On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:10:34 -0400, "VE2CJW"
wrote:

I have a funny problem here. I am using my dual band radio, a Kenwood
TM-G707 as a simple scanner and I have a problem in isolating a signal. If I
open the squelch manually most of the way, I receive a signal from 400 to
523 mhz everywhere. This signal is on 24 hours a day but seems to be
modulated only part of the time. When it is modulated, in FM mode, I hear a
tv station crew doing their stuff to mount a program. I can hear the
producer giving orders to the cameramen and also the script girl. The mikes
are on all the time and not switched. I can't identify what station it is
but this has been going on for many years. what I would like to do is
identify the exact frequency they use but they splatter all over the band.
Is there a way to really zero on them? Since I live in the Montreal area, it
could come from everywhere but Iknow it's not coming from my town because no
one does that kind of free lance work around here. I am really baffled and
would appreciate some sugestions. Thanks.
Mike.


Mike

I am an ex-broadcast TV worker. To me it sounds like a studio talkback
system that is left on all the time - not uncommon in regularly used
control rooms - but only has modulation when in use. From what you
describe of your neighbourhood it is unlikely to be front end overload
on your Kenwood.

To help track down the source it may be possible to figure out what
sort of programming is being produced by listening to the talkback; if
the same stuff happens at the same times of the week/day it is
obviously a regular show of some kind.
It is most likely to be a prerecorded show; the only live broadcasts
are news programmes and sporting events and the timing will give a big
clue.
"Run tape. OK, we got three minutes, reset for the singing sheep".

If it is a regular show, the direction will be fairly laconic because
the crew will be doing the same stuff over and over again - but you
might get the presenters' first names:
"Two, tight closeup on Tom. Three, loose two on Dick and Harry".

If it is a game show, anything up to six progarmmes might be recorded
in a day:
"Next is programme three. Autocue, can we change line four to 'our new
defending champion from last week is John Doe' "

Either way, your next step should be to Google TV production companies
in the Montreal area, starting close and working outward. I suspect
there will not be many with a regularly used studio. It is a small
community so a very few calls may well help you zero in on the source.

In each case ask for the technical director and explain what you are
receiving; in my experience he would be very concerned about the
emission and take steps to suppress it as quickly as possible for a
variety of reasons:
"OK three, gimme a two shot. One, frame a single on that visiting
political asshole once makeup has made him vaguely human".

Good luck.

Pete