One-Sided Transmissions

[N62529]

I started listening to my home base (KCDW) a couple of weeks ago and instantly fell in love with the concept. However, beginning the last few days, I have not been able to hear the tower's side of the transmissions. This really takes the 'F' out of fun. Any idea why this is so?

[davolijj]

I can't speak for the CDW feeder, but with VHF reception in general much depends on atmospheric conditions.  It is possible that the feed site is a good distance from the airport and due to conditions today the tower transmissions are not breaking through the sqwelch.  The problem with receiving the tower is that the controllers are transmitting from the ground.  You can almost always hear aircraft in the air because their line of site to the feed antenna is less distrupted by terrain or buildings.

[Jonathan_tcu]

That reminds me of some controllers, who during off peak periods when let's say the Sudbury/North Bay freq's link up with the Timmins/Moose freq's, keep the linked Receiving transmissions blocked off.  So, you only hear the controller's transmissions and not the pilots.  Once the first evening shift goes to break 1 hr 1/2 later, the replacing/relieving controller hits the switch and all freq's are wide open.  it's annoying b/c you can't hear the pilot's readback.

[Michael.C]

I started listening to my home base (KCDW) a couple of weeks ago and instantly fell in love with the concept. However, beginning the last few days, I have not been able to hear the tower's side of the transmissions. This really takes the 'F' out of fun. Any idea why this is so?

I"m having the same problem. I'm pretty close to the airport, though.. I think we both need to invest in some antennas

[Jonathan_tcu]

Don't feel bad.  When I hear aircrafts being handed-off to other sectors and can only hear the pilots, I create an imagination of what the controller is telling them, and who the controller actually is.  Here in the north, there is a city Kapuskasing Ontario CYYU, where there is better radar coverage, but no radio communication below about...6000 ft.