[ScanIndiana] Re: i just got a scanner!!! now what?

[David L Norris]

On Tue, 2003-05-13 at 00:32, Wesley Beam wrote:
> I have this really nifty bearcat 560xlt and wanna put it through its paces.

Looks like that radio only covers up to 512 MHz.  That's probably
alright for your area.  At least for the time being.  

A lot of the IU stuff appears to be on an 800 MHz trunked LTR system. 
But, there's plenty of conventional radio traffic to be heard below 512
MHz.

> what are some hot frequencies in the Bloomington city area?

Have a look on IndyScan:
  http://www.indyscan.com/county/monroe.htm


> Also where could I learn about the police call 
> numbers? I don't think that the right terminology 
> but it's the string of numbers they call in when they 
> report things. I have the dispatch frequency but can't 
> figure what they're calling in half the time. 

Good starting point is here:
  http://www.indyscan.com/reference/10codes.htm

Each department has their own set of codes and signals.  But, most are
based on the state police system.  If the usage for a particular
code/signal Andrew has listed doesn't make sense then they've probably
assigned their own meaning to it.



> Finally, I found this one freq. (438.187) that was broadcasting 
> a pretty steady set of beeps. Maybe its a trunked thingy or a digital signal.......

You're probably hearing a "birdie" which is simply noise generated
within the radio.  Might be some other sort of interference, though. 
Could even be noise from a nearby computer or something.  Might try
moving the radio around to see if it goes away.

438.1875 (560XLT omits the 5 from 75 and 25) is an Amateur "Ham" Radio
frequency in a subband commonly used for television transmission. 
That's not to say someone isn't using the frequency for some other
purpose.  You could be hearing a real signal.  But, it's more likely to
be noise.

Quick summary of UHF bands you might be able to recieve:
230-406 MHz - Military Band
406-420 MHz - Federal Government Band
420-450 MHz - Amateur "Ham" Band (shared with military)
450-470 MHz - Commercial Band
470-512 MHz - "T band" television band (CH 14-20)

-- 
 David Norris
  http://www.webaugur.com/dave/
  ICQ - 412039