WIXLIB

MONITORING TIMES(ISSN: 0889-5341;Publishers MailAgreement #1253492)is published monthlyby Grove Enterprises,Inc., Brasstown, NorthCarolina, USA.Copyright2004 Grove Enterprises, Inc.Periodicals postage paid at Brasstown, NC,and additional maitng offices. Short excerpts may be reprinted with appropriatecredit. Complete articles may not be repro without,IMF OF CollirrsDepartmentsSecond DepartmentsLetters6Monitoring and the Law8s, annex.mia Regulation%10Stock Exchange909092Let's Hear it /or the Ham.'First DepartmentsGetting Started7540 Highway 64 WestAddress:Brasstown, NC 285024E8Beginners CornerCondo Dishes andTelephone(828)837-9200Ask Bobfax(828)837-2216(24 hours)Bright IdeasInternet Addresswww grove -en! tom ore-mail mieci'grove-ent tomEditorial rg.grove-enttomSubscription Rates: 28.95 in US; 39.50Canada; and 58.50 foreign elsewhere,US funds. Label indicates last issue ofsubscription. See page 23 for sub-scription information.Postmaster:262829While Monitoring Times makes on effort toensure the information it publishes is accurate, it cannot be held liable for the contents.The reader assumes any risk for performingAmerican BandscanReading ,thaeria/Outer LimitsRadio Ateshnien and RedemptionBelow 500 kHzLong Wave ChallengesOn the Ham Bands68697172//rip /rain my Friends74/Be idea/ Antenna: TransmittingRadio Restorations76i%iting (111.1116qm' Radio MeetScanning ReportLiliaihiNSC(' rind Florida ScanningScanning Canada3033Our "iVorilti 171- NeighborsUtility World34Hearing the Barking SandsUtility LogsDigital Digest3537Send address changes to Monitoring Times,Disclaimer:66fir Traffic ControlAntenna TopicsReceptionBrazilian Nit :y Networks7540 Highway 64 West, Brasstown, NC28902-0098.64thmittwing the /It Action BandsBoats, PLANES, and TrainsCommunicationsAdvertisers IndexClosing CommentsMilcomGlobal Forum11 inivan. Miadive Is. Clandestine38Broadcast LogsThe QSL ReportIwo/noted Reception Report%Programming Spot ightLi % tenini; to Caput/t/4142MT ReviewsScanner Equipment78ICOM IC -R20 Portable ReceiverComputers & Radio80iNav Lire Flight Tracker 3MT Review11 iR.11NO's G3 /3i ReceiverOn the Bench11e s Radio Sp/iware Definable RadioThe Gadget Guy/COM% Superb IC -VSWhat's NewView from AboveDecoding APT by Ear828486889043modification or construction projects published in Monitoring Times. Opinion orconclusions expressed ore not necessarily theview of Monitoring Times or Grove Enterprises. Unsolicited manuscripts ore accepted.SASE if material is to he returned.Listening GuideEnglish Language EW GuideSelected Prog,ratii% fir StationMT Satellite Services GuideAntericom-1, 2:1, 2 C -band4470OwnersBob and Judy Grovejudy@grove-ent.comPublisherBob Grove, W8JHDbobgrove@monitoringtimes.comManaging EditorRachel Baughn, KE4OPDeditor@monitoringtimes.comAssistant EditorLarry Van Horn, NSFPWArt DirectorBill GroveAdvertising Svcs.Beth Leinbach(828) 389-4007bethleinbach@monitoringtimes.comEDITORIAL STAFFTJ "Skip" AreyRachel BaughnKevin CareyJohn CatalanoMike ChaceJohn CorbyJock ElliottMarc EllisJohn FigliozziBob GroveLawrence HarrisGlenn HauserTomas HoodBob ParnassChris ParrisKen ReitzEmail firstlast@monitoringtimes.comOn the Ham Bands. CommunicationsLetters to the EditorWhat's NewBelow 500 kHzComputers 8. RadioDigital DigestScanning CanadaThe Gadget GuyRadio RestorationsProgram ManagerProgram SpotlightAsk BobView from AboveShortwave BroadcastingPropagation ForecastsScanning EquipmentThe Fed FilesBeginners CornerJorge Rodriguezden RogersMonitoring and the LawBoats, PLANES, andClem SmallTrainsAntenna TopicsRobert SmothersDoug SmithHugh StegmanGary SturmSatellite Services GuideAmerican BandscanUtility WorldBoats, Planes, andTRAINSGayle Van HornLarry Van HornDan VeenemanRon WalshGary WebbenhurstGeorge ZellerFrequency ManagerBroadcast LogsQSL CornerMilcomScanning ReportBOATS, Planes andTrainsBright IdeasOuter Limits

