KW4RZ
06-24-2006, 07:08 PM
The spectrum 108-118 MHz is used for air navigation systems and during the most intense E skip openings you can often pick up these transmitters. They transmit low power in AM mode and constantly identify in Morse code. Many have voice ID too and give weather and aeronautical information 24 hours a day. Often the modulation is weak. I use a Realistic PRO2004 scanning receiver and the same log periodic antenna as for FM and TV DXing.
There is a website for identification:
http://www.airnav.com/navaids/
So far this season I've only identified 2.
June 9 116.9 FST Fort Stockton, TX 970 miles with weather conditions "central New Mexico, an additional line of thunderstorms moving generally to the northeast"
June 15 109.8 LTS Altus, OK 790 miles with weak Morse ID
Strong sporadic E was present to the top of FM during these two loggings.
__________________
Randy KW4RZ Fort Walton Beach, FL EM60qk
___________________________________
Radio Shack PRO2004 25-1300 MHz
8 element log periodic antenna 15 ft.
Total Recorder & Wavepad
There is a website for identification:
http://www.airnav.com/navaids/
So far this season I've only identified 2.
June 9 116.9 FST Fort Stockton, TX 970 miles with weather conditions "central New Mexico, an additional line of thunderstorms moving generally to the northeast"
June 15 109.8 LTS Altus, OK 790 miles with weak Morse ID
Strong sporadic E was present to the top of FM during these two loggings.
__________________
Randy KW4RZ Fort Walton Beach, FL EM60qk
___________________________________
Radio Shack PRO2004 25-1300 MHz
8 element log periodic antenna 15 ft.
Total Recorder & Wavepad