Scanner

[American398]

hi all, i have a questin about my scanner, its a RadioShack PRO-2044 model, ive had it for a long time now so its dated a bit, probly late 90's  i got it, I always listen to Chicago Approach and Ohare tower, but for some reason i only can hear the pilots side of the transmission, i cant hear the controllers, is there any reason why this is?

[Lezam]

You are probably too far away from the airport to pick up ATC transmittions

[Jason]

hi all, i have a questin about my scanner, its a RadioShack PRO-2044 model, ive had it for a long time now so its dated a bit, probly late 90's  i got it, I always listen to Chicago Approach and Ohare tower, but for some reason i only can hear the pilots side of the transmission, i cant hear the controllers, is there any reason why this is?

Hi there,

Because ATC communications exist under VHF, transmissions are subject to line of sight.  If the scanner cannot establish line of sight with an ATC transmitter (which are frequently on the airport, but many exist elsewhere), you won't be able to hear the ATC transmissions.  Since most aircraft fly above most line-of-sight obstacles, you are typically able to receive most pilot transmissions.

Distance from the transmitter is also a factor, but directly relates to the line-of-site issue.

Hope that helps!

[KSYR-pjr]

but for some reason i only can hear the pilots side of the transmission, i cant hear the controllers, is there any reason why this is?

How many miles between your house  (as the crow flies) and the airport? 

I live about 9 miles and a slight ridge between my home and the airport.   Hooking up my scanner to an outdoor antenna mounted on my house's eave and connecting the antenna to the scanner with low-loss cable (RG-8) made all the difference in picking up ATC as well as airborne aircraft.

[dave]

You may also have local interference.  Power lines are notorious sources of noise, as are most computers.  Do you hear any buzz noises on weak signals?