Uniden UBCD436PT - Discovery Mode

 

TASGRN Monitoring

What do you need to listen?

The TASGRN is an APCO25 Phase2 Digital Trunking Network, as such, you need a APCO25 Phase2 scanner. Below is a list of models:
Uniden UBCD436PT
Uniden UBCD536PT
Uniden USDS100
Uniden UBCD325-P2

Please note: The Tasmania Police Service, Tasmanian Fire Service and Ambulance Tasmania are all 100% encrypted and NO scanner will decode their transmissions.

Sites:

Click here to view this full screen

To listen, program the site closest to you as a P25 Trunked Site, it is best to do this using the Sentinel software, provided by Uniden.

Create a New System

Add a Site

Add all the frequencies from the list above for this site.

Once you have done this, you can then add extra sites, noting that the TASGRN is designed to only carry traffic on sites where a radio on that talk group is affiliated to that site, this means that scanning multiple sites can be a good idea.

Talk Groups:
(Coming soon)

Frequencies - December 2024

26.9650 - 27MHZ CB

26.9750 - 27MHZ CB

26.9850 - 27MHZ CB

27.0050 - 27MHZ CB

27.0150 - 27MHZ CB

27.0250 - 27MHZ CB

27.0350 - 27MHZ CB

27.0550 - 27MHZ CB

27.0650 - 27MHZ CB

27.0750 - 27MHZ CB

27.0850 - 27MHZ CB

27.0950 - 27MHZ CB

27.1050 - 27MHZ CB

27.1150 - 27MHZ CB

27.1250 - 27MHZ CB

27.1350 - 27MHZ CB

27.1550 - 27MHZ CB

27.1650 - 27MHZ CB

27.1750 - 27MHZ CB

27.1850 - 27MHZ CB

27.1950 - 27MHZ CB

27.2050 - 27MHZ CB

27.2150 - 27MHZ CB

27.2250 - 27MHZ CB

27.2350 - 27MHZ CB

27.2450 - 27MHZ CB

27.2550 - 27MHZ CB

27.2650 - 27MHZ CB

27.2750 - 27MHZ CB

27.2850 - 27MHZ CB

27.2950 - 27MHZ CB

27.3050 - 27MHZ CB

27.3150 - 27MHZ CB

27.3250 - 27MHZ CB

27.3350 - 27MHZ CB

27.3450 - 27MHZ CB

27.3550 - 27MHZ CB

27.3650 - 27MHZ CB

27.3750 - 27MHZ CB

27.3850 - 27MHZ CB

27.3950 - 27MHZ CB

27.4050 - 27MHZ CB

29.6000 - 10M HAM SIMP

52.5250 - 6M HAM SIMP

53.7750 - VK7RDR 6M

53.8750 - VK7RAA 6M

72.1250 - CONNORVILLE

72.2750 - LES WALKDEN

73.1300 - B W MANION

75.5900 - BEAMS BROS

77.6500 - TECS

78.0125 - WTC WORKS

78.5500 - GT COUNCIL

118.1000 - TOWER - HOBART

118.7000 - TOWER - LTON

119.1000 - CTAF

119.6000 - LGH HELIPAD

121.5000 - AIR EMERGENCY

123.4500 - AIR SIMP

123.8000 - ATC - LTON APPROACH

126.3500 - AIR SIMP

126.4000 - HELI RESOURCES

126.5000 - ATC - NORTHERN TASMANIA

126.7000 - CTAF

127.3000 - CTAF-GT

127.4750 - SHARP AIRLINES

129.5000 - QANTAS

130.1250 - JETSTAR-HOBART

130.2250 - JETSTAR-LTON

130.3500 - VELOCITY

136.1250 - JETSTAR

136.5500 - VELOCITY

145.0250 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.4000 - VK7RAA INPUT

146.4500 - 2H HAM SIMP

146.5000 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.5750 - 2M IRLP

146.9000 - VK7REC

147.0000 - VK7RAA-MTARTHUR

156.3500 - MARINE

156.3750 - MARINE VHF 67

156.4000 - MARINE VHF 8

156.4250 - MARINE WEATHER

156.6000 - MARINE VHF 12

156.7000 - MARINE VHF 14

156.8000 - MARINE VHF 16

157.5375 - TASRAIL VHF SIMP

157.5750 - TASRAIL SIMP VHF

157.6250 - TASRAIL VHF SIMP

157.7750 - TASRAIL VHF SIMP

158.0000 - TASRAIL SIMP VHF

159.7900 - LES WALKDEN

161.0750 - ARTEC

162.3875 - TAS GAS

162.4750 - BORAL-DAZZLER

162.5000 - BORAL-MT ARTHUR

162.6000 - TASRAIL-DAZZLER

162.6125 - TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

162.7125 - GRAHAM RAND

163.0250 - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.0750 - LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.4250 - TECS

163.4750 - LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.5750 - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.8625 - CSE CROSS COM

