Question for you scanner guys

[Realtor MA]

The pro shop and starter at the golf course I belong to uses two way radios during the course of the day. It would be interesting and somewhat helpful if I could listen in from home. I"m wondering how I can figure out what frequency they are on. I've looked at the radios very briefly and there doesn't seem to be any indication of frequency or band.
Anyone have any ideas?

 

[capewalk]

If you can enter the model numbers of the radios to a Google search you may be able to tell what band they are for. The radios are either licensed or not. In order to operate you need to have a license or use one of the low powered radios designed for itinerant use. You can Google search and find the .gov database for license info. If they are itinerant radios the frequencies for each band are available online. http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Common_Itinerant_and_Business Once you know the band you can scan the frequency range and find the desired activity. This is my understanding of the way it works. YMMV

 

[Realtor MA]

Thanks. I'll try and get the model number. Markings on the readios were virtually non
existent.

 

[Gator9329]

They have scanners that will "grab" frequencies in your area that are being used. radio shack sells models that will do this. Your best bet is to go to scanmasters.com. they are local guys that are really cool and will probably already know what freq they are using. They have forums much like this one where everyone builds a common data base to share info. the golf course is probably on the family radio chanels.

 

[n1oty]

Check for an FCC license at the FCC website. If they are in the database, the frequencies will be listed there.

www.fcc.gov

 

[Ex-Pat Texan]

K... losing my marbles here.. what's that thing called.. rubber duck antenna, usually covers DC to daylight, and when you hold it close to a strong RF signal it'll tell you what the frequency is..

I'm not old enough for this particular old age problem!! LOL!

-Chris

 

[Mikel131]

How far is it from your house to pro shop?

 

[chris_1001]

K... losing my marbles here.. what's that thing called.. rubber duck antenna, usually covers DC to daylight, and when you hold it close to a strong RF signal it'll tell you what the frequency is..

I'm not old enough for this particular old age problem!! LOL!

-Chris

A "frequency counter"

 

[mrjones]

This might be a useful reference:

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Common_Itinerant_and_Business

If they actually have their own FCC license and dedicated frequency, then the FCC wireless database will have it. Unlikely in the case of a golf course, though.

http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp

Radio Shack scanners in recent history have something called SignalStalker, and I think Uniden's is called Close Call. They both operate in similar ways and scan a very wide range, stopping on strong clear nearby signals. Useful if you don't know what you're looking for.

 

[Blitz1]

Go find a Motorola 2 way radio online manual. It will give you the frequencies there.

 

[Realtor MA]

How far is it from your house to pro shop?

About 5 miles and I have line of sight from my tower to the course which is on a hill

 

[drgrant]

Look up the VHF/UHF itinerant frequencies, GMRS, and MURS.... I guarantee you they are probably on one of those 3 ranges. You'll only have to program about 20 channels into your scanner.

Rarely used now, but look for colored dots on the radio. If the radio has like a "green dot" on it, that might be a
clue as to what channel they are on. ( eg, "Green Dot" is 154.600 )

-Mike

 

[drgrant]

Go find a Motorola 2 way radio online manual. It will give you the frequencies there.

No, it won't if the radios are programmable. The good ones all use a range... that said... I bet they're on itinerants/splinters, which should make it easy for them to be found.

-Mike

 

[Realtor MA]

Look up the VHF/UHF itinerant frequencies, GMRS, and MURS.... I guarantee you they are probably on one of those 3 ranges. You'll only have to program about 20 channels into your scanner.

Rarely used now, but look for colored dots on the radio. If the radio has like a "green dot" on it, that might be a
clue as to what channel they are on. ( eg, "Green Dot" is 154.600 )

-Mike

thanks. I was up there today but i forgot to check the radios.

 

[Ex-Pat Texan]

K... losing my marbles here.. what's that thing called.. rubber duck antenna, usually covers DC to daylight, and when you hold it close to a strong RF signal it'll tell you what the frequency is..

I'm not old enough for this particular old age problem!! LOL!

-Chris

A "frequency counter"

Thanks.. it was still bugging me that I couldn't remember..

That should help if you have one handy or know someone who has one to let you borrow..

 

[ARV]

Thanks. I'll try and get the model number. Markings on the readios were virtually non
existent.

Look under the battery

 

[FhvnLT4A]

what kind of scanner are you using ??? It might have a close call feature. Most now have service search too that will burn through frequency "banks" at an accelerated rate till it grabs a signal. You might be able to search it that way.

 

[Realtor MA]

They're using Kenwood Protalk radios. Apparently they are UHF / VHF radios. 2watts. Not sure if they need to be licensed.

 

[FhvnLT4A]

Your Scanner might have a feature that you can use to pull the frequency in. Check your owners manual. My bearcats have something called a close call feature.