Tuesday, December 26, 2023

SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE 2023

Hello and welcome back... 

This Boxing Day (Dec26th) will see a plethora of Boats / Yachts hit Sydney Harbor in one of biggest events (kinda like Bathurst1000 but for boats)...

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

You can listen to the boats all the way to Tasmania on Shortwave (USB) & Marine Band

FREQUENCIES  (Race Control Callsign = JBW)
4483Khz USB (Shortwave)
6516Khz  USB (Shortwave)
156.800 - Ch 16 (Distress, safety,calling)
157.050/161.650 - Ch21 (Tasmania weather, port opps)
157.075/161.675 - Ch81 (Tasmania Coastguard / rescue)
156.650 - Ch 13 (Sydney Harbour Control / Traffic)
 
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (Darling Point NSW)
4.4844
6.2284
6.5174

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (Newport Beach NSW)
509.7875

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (Milsons Point NSW)
412.4125

Race starts 1pm

Coverage on 7 Network / ABC TV


LINKS

http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/

http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/the-yachts/ (Boats, Sail No, Type)

https://twitter.com/rshyr

https://www.facebook.com/RolexSydneyHobart

http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/tracker/ (Yacht Tracker)


Please, Don't forget to shout me a coffee (see link top right corner).. Any amount big or small is much appreciated and it keeps this site happening :)

#SydneyHobartFrequencies
#YachtRaceFrequencies


Monday, November 13, 2023

QUANSHENG - UPDATED AIRBAND MODE

Hello and Welcome Back... Prob the cheapest Airband radio you can get.. My Quansheng came today, i ordered last Wednesday and it came today (Monday)... That's super fast and only cost me $20 something dollars..

Im going to try to flash the software sometime soon.. Good to see the Airband has had an update too


 

LINKS

https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/releases (Firmware) 

https://whosmatt.github.io/uvmod/ (UV Mod) 

#quansheng

#nswradio&communications

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

AUST DESERT TRAINS - Video

 An Excellent Video, Very Well Done..


 

#trainspotting

#nswradio&communications

LIVE PLANE SPOTTING @ SYDNEY AIRPORT

 

 

#planespotting

#nswradio&communications

INTERESTNG CONCEPT - THE Quansheng UV K5 (8)

 Hello and Welcome Back.. Single Side Band on a handheld Chinese Radio? (18mhz - 1300mhz) Interesting.


 

To get the 18-1300mhz, you will need to 'hack' the software (links below).. Doing so will void waranty


LINKS

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005747378093.html ($21 Aust dollars)

https://github.com/spm81/Quansheng_UV-K5/blob/main/Firmware/UNIVERSAL%20FIRMWARE%20(%20All%20Radios%20-%20UV-K5%2C%20UV-K5(8)%2C%20UV-K6%2C%20UV-5R%20Plus%2C%20etc...)/Open%20Spectrum%20Firmware%20by%20facgi/uv-k5-firmware-fagci-mod-v1.1.2-SSB-lite-test.bin (Update / Flash the firmware)

http://en.qsfj.com/support/downloads/3268 (enable software update)

Huge thanks to 'OM0ET' for uploading this video

https://whosmatt.github.io/uvmod/ (more firmware)

A REVIEW

 

#quansheng

#hackedradio


 


Sunday, October 15, 2023

HOLSWORTHY ARMY BARRCKS (NSW)

 Hello and Welcome Back... 

 

 

Holsworthy military base (ICAO: YSHW) is an Australian Army military barracks, located in the Heathcote National Park in Holsworthy approximately 25 km (16 mi) from the central business district, in south-western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 


The barracks is part of the Holsworthy military reserve, which is 22,000 ha (54,000-acre) training area and artillery range for the Australian Army.

Holsworthy Army Barracks is home to 

    145 Signal Squadron
    2nd Commando Regiment
    6th Aviation Regiment
    1st Health Support Battalion

Home to Blackhawk & Sea King helicopters.. Sadly the Taipan Helicopters are no longer.. 

 

FREQUENCIES

72.350 -   Agency Range (Primary)
77.825 -   Army
82.400 -   Agency Range (Secondary)
121.000 -  6 AVN RGT HQ (CTAF)
124.550 -  Sydney Radar
132.900 -  Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
136.500 -  Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
150.9625 - Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
151.025 -  Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
151.1625 - Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
151.2125 - Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
151.275 -  Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
161.200 -  Dept Of Defence (Moorebank)
285.400 -  Army
394.900 -  Army
487.200 -  Holsworthy (Dept of Defence)
490.5375 - Holsworthy
492.925 -  Holsworthy Range Control


 


#army

#armyfrequencies

#holsworthyfrequencies

#NOTE - These frequencies are for military / aviation enthusiasts only.

Sunday, October 1, 2023

ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY?

 Hello and Welcome Back... Summer has come early this time around, and while i love the heat, so does Bushfires..

 

(Winmalee Fires 2013) (above)

I live in Springwood, bang smack in the middle (almost) of the Blue Mountains. 

There have been several large bushfires in the Blue Mountains over the years, but the biggest and most scariest for me was the 2013 Winmalee fires.

It was a hot, windy day and i was getting ready to go pick my kids up from Winmalee High & Winmalee Public school around 2pm

As I was about to leave, I heard a heap of sirens so I figured I would grab my scanner and a little birdie in my head told me to grab my camera as well... I'm Glad I Did

As I was rounding the top of Hawkesbury rd, Springwood near the golf course, i could see a huge plume of smoke.. 

This was the view (below)


My first thoughts were, 'Shit, My Kids Are In There Somewhere'... sadly, I didn't get to them.. It was to be 3-4 days before i would get to see my kids again..