E VERY BESTSHORTWAVE RADIOSvaimairYB 400PE AM/FM/YB 550PE AM/FM/Shortwave RadioShortwave RadioThis high-perfornance PLL synthesized, dual -conversion YB 400PE receiver pulls in AM,Unique features define the model YB 5EOPE, such as 200 randomly programmable memoryFM -Stereo, Shortwave, and Longwave, including continuous coverage from 520-30,000 KHz.presets with user -defined memory page customizing, digital fine-tuning conrol, and favoriteEven Ham radio two-way communications can be heard using the SSB circuitry.station wake-up memory. Through its PEl synthesized digital tuner, receive AM, FM -Stereo, andIts highlysensitive outo-tu ling system stops even on weak stations within the international ShortwaveShortwave with excellent sensitivity and selectivity.broadcast bandsincludes all 14 international broadcast bands and continuous Shortwave coverage of 520-29,999Its 40 programmable memory presets allow quick, easy access to yourfavorite st tions Key features include:Enjoy the entire Shortwave spectrum thatKHz. Its auto -tuning system stops even an weak stations within the international ShortwaveEasy tuning with direct frequency entry, up/down buttons, and auto -scanspectrum, o' with the direct frequency entry system, go nstantly to any frequency in its tuningMultifunction LCD displays time, frequency, band, alarm wake time, and sleep timerrange. Key features include:Sleep timer, dial clocks, and dual alarm modes wake you with beeper or radio playSignal strength and battery power level indicatorsBuilt-in antenras for complete portability and socket for supplementary Shortwave antennasDigital clock with selectable 12/24 hoar clock display lormatIncludes AC adaptor, earphones, carrying pouch, supplementary Shortwave wire antenna,LCD with display light that shows simultaneous display of frequency and cockand batteries 149.95Alarm with snooze feature and 10-90 minute sleep timerIncludes built-in antennas, sockets for supplementary Shortwave and FM antennas, earphones,and optional AC adaptorS350 AM/FM/ 99.95FR200 AM/FM/Shortwave RadioShortwave Emergency RadioIncorporating a sensitive, high-performance analog tuner with digital frequency readout theRequiring no external power source, tie FR200 is a versatile multi -purpose tool for keepingS350 receives AM, FM -Stereo, and continuous Shortwave coverage of 3,000 to 28,000 KHz,informed, entertained, and safe. Combining AM/FM/Shortwave radio and flashlight in one,including all 14 international broadcast bands. Its classic analog tuning knob with superimposedthe FR200 operates without batteries - powered by its built-in hand -crank generator -fine-tuning cant -al makes it a pleasure to operate, and the variable RF gain control,allowing you to listen to news, music, and international programming frDm anywhere,wide/narrow bcndwidth selector and low pass filter give you complete control over incomirgincluding places where power is a problem. Key features include:signals. Operates on 4 'D' batteries for long battery life. Key features include:AM/FM/Shortwave Tuning (SW1, 12-7.6MHz; SW2, 9.2-22MHz)Multifunction CD shows digital frequency, clock, and moreHand -crank power generator recharges internal Ni MH batteryAlarm and 1-40 minute sleep timerBuilt-in flashlight perfect for emergencies or campiigVariable, indeaendent bass and treble controlsSplash -proof ABS cabinet withstands your adventures and abuseLeft/right line -level outputs (stereo in FM)Can also operate on 3 AA batteries or optional AC adaptorIncludes built-in antennas, sockets for supplementary Shortwave and FM antennas, car/ediblenylon handle/carrying strap, earphones, and optional AC adaptor 39.95 99.95The Most Powerful Compact Shortwave Radios in The World.1015 Corporation Way, Palo Alto, (A 94303ITel: (650)903-3866Fax: (650) 903-3867GRUI1DIG Jorth AmericaIwww.efoncorp.com

TO THE EDITORBob Parnass Retires from MTBob Parnass had already earned his reputa-tion for objective product evaluations written inobsolete listings that circulate on so many websitesties would allow us to return to our homes.and waste so much of your listening time."