TSM’s 2019 Scanner Radio Buyer’s Guide
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
For scanner enthusiasts, the digital revolution has changed the VHF/UHF radio spectrum that we monitor. Many public safety agencies worldwide, especially in metropolitan areas, have transitioned from analog to digital communications protocols and are utilizing trunk radio technology. There are also many statewide trunk radio systems that are either operational, being built or planned that use trunking and/or digital modes. In this year’s guide, Larry breaks down the lineup of digital vs analog receivers and asks a few personal questions: What do you want to hear in your area and how much do you want to spend?
TSM Reviews: Elecraft KPA-1500 Linear Amplifier
By Mark Haverstock K8MSH
Solar Cycle expectations may lead you to conclude that, to be heard, you should try raising your voice. That’s exactly what the Elecraft KPA-1500 linear amplifier does—and it does so in style. Mark takes a look at this top-of-the-line amplifier and says, “If your budget allows, the KPA 1500 is an excellent choice–especially if you own an Elecraft K3 or anticipate getting a K4. The seamless integration is well worth the price, and even if you have another brand of radio, you’ll find the KPA-150 to be a winner, as it plays well with all rigs.”
RF Explorer ISM Combo+ Slim, Hand-Held Spectrum Analyzer
By Bob Grove W8JHD
Miniaturization of solid-state receivers and panoramic displays has evolved into more compact, even handheld, spectrum analyzers. Bob takes a look at this latest entry into the signals surveillance market and notes, “This handy handful has the ability to display signal presence over a wide range of frequencies as well as digitally analyze and display a variety of data. Added to this flexibility, the unit can also be used as an RF signal generator for the 2.35-2.55 GHz Wi-Fi band, and it includes an analyzer for this band as well.” Best of all—it’s available for under $300.
The Latent Contester
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
Since the time he first became licensed as a Novice in the early 1970s, Cory has tried to experience many of the various aspects of amateur radio. Some have held his interest, some have come and gone and some really never took hold. Contesting was a sub-interest that fell into the latter category. He would periodically dabble with it in various forms then move on to something else. While he admits to possessing a competitive nature, it had never really emerged in the on-air world of amateur radio. Recently, that changed. He had been invited to sit in on a contest at one of this country’s premier contest stations. Now, he’s hooked.
Scanning America
By Dan Veeneman
Iredell County (NC) and Cape May (NJ)
Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
Monitoring Road Trip: Arizona and California
Milcom
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
DoD Aerial Refueling Frequencies
Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman
US Coast Guard May Discontinue NAVTEX
Shortwave Utility Logs
By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman
VHF and Above
By Joe Lynch N6CL
USMA Cadets Contact Alum Aboard ISS
Digitally Speaking
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
Digital Voice Radio Buyer’s Guide
Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
Propagation: Hearing is Believing
The World of Shortwave Listening
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
A Better Antenna for Better Shortwave Listening
The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Radio Tirana; BBC Monthly Programming
Amateur Radio Astronomy
By Stan Nelson KB5VL
Meteor Monitoring Digital TV Carriers on Channel 2
Adventures in Radio Restoration
By Rich Post KB8TAD
The Hallikit HT-40 Transmitter
Antenna Connections
By Dan Farber AC0LW
Do the Math: Numbers Crunching for Radio Enthusiasts