I made it to the bottom of the hill and that's where i was stuck as the road I was now on resembling a car park. The amount of Emergency Vehicles that was now flying past me was staggering..

I turned on the scanner to revealed the true horror, multiple 'Red' messages were coming through the speaker from both the RFS (Rural Fire) and Fire Brigade (Fire & Rescue) as one by one, various trucks from other suburbs were now flying past me.. 

I tried to phone my wife but phones were out as the influx of people trying to contact love ones pushed the nearest phone tower to its limit.. So was internet, that was down too.. I sent multiple messages trying to let my wife know what was happening, who was at home, oblivious to what was going on

This was the view from where i was parked  (Below)


Thankfully, one of my messages got through and my wife rang relatives who lived on the other side of the fire who picked up my kids before things really hit the fan..

From where I was, nobody knew how big this fire had spread in such a small space of time... I did, because my scanner was now, my only form of communication... I could hear what was happening, as it happened.. 

In a Bushfire, never rely on the phone network as i just gets choked with messages, phone calls and internet all trying to get information, all at the same time..

Your scanner, when programmed correctly, is your only source of instant information that could mean life or death..

That day on 17th October 2013, 248 dwellings in Winmalee, Yellow Rock and surrounds were burnt to the ground, 193 houses were lost while another 109 houses were damaged.. Sadly 2 people died..

It all started when trees hit power-lines causing then to spark..

 

So, What To Program?

The first thing I always program into my radio are the Air Frequencies as helicopter support are often the first real good 'Birds Eye' view on how big the fire is and where its heading..

RFS (Rural Fire Service) has several helicopters & other large aircraft on standby at any given notice, those include Large Air Tankers, three fixing wing aircraft and seven helicopters including a CH-47 Chinook

119.100 (Wollongong, Bulli, Sydney)
118.150
123.450 (air to air chat)
123.650
124.250
124.450
128.700
130.550
132.350
132.550
133.200
134.375 (RAAF)
136.025 (RAAF)
152.8125  (Handhelds)
450.4125 (Comms)

 

Next is, National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) now known as 'Office of Environment & Heritage'

Current Fleet

Parkair 1 (VH-NPX) - Aerospatiale AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 2 (VH-NPD) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 3 (VH-WDS) - Airbus Helicopters H125 Helicopter
Parkair 4 (VH-UAH) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 5 (VH-ZHG) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 6 (VH-TFV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane
Parkair 7 (VH-TQV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane

119.600 (Perisher)
122.850
123.850
124.050
125.450
130.650 (Mt Poppong/Howes Valley)
134.700

NPWS (Fireground)
161.175
161.1375
161.300
161.3125
162.525
162.6375
162.700

 

Next thing I program is RFS Fireground channels as this get a good idea of whats happening on the ground.. Fire Ground is limited to 5w of power so you have to be fairly close to hear them..

161.1500 - Fireground 1
161.0625 - Fireground 2
161.0750 - Fireground 3
161.1125 - Fireground 4
161.0875 - Fireground 5
161.0375 - Fireground 6
161.0125 - Fireground 7
161.0500 - Fireground 8
161.1875 - Fireground 9
161.2125 - Fireground 10  (Baulkham Hills)
161.2250 - Fireground 11  (Blue Mountains)
161.2375 - Fireground 12  (Camden)
161.2500 - Fireground 13  (Campbelltown)
161.3375 - Fireground 14  (Gosford)
161.3625 - Fireground 15  (Hawkesbury)
161.3750 - Fireground 16  (Hornsby)
161.3875 - Fireground 17  (Liverpool)
161.4125 - Fireground 18  (Penrith / Blacktown)
161.4500 - Fireground 19  (Sutherland)
161.4625 - Fireground 20  (Waringah)

 Analogue/Digital Simplex
FG1 - 411.0125
FG2 - 411.0375
FG3 - 411.0625
FG4 - 411.0875
FG5 - 411.0125
FG6 - 411.0375
FG7 - 411.0625
FG8 - 411.0875
      
Analogue/Digital Repeater
R17 - 462.0625
R18 - 462.2875
R19 - 462.4250
R20 - 462.5250
R21 - 462.5375
R22 - 462.9000
R23 - 462.9625
R24 - 462.9875

 

The view from my back door (once i got home)

 

Next on the list is NSW Forestry. 

Forestry is not as big as NPWS in regards to firefighting but in a large Bushfire environment, Forestry will often get called in to help 

NSW Wide   70.550
NSW Wide   72.650
Sydney     79.1125
NSW Wide   79.9375
NSW Wide   79.9375
ForestAir Helicopter - 132.550 (Bankstown Airport)
NSW Wide   150.700
NSW Wide   154.4125
NSW Wide   161.450
NSW Wide   426.0750
NSW Wide   426.300


Rural Fire Misc Frequencies (NSW Wide - Portables/Handhelds)

75.225
77.650
77.6625
77.8875
78.1625
415.525
422.6875
422.9375
426.0875
426.3375


161.0125 - NSW Fire Service Headquarters (Homebush)
161.1500 - NSW Fire Service Headquarters (Homebush)
460.69375 - NSW Fire Service Headquarters (Homebush)


RFS - PMR (Personal Mobile Radio)

