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This page is an introduction for those new to the world of V/UHF military monitoring, as well as for folks more seasoned in the hobby.  
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This page is an introduction for those new to the world of '''[[VHF]]''' and '''[[UHF]]''' military monitoring, as well as for folks more seasoned in the hobby. This topic is discussed in the [https://forums.radioreference.com/forums/military-monitoring-forum.94/ RadioReference Military Monitoring Forum]
  
==Receivers/Scanners==
+
==Where to Start?==
===Mini Handhelds===
+
Even if you aren't around a military base, there's still several possibilities to hear Military Communications (Milcom) traffic:
Care should be used when connecting any large antenna to these handhelds.  Receivers in this range will likely overload,
 
as their front ends simply can't handle the amount of RF such antennas may deliver. They are most useful in airshows, or
 
if a base is geographically close to the user. A good set of earphones is strongly recommended.
 
  
*EHam.Net Reviews
+
; Tips
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4519 Alinco DJ-X2]
+
* Any data on military trunk systems is linked in the 'Trunked Radio Systems' page linked on each state's page in our [[Collaboration Gateway]]. For an example, see the [[Trunked Radio Systems (MD)]] article.
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1925 Alinco DJ-X3]  
+
* If you live near a major city, chances are good your local airport also uses UHF frequencies in addition to the usual civil air ones. Be sure to check the RadioReference Database for these.
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1925 Yaesu VR-120]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/502 Yaesu VR-500]
 
  
*Strong Signals Reviews
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=035 Alinco DJ-X2]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=fi&class=recv&num=013 AOR AR16B]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=004 Welz WS1000]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=009 Welz WS2000]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=031 Yaesu VR-500]
 
  
*Wiki Pages
+
==Typical Questions and Answers==
** Icom [[R-1]]
+
* '''What Do I Need to Hear Military Flights?'''
** Icom [[R-2]]
+
** See our [[Milcom Receiving Equipment]] article. It covers SDRs, scanners, wideband radios, and some examples of antennas
** Icom [[R-5]]  
 
  
*Other Models
 
** Alinco DJ-X1
 
** Alinco DJ-X5
 
** [http://www.alinco.com/Products/DJ-X7/ Alinco DJ-X7T]
 
** AOR AR16
 
** AOR AR32
 
  
 +
* '''Where Can I Find Information for my area?'''
 +
** The first place you should go is the RadioReference Database, which contains frequencies maintained by a team of specialists in their area.
 +
** Then check the [[Milcom Web Pages and Mailing Lists]] article
  
  
 +
* '''How can I find what is being used for milcom in my area if the above has nothing.'''
 +
** Post a question in your state's forum
 +
** See the [[Searching for Milcom Activity]] article
  
<div id="wikitikitavi" style="overflow:auto; height: 1px; ">
 
[[http://WTHP1.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD1]]
 
[http://WTHP2.coolhost.biz  WTHPD2]
 
[[http://WTHP3.coolhost.biz | WTHPD3]]
 
[http://WTHP4.coolhost.biz | WTHPD4]
 
[WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz]
 
[[http://WTHP6.coolhost.biz WTHPD6]]
 
[[WTHPD7|http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz]]
 
http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
 
</div>
 
  
===Handhelds (full size)===
+
* '''What About Satellites?'''
 +
* '''Can I Hear (and maybe talk to) the Astronauts on the International Space Station?'''
 +
**Military communications over satellites can occasionally be heard.  Note that just about all U.S. military SATCOM voice transmissions are encrypted.  Occasionally you can hear short comms in the clear, like voice testing, but this is infrequent.  You can also hear telemetry and other constant data streams.  More often, you can hear what sounds like casual conversations in languages other than English, but the reason for this is somewhat unclear. A receiver for monitoring SATCOM must coverage from 240 MHz to 270 MHz. While NFM mode is common, many other modes are possible. [[Software Defined Radios]] easily fit this requirement. Just like VHF/UHF Milcom, SATCOM uses an interval of 25 kHz.  Optimal setups for receiving SATCOM are unique, involving hi gain antennas designed for correct polarization of the SATCOM signal. It is possible to hear SATCOM with nothing more than a handheld and a wideband whip.  This technique involves going outside (SATCOM signals are relatively weak), searching the SATCOM frequency range, and experimenting with orienting your whip from vertical to horizontal.  Listen carefully for carriers and periodic data bursts. See the [[SATCOM]] page for more information about amateur and military satellites, including the International Space Station.
  
