unit that can transmit on air band off the shelf so don't worry about that.
"VKI, NJ050 will you be attending the job?"
"Negative VKI, my desk is bolted to the floor".
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Dave787
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2016 6:56 pm

Re: Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to bu

Post by Dave787 »

Hi Yorky - thank you for the swift reply!

Okay yeah I was wondering why the first one was so cheap.

Is $100 about the cheapest you can get a new unit? if so I might lock that in.

Thank you for letting me know about the non-transmitting - that is good to know.
yorky
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Re: Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to bu

Post by yorky »

Yep and that's pretty cheap for a new scanner these days as they don't sell as well as the good old days. It is one of the current entry level models but it's fine for what you want to do.

Just be aware that listening to ground transmissions (ie from the ground to the aircraft) is often hard to receive, unless you are in the right spot or on top of a big hill. Receiving what the aircraft say is often fine as they are over head and have line of sight to you. This is the most common issue especially if you want to be indoors it won't work very well.
"VKI, NJ050 will you be attending the job?"
"Negative VKI, my desk is bolted to the floor".
WARSUG General Scanning Moderator
Dave787
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2016 6:56 pm

Re: Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to bu

Post by Dave787 »

Okay yeah entry level is fine for me, will proceed with this option.

Thanks for the tip - I'm planning to use it when near the airport spotting so hopefully will be able to pick up ground transmissions.

Thank you for prompt help!
yorky
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Re: Keen to get into aviation scanning - not sure what to bu

Post by yorky »

Yep if you are near the airport its usually ok, since the repeaters are setup to give best coverage there so enjoy!
"VKI, NJ050 will you be attending the job?"
"Negative VKI, my desk is bolted to the floor".
WARSUG General Scanning Moderator
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