Kurrajong RFS-77.6625
Yetholme RFS-77.9125
Jews Mtn RFS-78.2125
Lithgow (Hassans Walls) RFS-78.2375
Terrey Hills RFS-78.7375
Hillside RFS-78.825
Glenorie RFS-78.825
Heathcote RFS-78.925
Razorback (Camden) RFS-78.9875
Homebush (Olympic Park)-161.0125
Hornsby Heights RFS-161.0375
Terrey Hills RFS-161.0625
Hillside RFS-161.0750
Glenorie RFS-161.0750
Prestons (Liverpool) RFS-161.0875
Heathcote RFS-161.1125
Homebush (Olympic Park)-161.150
Plumpton RFS-161.2125
Oberon RFS-161.2250
Wilberforce RFS-161.2375
Campbelltown RFS-161.250
Silverdale RFS-161.3375
Narellan RFS-161.3625
Regentville (Penrith) RFS-161.3875
Nattai RFS-161.400
Terrey Hills RFS-161.400
Kingswood RFS-461.04375
Lithgow RFS-461.31875   


And Lastly PSN (Public Safety Network) ex GRN (Government Radio Network) (P25)

https://www.nswpsn.com/home

Programming for PSN/GRN can be complicated as you will need to program Base Frequencies as well as TGID (ID Tags) that tell your scanner who using the radio..

The PSN can be complicated for new users or scanner lovers who have come back to scanning after a long time away from the radio...

I offer a service where I will program everything you need in case of emergency... and more.

In regards to PSN/GRN Programming,  I use settings that make the radio more sensitive, COWs (Cell On Wheels) so your radio stays working while planned work or emergency's do things to the towers, I also have 35 years of scanning experience and I live in Springwood, Blue Mountains as the radio program I use to keep my friends and family safe is the same one I offer you..

Interested? See Here = http://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/radio-programming-services-available.html

 

Have a Happy and Safe 2023/24 Summer and Always Be Prepared..and hope that 2013 never happens again..

 

EMERGENCY IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS  (Video)

 


All photos, Videos and information was by Michael Bailey - NSW Radio & Communications

Springwood, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia


LINKS

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

https://www.nswpsn.com/home 

https://globe.adsbexchange.com/ (Watch Fire Aircraft Live)

https://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/radio-programming-services-available.html 

https://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/

 

#nswruralfire

#rfs

#2013winmalee

#bushfire

#2013winmaleebushfire

#rfsfrequencies

#nswbushfirefrequencies

 

RAW FOOTAGE TAKEN BY MYSELF (It still gives me chills)

 


Tuesday, September 26, 2023

STRICTLY HAM TO CLOSE

 Hello and Welcome Back... Sad news with the imminent closure of Victorian radio store 'Strictly Ham' to close..

One of my most Fav store to buy Diamond band antenna's, getting hard to find a decent store that doent sell fakes..

Read more about the closure HERE = https://www.strictlyham.com.au/retirement

 


 #strictlyham

#nswradio&communication


Saturday, September 23, 2023

UNIDEN 325P2 (UBCD325P2) REVIEW

 Hello and Welcome Back... I Finally managed to get my hands on a Uniden 325P2 Radio Scanner and have been playing with it for a week or so.. Here is My Thoughts.

 

If this radio looks familiar, that's because its built using the same casing as Uniden UBC93XLT, Is this a good thing? Lets Find Out..

So, i'm guessing someone from Uniden seen that they had excess casings of an old scanner and decided to breath new life into the budget scanner market.. and so the 325P2 was born..

And it kinda works, almost..

Inside it has the same menu system as the 396T/XT which makes this radio compatible with Freescan software.. But that's where the resemblance to the 396XT ends. I was hoping that the 325P2 was a 396XT with added features but, sadly no.

For those who don't know, the 396XT has to one of the best scanners ever invented. The sensitivity of the 396XT is legendary, excellent for Airband, Military Scanning and just about anything you can throw at it so when i seen that the 325P2 had the same menu system, I remained hopeful that it had the same sensitivity as its little brother (396xt) Buuuut... Sadly no.


(a Uniden 235P2 in the Wild) (Above)

Firstly the 325P2 seems deaf.. Using the supplied antenna, i was surprised how it seemed to hardly pick anything up... Was it in the programming?

I switched to 2 different programming software to see if something was not right, I started with Freescan then went to Proscan (Proscan has better settings esp with DMR)

But nothing seemed to work so then i thought 'Antenna'

I hooked the radio up to my outdoor antnna and it started to receive better. I also noticed that the firmware was was behind (Use UBC VUP3 to update firmware) so i updated the firmware.. Not sure if its just me but i thought this update only made it more deaf..

Using the outdoor antenna seemed to be overkill so i looked at handheld antennas but was limited as the 325P2 uses a BNC connection and most of my handheld antennas are SMA.

I run a Diamond SRH771 on my 436PT and absolutely love it, its has to be my fav antenna but what to do with my 325P2?

So i decided to buy a BNC to SMA Female adapter so i could mate the Diamond antenna to the adapter and try that..annnnd.. IT WORKED

The 325PT burst into life, It was like a new radio.. It kinda looked funny with the adapter and a gap where the antenna connected so i got a couple of little washers to fill in the gap and some heat shrink and DONE.. now not only does it receive excellent, it looks good too.. Win Win


GOOD POINTS

Large Screen and Well Lit

DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) Compatable

NXDN Compatable

Phase 1 & 2 P25

Good Size (Fits Well Into Hand)


BAD POINTS

No Backlit Keypad

Seems Deaf without a Decent Antenna

2 Battery's Only (Battery's tend to die quickly when using P25 /DMR)

Limited in Programming = Limit of 255 sites in PSN/GRN

Limited in Programming = limit to 20 groups for each bank

Limited in Programming = Limit to 500 TGIDs in Trunked P25 Sites Only

 


(Only 2 battery's for this radio, 3 would have been better) (Above) Recommend Enloop Pro 4300mha batterys


CONCLUSION

Should You Buy One Of These Radio's?