-Al Stern, Satellite Beach FLand CB. I had to turn off the CB several times"I heard a lot on my FRS radio. Ham 2 metersbecause of cursing going on. These did help mewith reports on traffic conditions ahead. I heardhams from south Louisiana asking for and gettingdirections around town from hams on 2m repeaters in north Lousiana. Heard a lot of caravaningplain English before Monitoring Times coaxed himto write a monthly column on scanning equipment ten years ago! Since that time he has been aneditor's dream - faithfully writing (ahead of deadline) to consistent size, style, and quality. Readers have also come to depend on Bob's reviews,often waiting to buy a new product until they see"what Parnass says."groups of vehicles on FRS. Those little radiosreally help out."Thanks for a good magazine,"- A. Mahler Raceland, Louisiana.So it is with regret and deep appreciationthat we agreed to Bob's desire to retire from themonthly column. Job well done. Bob: you will bemissed, but we know you will continue to enjoy"playing with radios" even though you no longerDoug Smith responded that "you're usuallygoing to get what you're going to get in a car radio,unless you're willing to pick your brand of carhave to write to a deadline.A list of scanning products reviewed in MTbased on the radio! (I think some DXers do.)by Bob Parnass can be found at http://pleased with the radio, except for a somewhat toowww.monitoringtimes.com. Watch for some exciting changes to the equipment review column,to start in 2005.aggressive muting circuit on FM when strong"I drive a '98 Ford Escort. I've been quiteintermod is present."I remember listening to WWL's coverage ofthe second phase of Andrew. It was the kind ofHearing the Hurricane Huntersthing radio is good at - and something WWL doesA !though hurricane season is officially over,its consequences will long be with us. The following letters address a couple of the many communications issues that arose during the storms. Theexceptionally well. WOKV-690 in Jacksonville,first is an excerpt from a posting by Al Stern tothe RadioMonitor's yahoo group:"Because of . the interest everyone has inthe Hurricane Hunter (callsign TEAL) aircraft, I- Doug Smith W9Wl, Nashville, TNam getting a lot of emails asking the best frequencies to hear them on."Living here in Florida's Hurricane Heaven,during the Hurricane Season I hear the TEALSdaily on VHF ATC freqs [e.g. 119.825, 135.075,132.15, 134.2 (Bahamas), 133.9 MHz. etc.] Theyoften base out of MacDill, so I pick them up assoon as they are airborne (often on MacDill'sLightning Ops 311.0 freq). I can keep them asthey fly down into the Caribbean towards Bahama,Antigua, etc."When they switch to oceanic freqs, I amable to hold them that way. Oceanic freqs 11330and 11396 kHz (both USB) are often used."I also hear the Hurricane Hunters using theUSAF HF-GCS freqs, especially 11175 and 8992.I hear them on Cape Radio's 10780 occasionally.and I hear them making phone patches on MARSfreq 13927. The phone patches are both the Morale & Welfare variety to family, as well as officialcalls to TV News networks like CNN. the WeatherChannel. etc. It is often quite a hoot to hear theside comments that network news reporters aboardthe aircraft make when commenting about theirwild ride."Just as Monitoring Times radio expert LarryVan Horn has recommended, I urge you to useFla. has a similar reputation further east."I was surprised to *not* hear any hurricanerefugees on 2m up here."Al Stern says: "I have several 'shack stations.' This photo shows part of my main shackstation. The equipment wraps around me, withKen Reitz also replied: "Here's some information which might help. One problem with allAM radios in cars is that they're using antennasoptimized for FM reception, so I would recom-the computer and some handhelds on the desk inmend replacing the standard antenna with the onefront of me. with the equipment shown in thisbelow from CCrane. I haven't used it, but thispicture to the right of me, and with more scannersand another computer on a credenza behind me.may be all he needs to improve reception.In this station alone there are 34 desktop unitsand 23 handhelds. They are supported by about25 tower- and pole -mounted antennas. The balance of my radios are spread at other monitoringstations in my house, like at my TV -watchingchair, bedrooms, etc." Check it out at cane Evacuation and AMRadio"I was a recent hurricane evacuee from southern Louisiana. Once in the car and on the road weare radio dependent for 7 hours of driving to NorthLouisiana. I am disappointed in the stock radiothat came with my new vehicle. After 150 miles Ilost