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Which Airband Scanner ???

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Bob

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May 12, 2003, 6:21:38 AM5/12/03
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Hello all,

I'm a newbie to scanners and such and would apprieciate a bit of help. I
live near an airport and go to the odd airshow. What would be a good scanner
to get me started listening in to Airband ??

I've seen the Maycom AR-108 is that a decent scanner ? I'd prefer to spend
less than £100 on one really but if I really need to I'd spend more.

Thanks in advance

Bob


Steve Terry

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May 12, 2003, 9:15:30 AM5/12/03
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"Bob" <bobn...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:pBKva.394$AR4...@newsfep3-gui.server.ntli.net...
AR108 is a good Airband scanner, but lacks the 230 to 400MHz Military airband.

I would look for a used ICR2, plenty around as people are upgrading to ICR5

Steve Terry


David Chilvers

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May 12, 2003, 9:44:28 AM5/12/03
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the Alinco DJ-X3 is a good little scanner that covers most things and it
sure is easy to use. Haydon communication are selling it for £99 at present
Tel: 01708 862524. It doesn`t have all the bells and whistles but what it
does it does very well(IMHO)

Take Care

Dave c


David Chilvers

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May 12, 2003, 9:46:33 AM5/12/03
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Oh yes, I forgot to say the Alinco has the 8.33 spacings for the future.

Dave C


Bob

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May 12, 2003, 10:07:27 AM5/12/03
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You two have got me in two minds now !!

The AR-108 gets good reviews and will do for airshows and my local airport
but do I want the high frequencies for the military stuff ????

Is there much to listen to on the military end of the scale ???

"Steve Terry" <g4wwk-remov...@tesco.net> wrote in message
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Bob

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May 12, 2003, 10:31:20 AM5/12/03
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Also what about the Alinco DJ-X3. Has anyone any experience with that
machine ? Seems to have a nice big range etc.

Cheers


"Steve Terry" <g4wwk-remov...@tesco.net> wrote in message
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Dave Walker

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May 12, 2003, 12:07:18 PM5/12/03
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Bob,

If all you want to listen to is airband, then get a dedicated airband
scanner rather than a wide range product, which will not be optimised for AM
reception.


"Bob" <bobn...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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M3***

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May 12, 2003, 1:45:52 PM5/12/03
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Go for the DJ X3, although it's an Alinco battery guzzler it's the best for
the money. AR108 is a poor choice, do not bother, its likely to put you off
scanning for ever !

"Bob" <b...@spamfree.com> wrote in message
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David Chilvers

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May 12, 2003, 2:34:06 PM5/12/03
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Bob

I agree with the last post, if you were a serious airband man then the
airband only scanner would be the choice. But!!! there is nothing like a
scan around when you get a bit bored with aircraft. I have the Alinco and
straight out of the box I was impressed, not on par with my 9000 yup but a
third of the price. It is small to the point of top pocket easily. It is a
tad heavy on batteries but a set of 6(gives two changes) Ni metals will do
you a day(1850`s or above)(and the cost of a recharge ready for the next day
is pence) There are some bargains around second hand but you do have to take
the chance:-(
I reckon if you have Ł100 to spend then the DJ-X3 at Ł99 with 12 months
warranty is the way to go( I`m amazed at the audio quality for such a tiny
set) you might ask why I brought the Alinco when I have a 9000?? Size is the
answer, never without a scanner even in the pub:-) and never without a WFM
radio when I`m working outside I just clip it to the top pocket of my
working shirts with the supplied belt clip and listen to my favourite radio
prog while I work(well! it beats whistling:-)

go for it and enjoy

Dave C


Steve Terry

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May 13, 2003, 12:23:03 AM5/13/03
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"Bob" <b...@spamfree.com> wrote in message
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> You two have got me in two minds now !!
> The AR-108 gets good reviews and will do for airshows and my local airport
> but do I want the high frequencies for the military stuff ????
> Is there much to listen to on the military end of the scale ???
>
Yes.
At airshows there's as much at UHF airband as at the VHF one

Steve Terry


kevin

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May 14, 2003, 7:12:01 AM5/14/03
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Hi Guys

I have been a owner of the Alinco for around 3mths due to my icom R2
dieing on me.Great little radio great sound as for the batterys i bought the
complete set up radio,desktop charger,NiMh battery and the wall wart for it
(power supply) with this battery it lasts all day doing a grand job only
problem i have found was unlike the icom the alinco wont or i cant get it to
save the mode or steps on a search band. But thats not a so big of a problem
still a good buy for the price.


Kev


Bob

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May 15, 2003, 10:58:24 AM5/15/03
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Thanks Kev,

and thanks to everyone else. I should have an Alinco waiting for me when I
get home !!

Thanks again

Bob


"kevin" <kevin....@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
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