YES

Once you get a decent antenna (something with a bit of gain), some good battery's and programmed properly, its an excellent little radio.. The screen is easy to read, i wear reading glasses and even without my glasses, i can still see the screen.. The backlight is also excellent, i just wish it followed down to the keypad..

Sensitivity could be better, something as good as the 396xt would be the best and having 3 batterys for when the going get tough decoding P25 or DMR

MY SCORE = 7/10 

I Offer full radio Programming For The 325P2 to breath life into your radio (Link) = http://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/radio-programming-services-available.html





LINKS

https://www.strictlyham.com.au/browse-by-type/antennas/handheld/handheld-antennas/diamond-srh-771  (Diamond SRH771 Antenna)


#uniden325p2

#325p2review


Sunday, September 17, 2023

SLSA - SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA (South Coast - Newcastle)

Hello and welcome back.... Surf Lifesaving NSW patrol season started on 16/09/23 for the 2023/24 Season so I thought i would update my database, South Coast to Newcastle (for now)...

 


FREQUENCIES... Most of these frequencies require DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) activated on your radio  (cc = Colour Code)

SLSA VHF                                           27.750000
Central Coast SLSA                            464.725000
Central Coast SLSA                            465.112500
Central Coast SLSA                            467.337500
Central Coast SLSA                            470.525000
Waverley / Bondi SLSA                      471.200000 (Surfcom) (cc8)
Far South / Newcastle Coast               472.675000
Northern Beaches SLSA (Collaroy)    472.750000
South / North Coast SLSA                   472.950000
Far South Coast (Bega)                        473.250000
Central Coast SLSA                             473.300000
Central Coast SLSA                             473.425000
Waverley / Bondi SLSA                       473.525000
Central Coast SLSA                             473.575000
La Perouse SLSA                                 473.675000
Wollongong SLSA                               473.800000
Central Coast SLSA                             474.025000 (Wollongong Surfcom) (cc8)
Cronulla SLSA                                     474.050000
Central Coast SLSA                             474.175000
Wollongong SLSA                               474.250000
Northern Beaches SLSA (Manly)        474.725000 (cc7)
SLSA Helicopter Base (La Perouse)    474.862500
South Coast SLSA                                474.987500
SLSA Helicopter Base (La Perouse)    475.100000
Central Coast / Newcastle SLSA          484.825000
Surf Lifesaving (Aust Wide)                484.950000
Surf Lifesaving (Aust Wide)                485.000000
South Coast SLSA (Maiua Bay)          485.137500
Central Coast SLSA                             487.850000
Central Coast SLSA                             488.625000
South / Central Coast SLSA                 488.650000
South / Central Coast SLSA                 489.225000
Central Coast SLSA                             490.175000
Cronulla SLSA                                     490.575000
La Perouse SLSA                                 491.087500
Various SLSA (Bega) (Collaroy)         494.550000

477.025 = UHF CB Ch 25 - Training & Patrols
477.150 = UHF CB Ch 30 - Training & Patrols

 

WESTPAC RESCUE HELICOPTER 

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services runs several bases across NSW. Their main Northern site is at Broadmeadow (outside Newcastle) which is their Maintenance Facility. 

Another's are (Lifesaver 21) @ La Perouse (Sydney), Belmont, Lismore & Tamworth & (Lifesaver 23) @ Moruya (South Coast)

Surf Lifesaving (Aust Wide)                484.950000
Surf Lifesaving (Aust Wide)                485.000000

SLSA Helicopter Base (La Perouse)    475.100000

SLSA Helicopter Base (La Perouse)    474.862500

CODES

01 = on duty, available for tasking
02 = on standby and available for tasking
03 = on meal break
04 = begin pack up patrol area
05 = leaving beach, toilet break
06 = entering water for training
07 = unavailable to respond to calls
08 = unable to be contacted
09 = entering water to undertake rescue
10 = lifeguard in trouble
11 = search for missing person in water
12 = search for missing person on land
13 = mass rescue, many patients
14 = deceased person
15 = CPR incident
16 = shark sighting
17 = shark attack
18 = indecent behaviour
19 = undertaking first aid treatment
20 = undertaking enforcement function
21 = aircraft accident

Priority 1 = urgent task
Priority 2 = non-urgent task
Priority 3 = routine task

 

LINKS 

Sydney / Southern NSW = https://www.westpac.com.au/help/community/rescue/rescue-helicopters/

Northern NSW = https://www.lifesaver.org.au/ 

Magazine = https://rescuehelicopter.com.au/rescue-magazine/

 

 


#slsa

#westpacrescue

#nswslsa

Friday, September 1, 2023

Saturday, August 19, 2023

HANDHELD SHOWDOWN - PSN/GRN P25 PHASE 2 COMPATABLE SCANNERS

Hello and Welcome Back... I thought i would do a review on the remaining available radio scanners that do Phase 2 (P25) PSN (Public Safety Network) / GRN (Government Radio Network) This is where you will find NSW Ambulance, Rural Fire, Fire & Rescue, SES, State Rail and heaps more (See Full List Here)

So, today, I Take a look (and listen) to the main drivers of Handheld Radio Scanning in 2023 before you pay out your hard earned cash

Who will be our winner??