the clear channel powerhouse WWL 870 kHz.This has never been the case before in other vehicles. You gave information on a good Sony CarStereo with an excellent FM section some monthsback. Could you maybe review in MT some current market radios that have good AM reception?Hugh Stegman's always up-to-date Hurricane Frey"PS. Thank goodness for the GE SuperRadioListing at http://www.ominous-valve.com/which enabled me to pick up WWL 870 in thehotel. WWL did an excellent job of giving vitalhurricne.txt Hugh works hard to eliminate theinformation about road closures and when authori6MONITORING TIMESNovember 2004"Secondly, if it's traffic info you're lookingfor, you just can't beat XM or Sirius satelliteradio. I can tune in constantly updated traffic andweather reports in all major U.S. cities and itdoesn't matter where in the U.S. you evacuate to.The units are all under 100 with specials all overthe place to sign up. And, hey, you get BBC World.NPR, World Radio Network (Sirius only) and 1(X)more music and news. By getting a 'plug 'n' play'model of either service you get the added value oflistening at home just by adding a home dockingunit. (See this month's What's New for one morenew Sirius receiver-ed)"If you're still interested in old fashioned,free. AM radio, four mobile receivers always getgood reviews: The incomparable (and impossibleto find in the U.S.) Becker Mexico: the BlauplunktSacramento (Crutchfield): Pioneer Supertuner IIID(Crutchfield): Sony CDXS2000 (Crutchfield).AM reception is a complete afterthought for mostauto radio manufacturers (with the exception ofBecker, which still adds short wave to their bandselector.). Details on sensitivity and other juicydetails which might clue us into which would bebetter performers on AM go unlisted. I chose these

models because they're roughly the same pricerange (except for the Becker/.tion parts of Canada, so it seems to be doing rea-sonably well.-- Brian Smith. W9IND54" AM antenna replacement ( 35): r Mexico: Look on ebayBlauplunkt Sacramento: rodView.asp?s 0&c 3&g 178850&1 023SACRAME&c p&a 0&cc 018.0.4 N&search Pioneer DEH 1600: rodView.asp?a 0&s 0&cc 01 &g 178850&ic essential info&i 130DEHI600Sony CDXS2000: ProdView.asp?s 0&c 3&g 178850&1 158520008o p&a 08,cc 01&avf N&search Frequency Tips"New 5 -Meter Beacon In Indianapolis: TheLegion of Indianapolis DXers recently activated anew 24 -hour beacon at 50.069 MHz. Located inVolunteerismLast manly era group of hams and other vol-unteers in the "iave the Marconi" group helpedmake last-ditch repairs to an aging building hous-ing the U.S. National Marconi Museum inBedford, New Hampshire. After replacing rottedwood siding, the restored building was spray coated with vinyl.This private museum is oriented toward education and preserving radio history from "Sparkto Space." In addition to the displays, the mu-licensed ham.seum includes the extensive John Frey TechnicalLibrary, a restoration room and machine shop forrepair of vintage radios, and amateur radio stationW 1 FGM (Marconi's initials) for operation by anymodern electronic equipment and financial support are welcome at the Guglielmo Marconi Foun-Tax-deductible donations of vintage anddation, U.S.A., Inc. 18 North Amherst Road,Bedford, NH 03110. tel (603)472-8312 -- fax (603)472-3622, or visit http://www.marconiusa.org.grid EM69WT. in the heart of Indianapolis. theI2 -watt beacon utilizes a turnstile antenna (horizontally polarized) at 70 feet.Sounds like a great field trip and a worthy projectfor any radio club."The message. which repeats at 10 -secondintervals. is as follows: VVV DE W9VW/BWe welcome your ideas, opinions, cor-W9VW/B EM69WT INDYrections, and additions in this column."Reception reports are welcome and may hesent to: The Legion of Indianapolis DXers, P.O.Box 18495, Indianapolis. IN 46218 . or e -mailedto Brian at bdsmithOPindy.net"We've already had reports from New Jersey, Wisconsin, Texas and Colorado. not to men-Please mail to Letters to the Editor, 7540Highway 64 West, Brasstown, NC 28902,or email editor@monitoringtimes.