"Michael F." wrote:
I have a Dairy Queen and a Sonic
within 1/2 mile from me. I know I
have put in the correct frequencies.
Why can't I here them? Thanks in
advance.


Since they use very low-powered equipment, you're probably too far away at
a half mile. If it's portable, try taking your scanner to the actual
location and listen there. Don't advertise what you're doing but no need to
hide it either (listening is not illegal but why draw unnecessary attention
to yourself). If you still don't hear them, you have the wrong frequencies.
Try scanning around the possible frequencies to see if you can find them. If
you do hear them, but still don't hear them at home, try increasing the
antenna at home to improve reception. If you're using a handheld with rubber
antenna, almost any other type of antenna will be an improvement.

Listening can be fun depending on how confortable the employees are with
the equipment. At some locations, the communications is all business
(boring). At other locations, you'll hear them talking about the customers,
dates, boyfriends, girlfriends, the manager, the food, other employees,
vehicles driving through, work schedules, what they plan to do after work,
and just about anything else.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/