Sadly, The Uniden UBCD396XT will not feature in this showdown as this radio is Phase 1 only.. :(

 

Uniden 396XT is a robust radio scanner that is excellent for Aviation / Military Listening (Above)


CONTESTANTS

UNIDEN 396XT  (N/A) (Phase 1 only)

UNIDEN 325P2

UNIDEN BCD160DN (N/A) (No P25)

UNIDEN 436PT

UNIDEN SDS100

WHISTLER WS1040 (N/A) (Yet To Test)


***  UNIDEN 325P2 ***


 

GOOD

* Robust Construction

* Phase 1 & 2

* DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) Compatible

* Easy To Program (Proscan/Freescan)

BAD

* Battery Life is Woeful 

* No Backlight Keypad

* Limited to 255 sites on P25

The Uniden 325P2 is a remake of the UBC93XLT which is why these scanners still has the 2 battery configuration which is this radio's downfall. When you add power hungry P25 & DMR decoding, you need power to back it up... Most radios that do this decoding have 3 battery's, not this scanner. Battery problems aside, this scanner has the same inside architecture (Radio Menu) as the UBCD396XT so its fairly easy to program. 

Reception on analog like Airband / Military Airband is excellent and is the last of the full analog type scanners as the SDS100 & 436PT use SDR (Software Defined Radio) as part of there reception..Prices for these radios have gone up substantially


*** UNDEN 463PT ***

GOOD

* Robust Construction

* Backlit Keypad

* Phase 1 & 2

* DMR / NXDN Compatible  (Digital Mobile Radio / Next Generation Digital Narrowband)

* Micro SD Card (up to 32gb)

BAD

* Screen Is Hard To See In Sunlight

* Programming Is A Nightmare (Use Australian Version of Sentinal Software)

* Reception Can Be Hit And Miss (does well with an External Outdoor Antenna)

* No Actual 'Scan / Hold' Button

* Speaker Is Prone To Burn Out If Up Too Loud  (Don't turn up over 8, the speaker will burn out)

These radios are a hybrid of Analog and SDR (Software Defined Radio) have an extremely well build to them, it feels solid in your hand. Sometimes a bit deaf using an handheld antenna, hooking up to an outdoor antenna will give you the best results. The 436PT uses 3 battery configuration and can charge rechargeable battery's in the scanner. 

The 436PT uses a Mirco SD card (up to 32gb) for it memory and is a very strong learning curb to program. Took me several months to nut out the various menu systems so if you like database type programming, you will do well with this radio. 

One thing i noticed going from a cold environment to a warm environment (inside the house to outside in the sun) the screen tends to fog up..

Over all, an excellent scanning experience..


*** SDS100 ***


 

GOOD

* Waterproof Construction

* Large Colour Screen 

* Phase 1 & 2

* DMR / NXDN Compatible  (Digital Mobile Radio / Next Generation Digital Narrowband)

* Micro SD Card (up to 32gb)

* Excellent For PSN/GRN Decoding

BAD

* Antenna Socket Limited (only a few antennas will fit due to plastic rim protruding due to waterproofing) 

* Battery Clip Prone To Snapping

* Side Recharging Port Prone To Breaking (USB Charging Port)

* Cold Solder Joint Problem

* Heats Up Like An Oven

* Screen Is Hard To See In Sunlight

* Battery is Limited (Brick Style Battery, No AA Battery Option)

* Programming Is A Nightmare (Use U.S Version of Sentinal Software)

* Reception Can Be Hit And Miss (External Outdoor Antenna is recomended)

* No Actual 'Scan / Hold' Button 

* Speaker is half hidden and sounds muffled (Don't turn up over 8, the speaker will burn out)

The Uniden SDS100 is a full SDR (Software Defined Radio) radio scanner built into a waterproof housing. Sounds good on paper but sadly, has a heap of problems. To start, the antenna socked is protruded with a plastic type rim so only a select few antennas fit this radio without the use of a adapter and considering its a $1000 radio, its just a joke. Not only does it look stupid with a SMA to BNC adapter but is prone to easily snap if any pressure is put on it.. Out of 12 antenna's in my collection, only 2 fit and one sits on 2 threads hanging on for dear life

Then there is the 'Cold Solder Joint' problem that plagues these radios. I know of 5 people who have had this happen to them. The Cold Solder Joint problem is where there are 2 main circuit boards joined together in the middle by a connector that can break very easy. What happens is, when in use, these radios heat up massively and the solder that holds the connector in place can snap if bumped or dropped and will have to be sent back to Uniden to get re-soldered (or if your handy with a soldering iron (and out of warranty))

Heat is also a issue as just running it for 30mins to 1 hour can see the screen and antenna socket get almost too hot to touch, one wonders what this does to the internal components of this radio as heat is the number one killer in computers

The side recharging port (USB) is also prone to breaking if too much pressure is applied as is the battery clip that holds the battery cover to the main unit. Numerous pages online of people who have gone with the 'pregnant' extended battery option only to have the clip break in half and is forced to use a rubber band to hold together their sub $1000 radio together. Thankfully you can get a clip made on a 3D printer that seems to work. One wonders why a metal type clip was not used?

On a good note, It does decode P25 PSN/GRN fairly well, I have set the hold for 4 seconds and that seems to work..


*** CONCLUSION ***

Other contenders for this showdown could include 'Whistler' WS1040' but i'm yet to play with one of these scanners so i can't add it..

At the end of the day, everyone is different.. Some people like a challenge and love spending hours and hours learning to program a new scanner and some people just want to turn it on and listen..

For me, i have been using radio scanners since i was 16 with my first being a 10ch Tandy (Realistic) scanner and i still had problems programming various new radios, seriously, they don't need to be this complicated. 