163.9125 - CSE CROSS COM

166.2700 - HANSON

410.7000 - ESSENTIAL SECURITY

412.5500 - LGH

412.7750 - DEPT JUSTICE

413.1000 - LC STAFF(D)

413.3500 - LGH SECURITY(D)

415.4500 - SILVERDOME

438.0500 - VK7RBH-BENLOMOND

438.4125 - VK7RJG-DMR

438.5000 - VK7RIN

438.5500 - VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

439.7750 - VK7RDR-DAZZLER

439.9250 - NTARC

450.2750 - JB HIFI

450.3500 - ANNANCONDA LTON

462.0125 - MYER

462.0500 - HARRIS SCARFE

462.0500 - BUNNINGS

462.0750 - TASPORTS

462.1000 - OFFICEWORKS

462.1125 - UHF SIMPLEX

462.1250 - UHF SIMPLEX

462.1625 - COLES RACECOURSE

462.1875 - NEWSTEAD COLLEGE

462.2000 - COLES SHARED

462.2250 - OFFICEWORKS

462.2500 - KMART LTON

462.2750 - SUPERCHEAP LTON

462.2875 - COLES NEWSTEAD

462.3250 - SPOTLIGHT

462.3375 - COLES WELLINGTON

462.3750 - TASPORTS

462.3875 - DAN MURPHYS

462.4125 - BCF LAUNCESTON

462.4375 - RADIO WAREHOUSE

462.4500 - PETER ALEXANDER

462.4875 - GOOD GUYS

462.8750 - LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

463.0250 - LCC QVMAG(D)

463.4000 - TARGET LTON

463.5375 - ST LUKES

463.9000 - CASINO SECURITY

464.2750 - METRO ABLES

464.3750 - METRO FREELANDS

465.3125 - TARGET MOWBRAY

465.4000 - CSE CROSS COM

467.1750 - TECS

467.4750 - CASINO SECURITY(D)

467.5375 - DEPT JUSTICE

469.5500 - FEDERAL COURT

469.7000 - UHF RENTAL

471.3000 - BOAGS

471.5250 - BASIN CHAIR LIFT

471.6250 - HAYWARDS

471.6375 - VIZPIX

471.7000 - PFRIFER CRANES

471.9000 - VIZPIX

472.2250 - BOAGS

472.8250 - MD DUNCAN(D)

473.4000 - TASRAIL SIMP UHF

473.5000 - TASRAIL SIMP UHF

474.1250 - WARREN J SPEERS

474.2250 - VEC CONSTRUCTION

474.3750 - LCC PARKING(D)

474.4750 - UNI SECURITY (D)

474.5750 - ABC TV

474.7750 - UNI SECURITY (D)

474.8500 - TRANSPORT INSP

474.8750 - LCC CARRVILLA(D)