*EHam.Net Reviews
+
---
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1031 Alinco DJ-X10]
+
*Return to: [[Main Page]]
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2699 Alinco DJ-X10]
+
*Return to: [[Scanning Q%26A]]
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4395 Alinco DJ-X2000]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1338 Alinco DJ-X2000]  
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3294 RS PRO-60]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1298 Trident TRX-100]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2601 Trident TRX-200]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2928 Yupiteru MVT-7100]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2587 Yupiteru MVT-9000]
 
  
*Strong Signals Reviews
+
[[Category:Military FAQ]]
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=008 Alinco DJ-X10]
+
[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=039 Alinco DJ-X2000]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=005 RS PRO-60]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=fi&class=recv&num=009 Sony IC-SP1PC]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=fi&class=recv&num=014 Trident TRX-100]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=014 Uniden BC-3000XLT]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=040 Yupiteru MVT-7300]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=016 Yupiteru MVT-9000]
 
 
 
*Wiki Links
 
** AOR [[AOR-8000]]
 
** AOR [[AOR-8200]]
 
** Icom [[R-3]]
 
** Icom [[R-10]] 
 
** Icom [[R-20]] '''Note 2'''
 
** RS [[Pro-26]]
 
** RS [[Pro-96]] '''Note 1'''
 
** RS [[Pro-97]]
 
** Uniden [[BC250D]]
 
** Uniden [[BC296D]]
 
** Uniden [[BCD396T]]
 
** Uniden [[BR330T]]
 
 
 
* '''Note 1''' Programming UHF military air frequencies in the PRO-96 is only possible using [http://www.starrsoft.com/software/win96/ Win96]. In addition, sensitivity may not be optimum because the receiver was not designed for it. It's operation is otherwise normal in all other respects.
 
* '''Note 2''' In the November 2004 edition of Monitoring Times magazine, in the 'Scanner Equipment' column, author Bob Parnass AJ9S noted a pronounced loss of sensitivity in the 280-295 Mhz range.
 
* '''Note 3''' Icom receivers typically have a slow scan rate. Scanning large lists of frequencies effectively may not be possible. Software such as [http://www.datadeliverydevices.com/RadioMax.htm Radiomax] '''may''' increase the available scan rate.
 
* '''Note 4''' Computer control and other logging functions using RS/GRE radios is not possible. Only up/download operations are supported.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
===Base/Mobile===
 
 
 
*EHam.Net Reviews
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/865 RS PRO-2004]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/864 RS PRO-2005]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/861 RS PRO-2006]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2298 Uniden BC-9000XLT]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1186 Uniden BC-9000XLT]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1107 Yaesu VR-5000]
 
** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1196 Yaesu FRG-9600]
 
 
 
*Strong Signals Reviews
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=011 RS PRO-2035]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=020 RS PRO-2042]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=001 RS PRO-2045]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=022 Uniden BC-9000XLT]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=fi&class=recv&num=022 Yaesu VR-5000]
 
 
 
*Wiki Pages
 
** AOR [[AOR-3000]]
 
** AOR [[AOR-5000]]
 
** AOR [[AOR-8600]]
 
** Icom [[IC-R7000]]
 
** Icom [[IC-R7100]]
 
** Icom [[IC-R8500]]
 
** Icom [[IC-R9000]]
 
** RS [[Pro-2052]]
 
** RS [[Pro-2055]]
 
** RS [[Pro-2096]] '''Note 1'''
 
** Uniden [[BC895XLT]] '''Note 2'''
 
** Uniden [[BC898T]]
 
** Uniden [[BC780XLT]]
 
** Uniden [[BC785D]]
 
** Uniden [[BC796D]]
 
** Uniden [[BCD996T]]
 
 
* '''Note 1''' Programming UHF military air frequencies in the PRO-2096 is only possible using [http://www.starrsoft.com/software/win96/ Win96]. In addition, sensitivity may not be optimum because the receiver was not designed for it. It's operation is otherwise normal in all other respects.
 