My SDS100, I just want to throw out a window, I have owned i for a few weeks and its frustratingly deaf especially on Airband (analog) and don't even try using the handheld antenna, it hardly picks anything up while my 436pt sitting next to it with exact same antenna and using the same set-up programming is going nuts picking up heaps... I'm thinking of selling my SDS100 or doing some modifications, drilling / dremel the antenna socket out so its larger and cut the foam in half for the battery lid so less pressure on the battery clip or replace the clip with stronger built plastic ??

I would have to recommend the Uniden 436PT as my go-to scanner of choice.

The 436PT, once programmed properly, is well build (i have dropped it a few times) radio scanner with heaps of features and with the right combination of programming / battery & antenna setup, its a win win.. 

I recommend using Panasonic Enloop Pro (2450ma) AA batterys (4 pack coast $30 on Ebay) for extra goodness..

Hand Held Antenna's i recommend is the Nagoya NA-771 or the Diamond SRH771.. I have used both these antennas with excellent results

A FULL Scanner Program is Available Here = https://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/radio-programming-services-available.html

 

** WINNER ***

UNIDEN UBCD436PT


#uniden

#ubcd436

#sds100

#325p2

#396xt

#radioscanners

Saturday, August 5, 2023

NSW BUSHFIRE FREQUENCIES 2023 (RFS/NPWS/FORESTRY) (Rural Fire Service / National Parks & Wildlife)

Hello and Welcome Back... NSW RURAL FIRE & NPWS FREQUENCIES  2023

(Updated 05/08/23)



*** AVIATION ***

 

Aircraft used by NSW Rural Fire

Large Air Tanker, three fixing wing aircraft and seven helicopters including a CH-47 Chinook
  • Fixed wing aircraft – bombers
  • Fixed wing aircraft (light) reconnaissance/air attack
  • Rotary aircraft – light helicopters
  • Rotary aircraft – medium helicopters
  • Rotary aircraft – heavy lift helicopters
  •  BK 117 Helicopter (formerly Polair 5)
  •  Air Crane Helicopter
  •  L-100-30 (model 382G) C-130- Hercules (Thor)
  •  DC 10 Air Tanker (Southern Belle) 
  •  Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker 
  • CH74 Chinook Helicopter

*** FREQUENCIES ***

119.100 (Wollongong, Bulli, Sydney)
118.150
123.450 (air to air chat)
123.650
124.250
124.450
128.700
130.550
132.350
132.550
133.200
134.375 (RAAF)
136.025 (RAAF)

152.8125  (Handhelds)
450.4125 (Comms)

McDermott Helicopters - 24.1545



   (DC-10 Air Tanker - Southern Belle)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
*** NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE (NPWS) ***  (Office of Environment & Heritage)

 

Current Fleet

Parkair 1 (VH-NPX) - Aerospatiale AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 2 (VH-NPD) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 3 (VH-WDS) - Airbus Helicopters H125 Helicopter
Parkair 4 (VH-UAH) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 5 (VH-ZHG) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 6 (VH-TFV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane
Parkair 7 (VH-TQV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane

 

FREQUENCIES

119.600 (Perisher)
122.850
123.850
124.050
125.450
130.650 (Mt Poppong/Howes Valley)
134.700

NSW Wide  (Fireground)
161.175
161.1375
161.300
161.3125
162.525
162.6375
162.700


   (Park Air 3)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** FORESTRY CORPORATION OF NSW ***
 
132.550 (NSW Wide) (Based at Bankstown Airport)
 
72.6500 (NSW Wide)
79.9375 (NSW Wide)
426.075 (NSW Wide)
426.300 (NSW Wide)

 


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
***   NSW Fire Service Headquarters (Homebush) ***
 
2.6615 (Shortwave)
4.6465 (Shortwave)
6.9415 (Shortwave)
161.0125
161.1500
460.69375


***  HELP NEEDED  ***

 A "SHOUT Me A Coffee" Donation would make my day & Support this site

 I do realize that money is tight for many so any amount given is very appreciated.

All you have to do to make your donation is click on the 'Shout me a Coffee' button on top right hand side of this page.

I use PayPal. It’s safe, secure, and you don’t need an account

Takes a whole 30sec :)

Thank you so much for your support ***





-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


*** RFS  FIREGROUND ***

Rural Fire Services uses a mix of Analogue and Digital for Fireground


*** VHF ***
163.125 -   Repeater 1 (NSW Wide)
163.3875 - Repeater 2 (NSW Wide)   
163.4125 - Repeater 3 (NSW Wide)
163.550 -   Repeater 4 (NSW Wide)
163.875  -  NSW Wide
163.9875 - NSW Wide
163.9125 - NSW Wide
164.6625 - NSW Wide
164.325  -  NSW Wide
164.125  -  NSW Wide
164.087  -  NSW Wide

161.1500 - Fireground 1
161.0625 - Fireground 2
161.0750 - Fireground 3
161.1125 - Fireground 4
161.0875 - Fireground 5
161.0375 - Fireground 6
161.0125 - Fireground 7
161.0500 - Fireground 8
161.1875 - Fireground 9
161.2125 - Fireground 10  (Baulkham Hills)
161.2250 - Fireground 11  (Blue Mountains)
161.2375 - Fireground 12  (Camden)
161.2500 - Fireground 13  (Campbelltown)
161.3375 - Fireground 14  (Gosford)
161.3625 - Fireground 15  (Hawkesbury)
161.3750 - Fireground 16  (Hornsby)
161.3875 - Fireground 17  (Liverpool)
161.4125 - Fireground 18  (Penrith / Blacktown)
161.4500 - Fireground 19  (Sutherland)
161.4625 - Fireground 20  (Waringah)
 
