Talking Defect Detectors in Central NY

The AAR frequencies run from 160.215 (Chan 07) to 161.565 (Chan 97) at a step of 15Khz.  If you scan in those ranges you will likely pick up any detectors within 8-15 miles of your location.  This of course is dependent on radio wave propogation and the quality of your radio/scanner.  The AAR and FCC has in the past 3 years added frequencies from 160.2225 (Chan 117) to 161.5575 (Chan 196) that fit in the gaps of the older frequency range by using a 7.5 Khz step.  Most modern scanners will pick this up, and I'm not sure what railroads are currently using narrowband for detectors.

On the question of detector location, around here on the KCS, BNSF, and UP the detectors seem to be laid out between 10-18 miles apart.  So if you're near the rail line, you're generally in range of a detector.

Also, by scanning in those ranges you will begin to figure out which frequencies are used by the various railroads for road, yard, MoW, etc.  When I started, I kept a pen and notebook handy and after a bit the picture will come together.

Mario,

You had mentioned in your post a good "narrowband" scanner.  At this point a narrowband scanner is not necessarily required.  Although the railroads are required to move to narrowband, I have found in my part of the country that railroads can still be monitored well on conventional bands.

As to track detector monitoring, it is a hit and miss thing.  The dectors use very low power and sometimes you can't hear them even if you are two miles away.  Other times, as posted above you can hear them further.  The railroads are suppossed to increase the transmitter power of their detectors to 5 watts because as trains get longer the locomotive is so far down the track by the time the last car passes they sometimes can't hear the detector.

Not being familiar with your part of the country the attached may or may not give you the information you are looking for.  If not, post back and I will see if I can find another source for you.

John

http://wiki.radioreference.com...ex.php/MW-Mohawk_Sub

I'm hearing Uniden...

What does everyone use?  What is trunking?

GunRunner, where are ya?  I need some help explaining all this...

Thanks,

Mario

CentralFan197,

Here are some mile post anr locations for detector along the main from Amsterdam to Buffalo.

QC 177.4 AMSTERDAM

QC 200.7 FT PLAIN

QC 220.0 HERKIMER

QC 241.0 WHITESBORO

QC 262.2 ONEIDA

QC 280.0 KIRKVILLE

QC 293.2 SYRACUSE

QC 302.5 MEMPHIS

QC 313.7 CENTERPORT

QC 323.6 SAVANNAH

QC 334.0 LYONS

QC 348.0 EAST PALMYRA

QC 364.1 BRIGHTON

QC 378.0 COLD WATER

QC 386.5 CHURCHVILLE

QC 407.4 BATAVIA

QC 427.1 LANCASTER

ALL LOCATIONS HAVE HOT BOX DETECTORS AND DRAGGING EQUIPMENT DETECTORS

HBD-DED

KIRKVILLE ALSO HAS A HIGH CAR DETECTOR ALONG WITH THE OTHERS.

I hope this helps with locations.

Joe Pizza

I have been using a 30 band programmable Radio Shack scanner for over 20 years and have never had a issue with it.  You really don't need a scanner with more bands and channels, just get the least features you can live with and save some bucks...Also get you a good magnetic mount antenna...

Marty

Centralfan197,   The next time you go to a train show, search the railroadiana tables for a copy of an "employee timetable" for for the division you are interested in.  There is a wealth of information available including detector locations, signal aspects, speed limits, locomotive tonage ratings, special instructions, and lots more.  It will make good reading material when you're down by the mainline waiting for the next "hotshot" to come by.