AmateurRadio.com

Stories you’ll find in our January, 2018 issue:

TSM Reviews: Whistler TRX-1 Scanner
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW

With a lineage that extends back to three generations of Whistler/GRE scanners, this new generation of handhelds continues to build on a proven technology. Despite the steep learning curve getting the hang of operating the TRX-1, Larry notes, “Overall, I have been very impressed with the Whistler TRX-1. It will now be my new travel scanner…If you want to monitor many of the major digital scanner systems used in the U.S, and Canada, then you should seriously consider purchasing the Whistler TRX-1.”

TSM Reviews: Whistler TRX-2 Mobile/Base Scanner
By Bob Grove W8JHD

Operational capabilities of the TRX-2 mobile/base version of the TRX-1 handheld scanner are essentially the same. Bob takes a quick look at the main differences, including peculiarities in programming the TRX-2, which could help you decide which scanner is right for you.

TSM Reviews: Airspy HF+ Software Defined Radio
By Bob Grove W8JHD

Primarily directed toward shortwave and two-meter amateur radio applications, the HF+ offers wide dynamic range, superior sensitivity, low digital noise, suppressed background noise, and good image rejection. Bob is impressed. “Airspy’s noise reduction design is outstanding. Suppression of hiss enhances weak-signal reception on all modes. While noise suppression and clipping methods on competitive products often result in distorted audio, the HF+’s recovered audio remains crisp and clean of such artifacts on all demodulation modes.” Find out why Bob says, “Price vs. performance pushes the HF+ to the top.”

TSM Reviews: Fox Delta 1–60 MHz Antenna Analyzer Kit
By Robert Gulley AK3Q

Robert was intrigued by the Delta AAZ-0217MX antenna analyzer kit as a project not only for himself, but also as a possible club build for his local amateur radio group. It’s an intermediate level ability kit and, while it’s not expected to be as accurate as professional analyzers, Robert notes, “I would say it is doing a good job, and is certainly capable of telling you when there is a problem. In addition to being an interesting kit to build, for around $60 U.S. shipped, it is also a useful piece of test equipment for the shack.”

TSM Reviews: C.Crane Skywave SSB
By Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL

Always on the lookout for a capable, small, inexpensive, portable shortwave radio, Thomas was keen to put the new Skywave SSB from C.Crane through his real-world tests. It’s certainly got a lot going for it: AM/FM, shortwave, Weather Radio and a scanning Air Band. While, as with any new product, the Skywave SSB had some initial issues, and a higher price tag that other radios in its class, Thomas has a verdict: “It’s going to be my travel radio of choice going forward––it’s essentially a Swiss Army Knife of a travel radio.”

Scanning America
By Dan Veeneman
Long Beach (CA); Tennessee and Miami (FL)

Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
Back to Basics: A Federal Monitoring Primer

Milcom
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
DoD’s VHF High-Band 138-150 MHz: The Hidden Military Aircraft Band

Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman NV6H
Winter Fun with European Aero Beacons

Shortwave Utility Logs
Compiled by Hugh Stegman and Mike Chace-Ortiz

VHF and Above
By Joe Lynch N6CL
Sporadic-E: Separating Fiction from Speculation from Fact

Digitally Speaking
By Cory Sickles WA3UVV
Ready – Fire – Aim

Amateur Radio Insights
By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z
A Vertical Redeemed!

Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
SWLing like it’s 1989!

Radio Propagation
By Tomas Hood NW7US
New Year’s Resolutions

World of Shortwave Listening
By Jeff White
Shortwave in Africa – Still Very Much Alive

The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Old Shortwave Voice Still Heard

Maritime Monitoring
By Ron Walsh VE3GO
Remembering Halifax Harbor; Marine Frequency Changes

The Longwave Zone
By Kevin O’Hern Carey WB2QMY
New Year’s Resolutions

Adventures in Radio Restorations
By Rich Post KB8TAD
Harman-Kardon A-260 “Chorale” Stereo Amp

Antenna Connections
By Dan Farber AC0LW
Wire Antennas Part One: The Dipole

The Spectrum Monitor is available in PDF format which can be read on any desktop, laptop, iPad®, Kindle® Fire, or other device capable of opening a PDF file. Annual subscription is $24. Individual monthly issues are available for $3 each.