 
*** UHF ***
 Analogue (simplex)
FG1 - 411.01250  (110.9 PL)
FG2 - 411.03750  (110.9 PL)
FG3 - 411.06250  (110.9 PL)
FG4 - 411.08750  (110.9 PL)
FG5 - 411.01250  (225.7 PL)
FG6 - 411.03750  (225.7 PL)
FG7 - 411.06250  (225.7 PL)
FG8 - 411.08750  (225.7 PL)
      
Analogue (Repeater)
R17 - 462.06250  (110.9 PL)
R18 - 462.28750  (110.9 PL)
R19 - 462.42500  (110.9 PL)
R20 - 462.52500  (110.9 PL)
R21 - 462.53750  (110.9 PL)
R22 - 462.90000  (110.9 PL)
R23 - 462.96250  (110.9 PL)
R24 - 462.98750  (110.9 PL)

Digital (simplex)
FG09 - 411.01250  (200 NAC)
FG10 - 411.03750  (200 NAC)
FG11 - 411.06250  (200 NAC)
FG12 - 411.08750  (200 NAC)
FG13 - 411.01250  (201 NAC)
FG14 - 411.03750  (201 NAC)
FG15 - 411.06250  (201 NAC)
FG16 - 411.08750  (201 NAC)

Digital (repeater)
R25 - 462.06250  (200 NAC)
R26 - 462.28750  (200 NAC)
R27 - 462.42500  (200 NAC)
R28 - 462.52500  (200 NAC)
R29 - 462.53750  (200 NAC)
R30 - 462.90000  (200 NAC)
R31 - 462.96250  (200 NAC)
R32 - 462.98750  (200 NAC)



Photo by Michael Bailey   (RFS Remote Area Operations Truck)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
*** NSW RURAL FIRE RADIO CODES ***

Yellow:  Low Priority Message, Non Operational Message (General, Non-Incident Related Communications)
Green:  Medium Priority Message, Incident Stop Message
Blue:  High Priority Message, Incident/Operational Message
White:  Report of an Unknown Incident
Red:  Highest Priority Message
Emergency:  Life Threatening Event

Code 1:  Responding to Incident
Code 2:  Called Off Incident (No Longer Required to Respond)
Code 3:  On Scene at Incident
Code 4:  Available for Response
Code 5:  Returned to Station
Code 6:  Entered Rural Fire Service Area
Code 7:  Unavailable to Respond (Reason Required)





 




#nswrfs
#bushfirefrequencies
#nswbushfirefrequencies
#rfsfrequencies
#nswrfsfrequencies
#bushfires
#bushfire 
#rfs
 

***  LINKS  ***

https://www.nafc.org.au/fleet/ (Current Aircraft)

https://www.nafc.org.au/

https://aerialfiremag.com/ 

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

https://fireaviation.com/ 




Thursday, July 27, 2023

NPWS - NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE (Office of Environment & Heritage)

 Hello and Welcome Back... As predictions of a Hot Dry Summer for 2023-24 continue, now is a great time to program the scanner in readiness in case things turn bad..

National Parks & Wildlife Service (also known as Office Of Environment & Heritage (ACMA)) runs a fleet of helicopters & light aircraft around NSW for both Field Operations and Fire Fighting

 

Current Fleet

Parkair 1 (VH-NPX) - Aerospatiale AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 2 (VH-NPD) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 3 (VH-WDS) - Airbus Helicopters H125 Helicopter
Parkair 4 (VH-UAH) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 5 (VH-ZHG) - Eurocopter AS 350B3 Helicopter
Parkair 6 (VH-TFV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane
Parkair 7 (VH-TQV) - Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX Airplane

 

FREQUENCIES

119.600 (Perisher)
122.850
123.850
124.050
125.450
130.650 (Mt Poppong/Howes Valley)
134.700

NSW Wide
161.175
161.1375
161.300
161.3125
162.525
162.6375
162.700


Parkair 2 in flight (below)


Parkair 6 taking off (above)

#npws

#npwsfrequencies

Saturday, June 24, 2023

AIR AFFAIRS

Hello and Welcome Back... If you use Flight Tracker, you may have seen these Learjets off the South & North coast of NSW usually in numbers of about 3 or so 


Air Affairs Australia (AAA) are owned by Qinetiq, an Australian owned company used by Australian Air Force for Training, Bushfire, Transport of Officials & Aeromedical uses.

Head office is located on South Coast of NSW (Yerriyong, South Nowra)

I have seen them on Flightradar24, usually in 3 formation doing training off Newcastle coast..


South Coast Base (below)



Air Affairs Australia owns and operates a fleet of special mission 30 & 60 series Learjet and Kingair aircraft..


FREQUENCIES

130.625 (Aust Wide)
130.725 (Aust Wide)
131.125 (Aust Wide)
474.275 (Aust Wide)

130.725 (Nowra Base)

 


 

#airaffairs

#nswradio&communication

Thursday, May 11, 2023

2 RAAF F35'S IN RICHMOND

 Hello and Welcome Back... Been in a frenzy this afternoon as reports of 2 F35s RAAF aircraft were at Richmond RAAF base 


5 Mins later, 2 F35s came screaming over my house in the Blue Mountains, Sounds Wicked and Veeeery loud..

Found this post online..