474.9250 - PFEIFFER CRANES

474.9500 - JMC GROUP

475.0000 - CHURCHILL PARTS

475.0500 - MCDERMOTT BUSES

475.0562 - TAS RACING

475.0625 - ROWING TASMANIA

476.4250 - UHF CB CH 1

476.4375 - UHF CB CH 41

476.4500 - UHF CB CH 2

476.4625 - UHF CB CH 42

476.4750 - UHF CB CH 3

476.4875 - UHF CB CH 43

476.5000 - UHF CB CH 4

476.5125 - UHF CB CH 44

476.5250 - UHF CB CH 5

476.5375 - UHF CB CH 45

476.5500 - UHF CB CH 6

476.5625 - UHF CB CH 46

476.5750 - UHF CB CH 7

476.5875 - UHF CB CH 47

476.6000 - UHF CB CH 8

476.6125 - UHF CB CH 48

476.6250 - UHF CB CH 9

476.6375 - UHF CB CH 49

476.6500 - UHF CB CH 10

476.6625 - UHF CB CH 50

476.6750 - UHF CB CH 11

476.6875 - UHF CB CH 51

476.7000 - UHF CB CH 12

476.7125 - UHF CB CH 52

476.7250 - UHF CB CH 13

476.7375 - UHF CB CH 53

476.7500 - UHF CB CH 14

476.7625 - UHF CB CH 54

476.7750 - UHF CB CH 15

476.7875 - UHF CB CH 55

476.8000 - UHF CB CH 16

476.8125 - UHF CB CH 56

476.8250 - UHF CB CH 17

476.8375 - UHF CB CH 57

476.8500 - UHF CB 18-TIP

476.8625 - UHF CB CH 58

476.8750 - UHF CB CH 19

476.8875 - UHF CB CH 59

476.9000 - UHF CB CH 20

476.9125 - UHF CB CH 60

476.9250 - UHF CB CH 21

476.9375 - UHF CB CH 61

476.9500 - UHF CB CH 22

476.9625 - UHF CB CH 62

476.9750 - UHF CB CH 23

476.9875 - UHF CB CH 63

477.0000 - UHF CB CH 24

477.0125 - UHF CB CH 64

477.0250 - UHF CB CH 25

477.0375 - UHF CB CH 65

477.0500 - UHF CB CH 26

477.0625 - UHF CB CH 66

477.0750 - UHF CB CH 27

477.0875 - UHF CB CH 67

477.1000 - UHF CB CH 28

477.1125 - UHF CB CH 68

477.1250 - UHF CB CH 29

477.1375 - UHF CB CH 69

477.1500 - UHF CB CH 30

477.1625 - UHF CB CH 70

477.1750 - UHF CB CH 31

477.1875 - UHF CB CH 71

477.2000 - UHF CB CH 32

477.2125 - UHF CB CH 72

477.2250 - UHF CB CH 33

477.2375 - UHF CB CH 73

477.2500 - UHF CB CH 34

477.2625 - UHF CB CH 74

477.2750 - UHF CB CH 35

477.2875 - UHF CB CH 75

477.3000 - UHF CB CH 36

477.3125 - UHF CB CH 76

477.3250 - UHF CB CH 37

477.3375 - UHF CB CH 77

477.3500 - UHF CB CH 38

477.3625 - UHF CB CH 78

477.3750 - UHF CB CH 39

477.3875 - UHF CB CH 79

477.4000 - UHF CB CH 40

477.4125 - UHF CB CH 80

477.5000 - UHF CHAT

484.5500 - QANTAS UHF

484.8000 - BOAGS

484.8250 - HAYWARDS

485.1125 - ROWING TASMANIA

485.1125 - HAYWARDS

485.2500 - CSE CROSS COM

488.5500 - CSE CROSS COM

488.7000 - TECS

490.1500 - LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

493.2750 - DOOR OF HOPE

494.8250 - LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

494.9250 - LCC SWIMMING

495.0000 - BUCKBY MOTORS

495.0125 - UHF SIMPLEX

495.0625 - VIZPIX

495.1125 - VIRGIN UHF

500.0500 - AFRS

505.7750 - JETSTAR UHF

506.8000 - VIRGIN UHF

509.8750 - OFFICE RACING

509.8875 - GRAMMAR

509.9375 - CSE CROSS COM

509.9875 - ST VINCENTS

 

Review: Uniden UBCD436PT Digital Trunking Handheld Scanner

The Uniden UBCD436PT is a powerful, feature-rich handheld scanner that caters to serious radio enthusiasts and professionals. As an Australian variant of the popular U.S. Uniden BCD436HP, it comes pre-configured for local frequency standards, making it an attractive option for monitoring a wide variety of communications, including some emergency services, airband, marine, amateur radio operators and other services operating on both trunked systems, DMR*, NXDN* and conventional FM frequencies (where they are not encrypted)

Key Features

1. Trunking and Digital Decoding:
   The UBCD436PT supports P25 Phase I and II, DMR, and NXDN digital trunking protocols, which are increasingly used by emergency services. This ensures future-proof compatibility as older analog systems are phased out.
   A paid upgrade is required to unlock both DMR and NXDN modes.

2. Dynamic Memory Architecture:
   Its memory system allows for easy organization of frequencies into customizable banks, offering flexibility over traditional fixed-channel scanners. The Sentinel software further simplifies programming and updating.

3. Built-In Database:
   With access to the Australian Radioreference database, users can quickly locate nearby frequencies, making it user-friendly for those less experienced in manual programming. In our cases, this is not a great source of up to date information and manual programmed is required to get the most from the UBCD436PT.

4. Close Call RF Capture:
   This feature detects and tunes into nearby transmissions instantly, ideal for field monitoring or events with high RF activity.

5. Customizable Scanning:
   The inclusion of service search categories like public safety, marine, aviation, and railroads makes this scanner versatile for hobbyists and professionals alike.

6. GPS Compatibility:
   With an external GPS module, the scanner can automatically adjust the scanning list based on your location, a boon for those on the move.

Pros

• Wide Frequency Coverage: Covers 25-1300 MHz (with gaps) to monitor everything from HF aviation to UHF emergency services.
• Compact and Portable: Designed for handheld use, it’s suitable for mobile scanning or casual field trips.
• Upgradeable Firmware: Regular updates ensure the device remains compatible with changing communication protocols.
• Excellent Audio Quality: Loud and clear audio ensures transmissions are easily heard even in noisy environments.
• Customizable Alerts: The LED alert and tone options help quickly identify the source of an active frequency.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: Beginners may find the array of features overwhelming without prior experience in scanners.
• Limited Battery Life: The supplied AA NiMH batteries provide only 6–8 hours of use, which could be insufficient for long scanning sessions.
• Price: At around $650 AUD, the UBCD436PT is an investment, though justified by its capabilities.
• Build Quality: While functional, the plastic casing feels less rugged compared to some competing models.
• Challenging DMR Setup: Some users report difficulty programming DMR systems without significant manual adjustments.

