VHF/UHF Military Monitoring
From The RadioReference Wiki
Revision as of 14:12, 4 November 2005 by ZenitKum (talk | contribs) (→Computer Controlled Receivers)
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.
Contents
Receivers/Scanners
Mini Handhelds
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
- Strong Signals Reviews
- Other Models
- Alinco DJ-X1
- Alinco DJ-X5
- Alinco DJ-X7T
- AOR AR16
- AOR AR32
Handhelds (full size)
- EHam.Net Reviews
- Strong Signals Reviews
- Wiki Links
- Note 1 Programming UHF military air frequencies in the PRO-96 is only possible using 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 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.
[[1] [WTHPD1]] WTHPD2 [| WTHPD3] | WTHPD4 [WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD6] http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
Base/Mobile
- EHam.Net Reviews
- Strong Signals Reviews
- Wiki Pages
- Note 1 Programming UHF military air frequencies in the PRO-2096 is only possible using 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 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.
[[2] [WTHPD1]] WTHPD2 [| WTHPD3] | WTHPD4 [WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD6] http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
Computer Controlled Receivers
- These receivers require the use of a PC to be useful
[[3] [WTHPD1]] WTHPD2 [| WTHPD3] | WTHPD4 [WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD6] http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
Antennas
- 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. Here's a good page on the subject.
- RadioReference Antennas Forum
- Strong Signals Antennas Forum
- Grove Scanner Beam
- Antenna Warehouse Log Periodic Scanner Beam
- DPD Productions Miltenna
- Antenna Warehouse Scantenna
- NilJon Antennas
- 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;
Preamps/Splitters
Pages with Useful Information
- Combat Air Patrol Glossary of Terms
- Military Base frequencies
- NOTE: These lists are at the bottom of the page, in Word format
- Military Callsign List
- MilAir Comms
- The Guide's Internet Callsign List
- DOD Digital Flight Publications
Frequencies
- Mid Atlantic Area - Military Frequencies of Interest
- Delmarva Milcom Monitoring
- Michigan MilAir Reference
[[4] [WTHPD1]] WTHPD2 [| WTHPD3] | WTHPD4 [WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD6] http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz
Mailing Lists
- Also see the mailing lists on the Utility Monitoring page for additional links
- Military Aircraft Comms
- Milcom
- Hi Desert Scan
- Mil Spotters Forum
- Mid Atlantic Milcom
- NAMAR
- Scanner Talk
[[5] [WTHPD1]] WTHPD2 [| WTHPD3] | WTHPD4 [WTHPD5 | http://WTHP5.coolhost.biz] [WTHPD6] http://WTHP7.coolhost.biz http://WTHP8.coolhost.biz