Handheld Scanner Question

[K3BM]

I currently have my local aviation stuff in my
Amateur Rig, but it isnt the best, does anyone
have a suggestion on a decent handheld scanner
specifically for aircraft monitoring ?

[Doug Robertson]

I've used a Sporty's Pilot Shop JD-100 handheld for about 6-7 years. It is a scanner/receiver only.

The JD-100 has 1,000 comm frequencies from 118.000 to 142.975 MHz and 7,200 comm frequencies from 220.000 to 399.975 MHz for the military air band. I use 4 AA alkalines in mine and have the accessory metal belt clip that screws on the back, yet permits battery access. It also has a 9 volt dc socket, squelch, on/off volume and keylock button. You can enable or disable a key tone feature. Has 19 channels and one Priority channel in memory, low battery indicator, also pushbutton illumination of LCD display. Jack for earphones, also. Detachable flex antenna about 9 inches long.

You can scan the 20 memory channels or do full freq scan. I'm very satisfied with it.

Audio output is 250 mW so hold to ear-OK at noisy airshow.

Adjacent channel rejection-more than 50 dB
Sensitivity- 1.0 microvolt for 6 dB SN
Selectivity- more than -60 dB at +/- 25 KHz
Band Width- more than +/- 7 KHz at -6 dB
Freq Stability- +/- 0.002%
Power Consumption- 200 mA full volume, 60 mA watch & wait
Weight- 0.79 lb with batteries.

Construction has proved to be rugged. A wrist loop is also provided and handy. It is FCC-approved and CE approved if in Europe.

See www.sportys.com or phone 1-800-SPORTYS

[Airport-Data]

Hi K3BM,

Welcome to Airport-Data.com. It's good to see fellow amateurs.

Ken
VA3RRW/BD4RR

[Michael Martin]

While at PDK, I use either the Radio Shack Pro-93 or Pro-96 (just depends on which one I grab before I leave the house), they both work quite well and have alpha/numeric display on them. Both use 4 AA batteries (can recharge ni-cads/niMH) and have good long life. To be able to hear the tower & aircraft without having to have the scanner turned up loud, I use a surveillence earphone. That way I don't annoy others around me!

[Glenn E. Chatfield]

I just have my ancient Terra TPX720 hand-held and tune it in to the local tower or ground. It works!

[mkiogima]

I use the Radio Shack Pro-164. I listen to more than just aviation and it has been really good for me. You can program in 1000 channels and is a decent deal at just over $200.00.

[K3BM]

[Airport-Data]

It's great to know that. Let me know if you have any question regarding this site.