Ideal Use Cases

• Public Safety Monitoring: Its ability to decode trunked systems ensures you won't miss critical communications.
• Hobby Scanning: Aviation, rail, marine, and CB enthusiasts will appreciate its broad coverage and ease of use.
• Event Monitoring: The Close Call feature is great for events with unpredictable RF activity.

Final Thoughts

The Uniden UBCD436PT is one of the best handheld scanners on the Australian market for advanced users and professionals who need comprehensive digital and analogue scanning capabilities. While it may not be the easiest to master for newcomers, its powerful features and future-ready support for digital protocols make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about radio monitoring.

Rating: 4.5/5

TASGRN Information

Background:

TASGRN: Modernizing Emergency and Government Communications in Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia's island state, is no stranger to the challenges of communication in its rugged landscapes. The Tasmania Government Radio Network (TASGRN) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating a unified, reliable communication system for emergency services, government agencies, and other critical stakeholders.

What is TASGRN?

The TASGRN is a state-wide digital radio network designed to bring together disparate communication systems under a single, cohesive platform. The project, backed by significant investment from the Tasmanian Government, uses advanced digital technologies to provide better coverage, interoperability, and resilience.

Currently, many agencies in Tasmania, including police, fire, ambulance, and various government departments, rely on separate communication networks. These systems often have compatibility issues, limited range in remote areas, and insufficient capacity during emergencies. TASGRN addresses these issues by ensuring all parties can seamlessly communicate when it matters most.

Key Features of TASGRN

1. Digital Trunking Technology
   TASGRN employs Project 25 (P25) Phase 2 technology, a standard used globally for critical communications. This provides:

   • Better spectrum efficiency: More users can operate simultaneously.
   • Clearer audio quality: Reduced background noise and distortion.
   • Improved security: Encryption ensures secure communication.

2. State-wide Coverage
   The network is designed to cover even Tasmania's most remote areas. By using strategically placed towers and leveraging UHF and VHF bands, TASGRN will ensure reliable communication for on-the-ground teams and headquarters.

3. Interoperability
   One of TASGRN’s standout features is its ability to integrate multiple agencies into a single system. This interoperability ensures seamless communication between police, ambulance, fire services, and others during emergencies like bushfires, floods, and search-and-rescue operations.

4. Scalability and Future-Proofing
   TASGRN is built to adapt to future technological advancements. The infrastructure is designed to support upgrades, ensuring it remains effective for decades.

Why is TASGRN Important?

1. Emergency Response: In crises, quick and reliable communication can save lives. TASGRN ensures that all agencies can coordinate effectively without delays caused by incompatible systems.
2. Cost Efficiency: By consolidating multiple systems into one, TASGRN reduces the long-term costs associated with maintaining separate networks for different agencies.
3. Resilience: The system is designed to withstand natural disasters, ensuring communication remains operational when other systems might fail.
4. Support for Daily Operations: Beyond emergencies, TASGRN provides a robust platform for everyday tasks, improving efficiency across government agencies.

Challenges and Implementation

Deploying TASGRN is no small feat. It involves upgrading existing infrastructure, training staff to use new equipment, and ensuring minimal disruption during the transition. Despite these challenges, the benefits far outweigh the short-term hurdles.

How Will It Impact Communities?

For everyday Tasmanians, the benefits of TASGRN might not always be visible but are deeply impactful.

• Safer communities: Faster, more coordinated responses to emergencies mean better outcomes.
• Improved infrastructure: Investments in communication towers and systems also boost mobile and internet connectivity in remote areas.
• Economic benefits: By modernizing infrastructure, Tasmania becomes more attractive for investments and tourism.

Conclusion

The TASGRN is a transformative project that underscores Tasmania's commitment to modernizing its emergency and government communication systems. By investing in this cutting-edge network, the state is enhancing safety, efficiency, and resilience for years to come.

As Tasmania’s landscape continues to challenge emergency responders, TASGRN is a crucial step toward ensuring that help is always just a call away—no matter where they are.

Radio Desk - 2024

 

Loggings - 11/12/2024

118.7 - TOWER-LTON

119.1  -  CTAF

123.45 - AIR SIMP

123.8 - ATC-LTON APPROACH

126.4 - HELI RESOURCES

126.5 - ATC-NORTH

126.7 - CTAF

127.3  -  CTAF-GT

129.5 -  QANTAS

130.125  -  JETSTAR-HOBART

130.225  -  JETSTAR-LTON

130.35  -  VELOCITY

145.025 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.4  -  VK7RAA INPUT

146.5 - 2M HAM SIMP

147.000 - VK7RAA-MTARTHUR

156.4 - MARINE VHF 8

156.6  -  MARINE VHF 12

156.7 - MARINE VHF 14

156.8  -  MARINE VHF 16

158 - TASRAIL SIMP VHF

161.075  -  ARTEC

162.375  -  TASRAIL-MILLERS

162.5 - BORAL

162.6125 - TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

163.025  - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.075  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.475  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.575  -  LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

