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By: - 16th September 2015 at 09:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I have an old GRECOM PSR-295 and use the rubber duck most times but I did invest in a couple of mag-mount ariels for the car and for listening further afield.
Choose a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries, (seperate charger as the built in one just does not seem to fully power them) mine will always see a couple of days out when in use from fully charged, a plug in for the car is good and have used mine on the move if heading to airshows with the mag-mount.
I select different channels, IE, for airshows and for at home and sometime do the airliners which are good to listen to sometimes.
Plenty out there but I must admit I am happy with the GRECOM.
TA
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By: - 16th September 2015 at 10:23 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I went for the Uniden UBC125XLT for my first scanner this year.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SCANNER-UNIDEN-UBC125XLT-Price-Square/dp/B00HQCUXI4
I chose this from reading review and advice on websites to include a full set of keys and a large display. USB port for updates and pre-programming. Rechargeable batteries. And a number of useful operating facilities like close call. Detachable BNC aerial and headphone socket. It comes with the batteries and charger. Charging takes place with the batteries installed.
Do allow plenty of time to read the manual and play with it, it took me some time to understand some of the facilities and then as I only used it at air shows needed to brush up again each time.
I cannot compare with other models but I have been happy with it. You will need a second set of batteries if in use all day.
I do find it useful to find out what's happening next, or what has gone wrong etc, directions of approach and sometimes the odd amusing quip from pilots.
Suggest taking it to a GA airfield at weekend where you can easily see registrations and get to understand the various procedures. DX is good for this as it also has plenty of GA especially on show days.
Also at DX on non show days it gives you more warning than the PA of something interesting making a pass. The PA seems to leave it far too late and you have no chance of getting out of a hanger or the café:D
Hope this will help.
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By: - 16th September 2015 at 10:45 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
And of course they are particularly useful if there is no proper commentary or you are in a location away from the airfield, and I mean like Beachy Head not a naughty field.:D
By: - 16th September 2015 at 20:07 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thanks Paul. Is it digital? Is that something that's used?
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By: - 16th September 2015 at 20:29 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
If by digital you mean that you can enter and it displays the frequencies then yes. I always find it useful to download the manual and browse through all the features. Also some seller's websites have guides on what to consider when buying a scanner.
By: - 16th September 2015 at 22:58 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
A lot depends on what you want in the way of features.
A valuable asset at airshows and other events. Just to keep track of what's going on. Lots of things the
commentators don't pass to the public.
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By: Black Knight - 15th September 2015 at 21:45
Any recommendations for a scanner/radio to listen to display frequencies?