Fired up the scanners, 436PT and UBC780.. These Frequency were active

238.600 - Raider (This Freq was very active with pilots talking to each other)

253.600 - Shogun

282.700 - Aqua23 (Lyrebird 11)

383.175/ 382.675 - P25 AM = Re-Transmitting Richmond Tower

121.500 - Distress (someone making cat noises)

311.600 - Despot

301.100 - Baron

121.650 - Ground (Richmond)


Also news that U.S president 'Joe Biden' is to visit Sydney on the 24th May (Opera House) (Cancelled)

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/26/joe-biden-to-visit-australia-in-may-as-sydney-hosts-2023-quad-leaders-summit 



#F35

#RAAFfrequencies


Thursday, May 4, 2023

HAI HELI-EXPO FLYING 2023

 Hello and Welcome Back... Love This, Play Loud..

I streamed this to my TV with the sound pumped up.. My Neighbors Now Love Me ...

 

#heliflyin2023

#nswradio&communications


Monday, April 17, 2023

PHASE 2 PSN (Public Safety Network) Ex GRN - IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY

  Hello and Welcome Back... Sad News for owners of Uniden 396T / XT & 996P2 radio scanners as various reports online of Phase 2 PSN is currently underway.

The Uniden 396T /XT & 996P2 models are Phase 1 Only (sadly)

If you own a Uniden 396T / XT  or 996P2 and the PSN (Ex GRN - Government Radio Network) suddenly stops working, its a high possibility that your local tower has switched to Phase 2

** What is Phase 2? **

Phase 2 PSN (Public Safety Network) is UHF 6.25khz 2 Channel send/receive while PSN/GRN Phase 1 is 12.5khz single channel..

So, What Are Your Options?

The three choices are Uniden 

UBCD325P2, UBCD436PT (Handheld) / UBCD536PT (Desktop) & SDS100 (Handheld) / SDS200 (Desktop)

The Uniden 325PT (handheld) is a basically a remake of the UBCD73XLT but redesigned.
The main problem i encountered with the 325PT was the battery life.
From the forums i read and the various comments, they all said the same thing, the battery life is crap, like it lasted 3 hours on a set of AA battery's kind of crap... But on a good note, It does DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) and Phase 2 PSN/GRN

OR

The other option is the UBCD436PT

The first thing that gets you is the large screen and better battery usage but can be a bit steep in price.

The 436pt takes 3 batterys, has DMR and Phase 2 PSN / GRN 

I own one of these radios and highly recommend..

OR

the SDS100 (Handheld) / SDS200 (Desktop) (The Best of the Best)

The SDS100 runs purely on a SDR platform (Software Defined Radio) which is why these radios can get very hot.. They are also cursed with the dreaded 'Cold Solder Joint' problem = 2 large boards with a connector joining the 2, the heat and movement breaks the solder that holds the two boards together causing a breakdown.. Back to Uniden for repair of if your handy with a soldering iron, a DIY project...The SDS200 Desktop Model doesn't have the cold solder problem.. Yay 


The 2 main scanners, 436pt & the SDS models take a Micro SD card for their memory while the 325P2 is programed similar to the 396xt, they even have the same menu system...

I can supply you with a pre-programmed card for your new 436PT or SDS100 which is tailored to your area or interest and i live in NSW, so i know whats going on and use the same program i give to you.. i also include COWs (Cell on Wheels) frequencies for the PSN/GRN.. I even adjust radio setting so your radio picks up better on PSN

For more info in getting your pre-programmed card, CLICK HERE..

Discounts apply for previous customers..

Enjoy Scanning..

Michael

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

NUMBER STATIONS - SHORTWAVE RADIO

Hello and Welcome Back.. An Interesting Look at Number Stations on Shortwave Radio..

 

#shortwave

#whyfiles

#NSWRadio&Communication


Tuesday, January 10, 2023

HOW TO = MASTERFILE - FROM EMAIL TO COMPUTER TO SCANNER

 Hello and Welcome Back.. This video is for my customers who go with the 'Email Version' of programming their scanners.. (see here = https://scanradionsw.blogspot.com/2021/11/radio-programming-services-available.html )

After receiving your Email Link, this video shows how to go from Email, To Computer then to Scanner in one easy step..


 

Cheers

Michael..

SOMETIMES, THINGS JUST DON'T WORK

 Hello and Welcome Back.. Ever had one of those days where nothing seems to work ?

thats me today..

When doing email versions of my masterfile to customers, i have been using google drive to send the file as its imperative that the file stay intact = in it folder

during the holidays, my son and i set up a one drive account, mostly for my music files and i decided to also use this method to send my Email Masterfile..

Nope

Every time i try and send it, it continues to open the file and just shows the contents.. Onedrive, why is it so hard for a program to do what its intended to do, eg.. don't open my bloody file.

So after a whole morning wasted working out that the file i'm sending keeps screwing up, i'm going back to google drive

Sorry Phillip.. (current customer) Ill get it sorted...

Friday, January 6, 2023

UNIDEN SCANNERS - HOW TO FIX BROKEN MICRO SD CARD SLOT & INSERT CARD

 Hello and Welcome Back... Had a few inquiry's on how to fix the little micro sd card slot door on Uniden Scanners..

Its any easy fix once you know how..

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

1. Toothpick (no, not the drug runner in Magnum P.I)

2. Hands like a surgeon (haha)

be sure to place the scanner with the smaller back part in front of you and hold the broken door upright...

slot the left hand side in first as there is more room on the right hand side, then using said toothpick, gently pluck the right hand side into place...

or, watch the video

HOW TO FIX A BROKEN MICRO SD CARD SLOT DOOR AND INSERT CARD

 

#Uniden

#scannerfix

#unidenfix

#microsdcardfix

#howtofix