413.1 - LTON COLLEGE(D)

413.35 - LGH SECURITY(D)

414.025  -  TASRAIL UHF LINK

414.26875 - METRO UHF LINK

414.425  -  TASRAIL UHF LINK

438.55 - VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

462.125  -  UHF SIMPLEX

464.275 - METRO ABLES

464.375 - METRO FREELANDS

467.475  -  CASINO SECURITY(D)

473.4  -  TASRAIL SIMP UHF

473.5 - TASRAIL SIMP UHF

474.775  -  UNI SECURITY (DMR)

476.425  -  UHF CB CH 1

476.45  -  UHF CB CH 2

476.475  -  UHF CB CH 3

476.525  -  UHF CB CH 5

476.575  -  UHF CB CH 7

476.625  -  UHF CB CH 9

476.65 - UHF CB CH 10

476.675  -  UHF CB CH 11

476.7  -  UHF CB CH 12

476.775  -  UHF CB CH 15

476.8  -  UHF CB CH 16

476.85 -  UHF CB 18

476.95  -  UHF CB CH 22

477  -  UHF CB CH 24

477.075  -  UHF CB CH 27

477.1  -  UHF CB CH 28

477.125  -  UHF CB CH 29

477.175  -  UHF CB CH 31

477.2  -  UHF CB CH 32

477.3  -  UHF CB CH 36

477.35  -  UHF CB CH 38

477.375  -  UHF CB CH 39

477.4 - UHF CB CH 40

485.25 - CSE CROSS COM

488.55 - CSE CROSS COM

494.925 - LCC SWIMMING

495.0625  -  VIZPIX

Loggings - 10/12/2024

27.385  -  27MHZ CB
(10/12/2024 - Logged, suspect SSB.)

118.1 - TOWER-HOBART

118.7 - TOWER-LTON

123.8 - ATC-LTON APPROACH

126.35  -  AIR SIMP

126.4 - HELI RESOURCES

126.5 - ATC-NORTH
(10/12/2024 - TRP Missing comms, suspect in radio deadspot.)

126.7 - CTAF

127.3  -  CTAF-GT

129.5 -  QANTAS

130.125  -  JETSTAR-HOBART

130.35  -  VELOCITY

145.025 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.4  -  VK7RAA INPUT

146.5 - 2M HAM SIMP

147.000 - VK7RAA-MTARTHUR

156.7 - MARINE VHF 14

156.8  -  MARINE VHF 16

158 - TASRAIL SIMP VHF

162.375  -  TASRAIL-MILLERS

162.5 - BORAL

162.6125 - TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

163.025  - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.075  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.575  -  LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

413.35 - LGH SECURITY(D)

414.025  -  TASRAIL UHF LINK

438.55 - VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

454.275  -  METRO (TX)

462.125  -  UHF SIMPLEX

464.275 - METRO ABLES

464.375 - METRO FREELANDS

473.4  -  TASRAIL SIMP UHF

473.5 - TASRAIL SIMP UHF

474.775  -  UNI SECURITY (DMR)

476.425  -  UHF CB CH 1

476.45  -  UHF CB CH 2

476.475  -  UHF CB CH 3

476.55  -  UHF CB CH 6

476.575  -  UHF CB CH 7

476.625  -  UHF CB CH 9

476.65 - UHF CB CH 10

476.675  -  UHF CB CH 11

476.7  -  UHF CB CH 12

476.8  -  UHF CB CH 16

476.825  -  UHF CB CH 17

476.85 -  UHF CB 18
(10/12/2024 - Issue with bin being overloaded, can't lift it, needs help to empty out first.)

476.875  -  UHF CB CH 19

476.925  -  UHF CB CH 21

476.95  -  UHF CB CH 22

476.975  -  UHF CB CH 23

477.025  -  UHF CB CH 25

477.0625  -  UHF CB CH 66

477.1  -  UHF CB CH 28

477.15  -  UHF CB CH 30

477.175  -  UHF CB CH 31

477.2  -  UHF CB CH 32

477.275  -  UHF CB CH 35

477.3  -  UHF CB CH 36

477.3375  -  UHF CB CH 77

477.35  -  UHF CB CH 38

477.375  -  UHF CB CH 39

477.4 - UHF CB CH 40

477.4125  -  UHF CB CH 80

485.25 - CSE CROSS COM
(10/12/2024 - Issues with delivery of reo, taken to wrong area and can't move due to weight.)

488.55 - CSE CROSS COM

494.925 - LCC SWIMMING

509.875 - OFFICE OF RACING INTEGRITY
(10/12/2024 - Testing 2,6,7. Issues with gate being blocked, need to move to back gate)

Video - What Do I Use My Various Radio For

 

Short Story - The Midnight Whisper

Elliot sat in his dimly lit room, the soft hum of his old scanner filling the silence. The world outside was dark, the neighbourhood quiet, but for him, the night was alive with possibility. His fingers hovered over the tuning knob, ready to catch the faintest whisper in the air.