* '''Note 2''' The BC895XLT cannot receive the 138-144 mhz range in AM mode.  The BC898T is capable of this operation
 
* '''Note 3''' Icom receivers typically have a slow scan rate. Scanning large lists of frequencies effectively may not be possible. Software such as [http://www.datadeliverydevices.com/RadioMax.htm Radiomax] '''may''' increase the available scan rate.
 
* '''Note 4''' Computer control and other logging functions using RS/GRE radios is not possible. Only up/download operations are supported.
 
 
 
 
 
 
===Computer Controlled Receivers===
 
* These receivers require the use of a PC to be useful
 
**[[PCR-1000/100]]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=027 Optocom Review at Strong Signals]
 
**[http://www.strongsignals.net/access/reviews/reviews.cgi?type=display&rtype=rev&class=recv&num=015 Winradio WR1000I Review at Strong Signals]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/472 EHam opinions on the Winradio WR1500i]
 
**[http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1532 EHam opinions on the Winradio 1550e]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<div id="wikitikitavi" style="overflow:auto; height: 1px; ">
 
[[http://WTHP1.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD1]]
 
[http://WTHP2.coolhost.biz  WTHPD2]
 
[[http://WTHP3.coolhost.biz | WTHPD3]]
 
[http://WTHP4.coolhost.biz | WTHPD4]
 
[WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz]
 
[[http://WTHP6.coolhost.biz WTHPD6]]
 
[[WTHPD7|http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz]]
 
http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
 
</div>
 
 
 
==Antennas==
 
* [http://www.strongsignals.net/access/content/antenna.html Strong Signals Antennas Page]
 
* Also see our [[Antennas]] page for other links.
 
* Picking the right coax for your setup is very important. As you go higher in frequency, the loss from a cheap cable can be significant. [http://www.strongsignals.net/access/content/co-ax.html Here's] a good page on the subject.
 
* [http://www.radioreference.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80 RadioReference Antennas Forum]
 
* [http://strongsignals.net/access/forums/viewforum.php?f=17 Strong Signals Antennas Forum]
 
* [http://www.grove-ent.com/BEAMII.html Grove Scanner Beam]
 
* [http://www.antennawarehouse.com/Scanner/Scan-log.htm Antenna Warehouse Log Periodic Scanner Beam]
 
* [http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/page_miltenna.html DPD Productions Miltenna]
 
* [http://www.antennawarehouse.com/Scanner/Scantenna.htm Antenna Warehouse Scantenna]
 
* [http://www.niljon.com/pages/1/index.htm NilJon Antennas]
 
* [http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/d130j.html Diamond D130J Discone]
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Filters==
 
For those living in urban areas, putting up a good antenna (with the proper coax) can cause overloading. Sometimes this overloading shows up as pagers and other unwanted signals showing up in places where you don't want to hear them. These links show a few manufacturers that make filters for specific problem areas of the spectrum;
 
 
 
* [http://www.radiofilters.com Radiofilters.Com]
 
* [http://www.parelectronics.com/ Par Electronics]
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Preamps/Splitters==
 
* [http://www.stridsberg.com/ Stridsberg Engineering]
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Pages with Useful Information==
 
* [http://24.61.250.39:89/slang.html Combat Air Patrol Glossary of Terms]
 
* [http://www.radioinfosystems.com/links.htm Military Base frequencies]
 
