From the Play Store ...
Let's hope that this is only a temporary decision on your part. A racing scanner like mine doesn't take up much space in your carry on bag, so packing one along, even if you don't use it all that much at first, won't be an major inconvenience. Think of it as an emergency backup item when traveling by train. Once you do start using your scanner, particularly on a long distance trip, you will discover how much you'd been missing, even with all of the other devices you have with you. There will be times when the scanner will be the only source of information as to what is happening onboard your train.
Agreed. A scanner will provide much more info (entertainment) than a "scanner" app.
You can pick up Asian manufactured two way HTs for less than "scanners", less than $100. Scan AMAZON, EBAY, Ham Radio Outlet, even Best Buy at times. Google "OnTrack Online" for their page with frequency lists. My BAOFENG and my Yaesu HT's allow monitoring AMTRAK freqs as well as FM radio stations, Weather channels, and much more. If you get a Transcievery unit, just disable the transmitter (It's a setting in the menu) and have fun. I DO suggest an earpiece, though, it annoys other folks sometimes
And for those of us who haven't drunk the Apple Flav-R-Aid
, those apps are also available on Android devices in the Play Store. However, comma, a scanner/receiver does not reply on cell service, which can be spotty. (hear that, AT&T). Download and print a timetable ( www.railpassengers.org/resources/amtrak-timetables/#Amtrak , a system map (https://www.amtrakvacations.com/sites/amtrak/files/2021-01/Amtrak-System-Map_US_0.pdf ) and a frequency list ( On Track On Line - Amtrak Radio Frequencies ). Get a cheap radio, play with it at home, and enjoy. You can even listen to some aircraft communications, depending on your location.
Oh come on ... what's not to like about crazy?And for those of us who haven't drunk the APPLE Flav-R-Aid
And don't fall for the FUDI out there. It is PERFECTLY LEGAL to listen to any radio transmission. There are some archaic regulations about divulging information to third parties, but anything broadcast in the clear is fair game.
And if you haven't discovered Virtual RailFan's pages and YouTube channels, start pounding your keyboard.
Despite FLEX meals, dirty windows, sloppy housekeeping and the occasionally surly attendant, you CAN have fun on an AMTRAK trip, in spite of AMTRAK mismanagement!
"I'm not crazy, I'm colorful!"
Agreed! Amtrak long-distance trains such as the Southwest Chief are a national treasure and riding on one of them is always a special experience to be savored.
If you have a Windows computer, I use Scan125, a freeware program written and maintained by a bloke in the UK. It takes a little effort to master, but IIRC there is a user guide available for download There's a companion program that allows you to enter frequencies in Excel and load them into the scanner.
I have always been trained and experienced that Amtrak/Railroad bands are using FM, and Aircraft bands are using AM meaning even if you can tune the frequency if the scanner is FM it won't really understand AM transmissions, and vice versa. Are there simple/cheap scanners that can do both AM and FM? Are there any likely non-cheap hand held radios that do both?
Yes, I am using the term AM above for Amplitude Modulation and FM for Frequency Modulation in the context of the modulation of the audio signal in the wave, not the consumer understanding of an AM/FM radio. There is awareness that a normal consumer AM/FM radio cannot tune RR or aviation frequencies.
Most scanners will automatically set the mode of modulation (AM, FM, etc.) based on the frequency programmed. Any modulation may be used on any frequency if desired (and allowed). The inexpensive Uniden BC-125AT will receive both AM and FM. AM is automatically set when listening to aircraft frequency; FM (actually FM narrow or NFM) is set for railroad and most other frequencies.
Most scanners, including inexpensive scanners will receive both AM and FM modulation - it is set based on the frequency programmed.
Excellent! When I was looking around for an additional aviation handheld several years ago that could also do non-aviation VHF, I wasn't finding much. I suppose the need to transmit too was the holdup in trying to find one handheld to do it all.
Being able to transmit is a whole different ball of wax, expecially regulatory.
I am surprised that regulators (FCC?), allow the sale of ham transceivers that have the capability of transmitting (illegally) on non-ham bands, and must be user adjusted to prevent that.
The sale of transceivers is legal. It is up to the user to comply with the regulations. Pretty much like anyting that can be a weapon, from guns to automobiles.
Most intelligent radios know when to switch from AM to FM depending on the band selected. All my scanners and transcievers do. Some of my Yaesus allow selection of RX mode.
Look on Amazon. There are many inexpensive Asian knockoffs of transcievers, BAOFENG is one brand that comes to mind. I have one. If you are worried, just use tthe menu and disable the transmit function. Et Voila'! You now have a scanner!