Radio scanning had been his passion since he was a boy, when his grandfather gifted him his first handheld scanner. Over the years, Elliot had upgraded to more sophisticated equipment, piecing together a setup that could pluck signals from across the globe. Each night, he embarked on a new journey, tuning into the unseen world of airwaves.

The scanner hissed and popped as he turned the dial. Static ebbed and flowed like the tide, a symphony of chaos that only he could love. Then, a voice broke through the noise, crisp and clear:

“November Delta 324, requesting descent to 10,000 feet.”

Elliot smiled. A commercial flight heading into the local airport. He imagined the passengers, weary from their journey, peering out at the city lights below. But he didn’t linger on the thought. There were more secrets to uncover.

He switched bands, chasing bursts of signal. A weather report from a distant marine station crackled through, warning of rough seas. Then came the rhythmic chatter of a train dispatcher coordinating with an engineer. Elliot jotted down the frequency in his notebook, a habit he’d kept for years.

Suddenly, a faint, rapid burst of static caught his ear. He adjusted the dial with precision, leaning closer to the receiver. A series of beeps and tones followed—a Morse code transmission. Elliot’s heart quickened. These were rare finds.

Deciphering the code, he scribbled on a notepad: CQ DX. It was a general call for distant stations, sent from an amateur radio operator somewhere far away. Elliot responded silently in his mind, imagining the operator on the other end, sitting in their own quiet room, searching the skies just as he was.

The night stretched on, and Elliot continued his exploration. Each signal was a fragment of a story: a taxi dispatcher coordinating pickups, a ham operator recounting his day, a distant broadcast of a soccer match from halfway across the world.

As dawn broke, the scanner’s hum faded into the background, blending with the first chirps of waking birds. Elliot leaned back in his chair, his notebook filled with new frequencies, his mind alight with the connections he had made.

For most, the airwaves were invisible, intangible. But for Elliot, they were a bridge to a vast, unseen world—a reminder that even in solitude, he was never truly alone.

Loggings - 07/12/2024 - 08/12/2024

118.1 - TOWER-HOBART

118.7 - TOWER-LTON

123.45 - AIR SIMP

123.8 - ATC-LTON APPROACH

126.5 - ATC-NORTH

126.7 - CTAF

127.3  -  CTAF-GT

129.5 -  QANTAS

130.125  -  JETSTAR-HOBART

130.225  -  JETSTAR-LTON

130.35  -  VELOCITY

145.025 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.4  -  VK7RAA INPUT

147.000 - VK7RAA-MTARTHUR
(07/12/2024 - POTA activation near Greens Beach.)

156.375  -  MARINE VHF 67

156.4 - MARINE VHF 8

156.6  -  MARINE VHF 12

156.7 - MARINE VHF 14

158 - TASRAIL SIMP VHF

161.075  -  ARTEC

162.5 - BORAL

162.6125 - TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

163.025  - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.075  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.475  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.575  -  LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

27.025  -  27MHZ CB

413.35 - LGH SECURITY(D)

414.025  -  TASRAIL UHF LINK

414.26875 - METRO UHF LINK

414.425  -  TASRAIL UHF LINK

438.05  -  VK7RBL-BENLOMOND

438.55 - VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

450.35  -  ANNANCONDA LTON

454.275  -  METRO (TX)
(07/12/2024 - Issues with bus in York Street, stuck on stop near All Goods.)

462.05  -  BUNNINGS

462.25  -  KMART LTON

463.4  -  TARGET LTON

464.275 - METRO ABLES

464.375 - METRO FREELANDS

467.475  -  CASINO SECURITY(D)

473.4  -  TASRAIL SIMP UHF

473.5 - TASRAIL SIMP UHF

474.125 - WARREN J SPEERS

474.775  -  UNI SECURITY (DMR)

474.925  -  PFEIFFER CRANES

476.425  -  UHF CB CH 1

476.45  -  UHF CB CH 2

476.475  -  UHF CB CH 3

476.5  -  UHF CB CH 4

476.525  -  UHF CB CH 5

476.575  -  UHF CB CH 7

476.6  -  UHF CB CH 8

476.625  -  UHF CB CH 9

476.65 - UHF CB CH 10

476.675  -  UHF CB CH 11

476.725  -  UHF CB CH 13

476.8  -  UHF CB CH 16

476.825  -  UHF CB CH 17
(07/12/2024 - Confirmed Becks Mitre10 Launceston - Inwards Goods Communications - Confirmed via sign on gate.)