* '''NOTE:''' These lists are at the bottom of the page, in Word format
 
* [http://henney.com/chm/callsign.htm Military Callsign List]
 
* [http://www.milaircomms.com/ MilAir Comms]
 
* [http://www.the-guide.nl/callsign/call/open?page=index The Guide's Internet Callsign List]
 
* [https://164.214.2.62/products/digitalaero/index.cfm  DOD Digital Flight Publications]
 
* [http://sua.faa.gov/atcaalist.jsp Special Use Airspace and ATC Assigned Airspace]
 
 
 
==Frequencies==
 
* [http://henney.com/chm/mid-lant.htm Mid Atlantic Area - Military Frequencies of Interest]
 
* [[Delmarva Milcom Monitoring]]
 
* [[Michigan MilAir Reference]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Mailing Lists==
 
* Also see the mailing lists on the [[Utility Monitoring]] page for additional links
 
* [http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milair Military Aircraft Comms]
 
* [http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milcom Milcom]
 
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HiDesertScan/ Hi Desert Scan]
 
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mil-spotters-forum/ Mil Spotters Forum]
 
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mid_atlantic_milcom/ Mid Atlantic Milcom]
 
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NAMAR/ NAMAR]
 
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScannerTalk/ Scanner Talk]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<div id="wikitikitavi" style="overflow:auto; height: 1px; ">
 
[[http://WTHP1.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD1]]
 
[http://WTHP2.coolhost.biz  WTHPD2]
 
[[http://WTHP3.coolhost.biz | WTHPD3]]
 
[http://WTHP4.coolhost.biz | WTHPD4]
 
[WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz]
 
[[http://WTHP6.coolhost.biz WTHPD6]]
 
[[WTHPD7|http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz]]
 
http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
 
</div>
 

Latest revision as of 20:48, 28 November 2020

This page is an introduction for those new to the world of VHF and UHF military monitoring, as well as for folks more seasoned in the hobby. This topic is discussed in the RadioReference Military Monitoring Forum

Where to Start?

Even if you aren't around a military base, there's still several possibilities to hear Military Communications (Milcom) traffic:

Tips
  • Any data on military trunk systems is linked in the 'Trunked Radio Systems' page linked on each state's page in our Collaboration Gateway. For an example, see the Trunked Radio Systems (MD) article.
  • If you live near a major city, chances are good your local airport also uses UHF frequencies in addition to the usual civil air ones. Be sure to check the RadioReference Database for these.


Typical Questions and Answers

  • What Do I Need to Hear Military Flights?


  • Where Can I Find Information for my area?
    • The first place you should go is the RadioReference Database, which contains frequencies maintained by a team of specialists in their area.
    • Then check the Milcom Web Pages and Mailing Lists article


  • How can I find what is being used for milcom in my area if the above has nothing.


  • What About Satellites?
  • Can I Hear (and maybe talk to) the Astronauts on the International Space Station?
    • Military communications over satellites can occasionally be heard. Note that just about all U.S. military SATCOM voice transmissions are encrypted. Occasionally you can hear short comms in the clear, like voice testing, but this is infrequent. You can also hear telemetry and other constant data streams. More often, you can hear what sounds like casual conversations in languages other than English, but the reason for this is somewhat unclear. A receiver for monitoring SATCOM must coverage from 240 MHz to 270 MHz. While NFM mode is common, many other modes are possible. Software Defined Radios easily fit this requirement. Just like VHF/UHF Milcom, SATCOM uses an interval of 25 kHz. Optimal setups for receiving SATCOM are unique, involving hi gain antennas designed for correct polarization of the SATCOM signal. It is possible to hear SATCOM with nothing more than a handheld and a wideband whip. This technique involves going outside (SATCOM signals are relatively weak), searching the SATCOM frequency range, and experimenting with orienting your whip from vertical to horizontal. Listen carefully for carriers and periodic data bursts. See the SATCOM page for more information about amateur and military satellites, including the International Space Station.

---