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.Fappy monitoring!SCANNER USERS-Rachel Baughn. KE4OPD. editorCOMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALSBuy Police Call 2005 andget a CD at no extra cost!POLICE CALL2005 EDITION.41:COMPLETELY REVISED THROUGH JULY, 2004With Fully Searchable Nationwide CD.20,000 Codes and Signals.Trunking Talkgroup IDs.Includes U.S. Government, Rail & Air.Illustrated 10 -Page Listener's Guide.cEch4onCD-ROMHotelsSportyAt your scanner dealer and all Radio Shack stores.Visit our web site at www.policecall.compox" Version 6.02005Schoolxs,nd yn muchCODEsemAps2005FUGOT A SCANNER? GET POLICE CALLGUIDE,aEsI C Y'4eferenceScannerUsersf 1iv,More People Buy POLICE CALL Than All Other Frequency Guides (VHF/ UHF) Combined.November 2004MONITORING TIMES7

Jorge ing an(it: 1.a\\How High Can You Go?The wacky world of scanner antenna regulationsAs every serious listener knows, anoutside antenna can dramaticallyimprove your listening post. So oneday you finally clear enough time on yourcalendar to put up an outside monitoring antenna. You've convinced your significant otherthat this is a true necessity to pursue yourmonitoring. You've even prepared yourselffor the funny looks from the neighbors whenthey drive by and see that you've seeminglyinstalled what appears to be a television an-regulatory] purpose."If you're not a licensed amateur radiooperator (which, by the way, also often provides you with an exemption to certain statelaws prohibiting the mobile use and possession of a police scanner outside your home)you may not be familiar with the AmericanRadio Relay League (ARRL), but you'll stillwant to take a look at their antenna restrictions web page.if there are any restrictive covenants orThe ARRL is the national association foramateur radio which provides their memberswith a rather comprehensive guide to overcoming antenna restrictions on their web siteat na-restrictions.html.Although written with the licensed amateur radio operator in mind, many of the ideasand rationale for overcoming these restrictionsare transferable to the monitor radio listenerpursuing an outside antenna building permit.Ambitious antenna installers should also consult Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)rules which could apply. If relying on Amateur Radio Service rules for your antenna installation, you should bear in mind that therules require that any antenna structure over200 feet above the ground (less than 200 feethomeowners association restrictions for yourif near an airport) must be reported to thetenna the wrong way - sideways instead offlat and horizontal like it should be.The day arrives and you hold in yourhands a brand new Grove Scanner Beam Antenna II, like a boy on Christmas day finallyholding a coveted Red Ryder BB gun. Butwait! Did you consider all the rules that mightconspire to pull down that antenna or keep itfrom going up in the first place?There are typically two to three areas,depending on whether you own or rent yourhome, that you should examine before deciding to install an outside antenna. The first ofthese is to determine what the local government zoning restrictions are, if any, on outside antennas. Secondly, you need to find outproperty. If you rent your property, youshould also check your lease or with yourlandlord to see if there are any lease restrictions.O ZoningWhen it comes to antennas, local governments typically zone for such things asantenna height, safety, general appearance,and compatibility with the surrounding landuse. If you happen to be a licensed amateurradio operator, here you'll have the benefitof the still valid Federal CommunicationsCommissions 1985 Memorandum and Orderin PRB-1. The Order provides limited federalpreemption of amateur antenna restrictionsimposed by municipal land use regulations.Local zoning authorities must make reasonable accommodations for the amateur communications radio service and their antennas.In restricting amateur communications, theymu

Scanning -- Shortwave -- Satellites-- Harr Radio --Computers M nitoring Times How to Monitor the " "tang SC IC L0 F5t W 74470 Volume 23, No. 11 November 2004 U.S. 5.95 Can. 8.95 Printed in the United States _-.4111india Radio - Florida Scomning - 100 Years of the Vacuum Tube - Reviews: ICOM 1'C -R20, ICOM IC -V8, WINIRA-1:110 5313i, FlexRadio