476.85 -  UHF CB 18

477  -  UHF CB CH 24

477.025  -  UHF CB CH 25

477.075  -  UHF CB CH 27

477.1  -  UHF CB CH 28

477.15  -  UHF CB CH 30

477.175  -  UHF CB CH 31

477.2  -  UHF CB CH 32

477.3  -  UHF CB CH 36

477.325  -  UHF CB CH 37

477.35  -  UHF CB CH 38

477.375  -  UHF CB CH 39

477.4 - UHF CB CH 40

485.25 - CSE CROSS COM

488.55 - CSE CROSS COM

Video - What is Radio Band Monitoring

 

A Unique Radio Day: Logging New and Rare Frequencies

December 4th, 2024, was a standout day in my radio scanning journey. It’s not every day that you manage to log a brand new frequency, let alone several rare or previously inactive ones. From unexpected transmissions to reactivated channels, the day was full of discoveries that made it one for the books. Here's a rundown of the frequencies I logged, including the stories behind them.

1. 462.125 - UHF Simplex: A New Frequency Logged
The day started off with a breakthrough—a brand-new frequency logged for the first time on my scanner: 462.125 MHz in the UHF Simplex range.

This was an exciting moment, especially since it's not common to stumble across completely new frequencies active these days. The log occurred in Riverside. The voices on the airwaves seemed to belong to school staff (we have have four schools in this area), possibly communicating logistics related to events or coordination. This is a unique find, as it’s likely this frequency hasn't been used much, if at all, before. A moment of serendipity! I now have added this to my dedicated UHF wideband handheld, to keep a closer ear out for it's use.

2. 465.4 - CSE Cross Com: A Re-emerging Frequency
Next, I logged 465.4 MHz on a frequency that hadn’t been heard in my logs since 2017. It’s always intriguing when an old frequency comes back to life, and on 04/12/2024 at around 9:30 PM, it was very active.

The transmissions on this frequency appeared to come from a security company, with the callsigns "Tango Alpha Base" and "Tango Alpha 1,2,3" being repeated frequently. There was also a series of "Copy your Charlie 1,6,7" exchanges, indicating some kind of operational communication, possibly related to security patrols or site monitoring.

This type of activity is rare, and the frequency's re-emergence after years of dormancy is fascinating. It was a reminder of the constant ebb and flow of radio communications, where channels sometimes go quiet for years and suddenly spring back into action.

3. 495.0625 - VizPix: Camera Crews on the Move
Another exciting log for the day came at 10 PM on 495.0625 MHz, a frequency that had only just started being picked up in my scanning sessions. This frequency is used by VizPix, which provides camera services for racing events.

During my scan, I heard discussions about zoom levels and tracking the action on various parts of the racecourse. It was clear that the crew was coordinating the coverage of a race, possibly adjusting cameras and preparing to broadcast the event. This frequency gave me a deeper understanding of how these camera crews communicate to ensure seamless production—another unique and practical use of the radio spectrum. In the past they had been logged active on UHF CB.

4. 509.875 - Office of Racing Integrity: A New License
The last frequency of the day was 509.875 MHz, which I found had been newly licensed by the ACMA in November 2024. This frequency appears to be used by the Office of Racing Integrity at Mowbray Racecourse.

I logged this frequency around 10 PM, and the transmissions were very active, with the team discussing which horses to check and coordinating the opening of gates for track access. This was a great find as the frequency had only just been licensed, and its activity suggested a well-coordinated team working behind the scenes at a major event.

Reflecting on a Unique Day
Overall, December 4th was an extraordinary day on the bands. It’s not every day that I get to log a brand new frequency, especially one that seemed to be used by a school staff. On top of that, I logged three other frequencies that aren't commonly active, making this a day I won't forget. From the CSE Cross Com frequency re-emerging after years of silence to the Office of Racing Integrity and VizPix frequencies, it was a mix of the old and the new, with plenty of surprises along the way.

Radio scanning has a way of rewarding patience and persistence, and days like this remind me why I’m so passionate about this hobby. It's a unique thrill to piece together the puzzle of communications, and I can’t wait to see what else the bands have in store.

Keep scanning, and who knows what you'll discover next!

Data Signals

As part of my exploring of the radio bands, often come across various data type signals, these really interest me, so I keep a record of these, including where they are transmitting from and the various sites the are linking together. I will update this as I find and identify new signals. 

164.875 - TASRAIL Tasrail Data. Dazzler Range.

165.1375  - TASRAIL No Information Logged

166.550 - TASGRN TX = Mt Barrow

166.9625 - TASGRN TX =  Brown Mountain Road LILYDALE

167.2125 - TASGRN TX = Telstra Radio Terminal MT DISMAL

167.5125- TASGRN TX = Telstra Radio Terminal MT DISMAL

413.450 - TASWATER TX = Ti Tree Bend Treatment Plant Gilmore St INVERMAY.

413.825 - TASWATER TasWater data link. Ables Hill.

414.325 - TASWATER TasWater data link. Abels Hill.

414.450 - TFS Mt Dismal TX Site, 

421.4875- TASGRN TX = Abels Hill

421.825- TASGRN TX = West Launceston

451.300 - TASWATER TasWater data link. Rocherlea depot.

460.83125 - TASRAIL TasRail Ables Hill Data

461.275 - TASWATER TasWater Data. Abels Hill

461.675 - TASWATER TasWater Data. Reatta Road Trevallyn

461.750 - TASWATER TasWater Data. Freelands Lookout Trevallyn

461.825 - TASWATER TasWater Data. Brougham Street WEST LAUNCESTON.

464.150 - SPATIAL ENTERPRISES Ti Tree Bend Sewerage Plant  Invermay

Loggings - 02/12/2024

118.7 - TOWER-LTON

123.45 - AIR SIMP

123.8 - ATC-LTON APPROACH

126.5 - ATC-NORTH

126.9  -  CTAF NW

127.3  -  CTAF-GT

129.5 -  QANTAS

130.225  -  JETSTAR-LTON

130.35  -  VELOCITY

145.025 - 2M HAM SIMP

146.4  -  VK7RAA INPUT

147.000 - VK7RAA-MTARTHUR

158  -  TASRAIL SIMP VHF

162.5 - BORAL

162.6125 - TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

163.025  - LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.075  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.475  -  LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.575  -  LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

413.35 - LGH SECURITY(D)

414.26875 - METRO UHF LINK

438.55 - VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

454.275  -  METRO (TX)

464.275 - METRO ABLES

464.375 - METRO FREELANDS

469.55  -  FAMILY COURT

474.775  -  UNI SECURITY (DMR)

476.425  -  UHF CB CH 1

476.45  -  UHF CB CH 2

476.5  -  UHF CB CH 4

476.525  -  UHF CB CH 5

476.55  -  UHF CB CH 6

476.6  -  UHF CB CH 8

476.625  -  UHF CB CH 9

476.7  -  UHF CB CH 12

476.725  -  UHF CB CH 13

476.75  -  UHF CB CH 14

476.85 -  UHF CB 18

476.875  -  UHF CB CH 19

476.975  -  UHF CB CH 23

477  -  UHF CB CH 24

477.075  -  UHF CB CH 27

477.1  -  UHF CB CH 28

477.175  -  UHF CB CH 31

477.2  -  UHF CB CH 32

477.3  -  UHF CB CH 36

477.35  -  UHF CB CH 38

477.375  -  UHF CB CH 39

477.4 - UHF CB CH 40

485.25 - CSE CROSS COM

488.55 - CSE CROSS COM

494.925 - LCC SWIMMING

UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial vs. Standard Whip: A Close Call Experiment

As a radio enthusiast, I’m always curious about how different aerials perform in practical scenarios. Recently, I put my newly constructed UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA) to the test against the standard Uniden whip antenna, using Close Call detection on a Uniden BC95XLT receiver. The results were both exciting and illuminating!

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The Setup

For this experiment, I used:

• Transmitting Radio: A Digitech DC-1068 set to transmit continuously on UHF CB Channel 80 (477.4125 MHz) at 0.5W.
• Receiving Radio: A Uniden BC95XLT, locked in Close Call-only mode.
• Aerials:
  • Standard Whip Antenna (Uniden stock).
  • UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA), mounted on top, in a horizontal orientation for optimal line-of-sight reception.

The procedure was simple: I conducted five runs with each aerial, walking towards the transmitting radio until the Close Call feature captured the signal. Distances were measured for each run, and the results compared.

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The Results

The difference in performance between the two aerials was striking:

1. Standard Whip Antenna

   • Consistently captured the signal at approximately 8 metres.
   • While reliable, the whip’s performance was limited by its compact size and omnidirectional design.

2. UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA)

   • Delivered Close Call hits at distances up to 22.6 metres, with an average detection range nearly three times greater than the whip.
   • This superior performance demonstrates the loop’s higher gain, making it more effective at pulling in weaker or distant signals.

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What This Means

The UHFHWLA’s performance highlights the benefits of a purpose-built aerial, especially for dedicated tasks like Close Call scanning. Its ability to capture signals at much greater distances than the whip underscores the importance of gain in aerial design.

While the standard whip is a convenient, portable solution, the UHFHWLA proves that even a simple, DIY aerial can dramatically enhance reception capabilities.

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What’s Next?

This test has opened the door to further exploration. My next steps will include:

• Testing in a Large Park: With more open space, I’ll evaluate the UHFHWLA’s performance at extended distances and see just how far it can go.
• Exploring Directionality: The horizontal loop may have directional properties worth investigating, particularly when compared to other aerial types.
• Comparing More Aerials: I plan to pit the UHFHWLA against a broader range of aerials, including some high-gain commercial models, to see where it truly stands.

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Conclusion

This experiment demonstrated that a well-designed UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial could significantly outperform a standard whip, especially in scenarios where pulling in distant signals matters. Whether you’re a scanner enthusiast or just experimenting with radio equipment, building and testing your own aerials can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

Stay tuned for updates as I take the UHFHWLA into more challenging environments!

Standard Whip

UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA)