Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General
- Can you provide me with a manual, schematic diagram or spare components? How do I program my device? How can I repair my equipment?
Almost all equipment on this site belongs to other people. I only make a discriminator output on it. I don't have any manuals or schematic diagrams, nor components.
Apart from the discriminator modification, I don't have specific details about your device. Sorry, but I can't help you.
- Do you have a modification to unblock the cellular band on my scanner? If I use a discriminator output, can I monitor cellular phones?
No, I don't have modifications for that. No, you can't use a discriminator output to listen to cellular phones.
- Do you have frequencies for my area?
I can't help you with that. This site is about discriminator outputs and paging monitoring. It is not the intention of this site to maintain a worldwide frequency database.
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Discriminator Outputs
- My device is not listed. Isn't it possible to equip it with a
discriminator output?
(Almost) any narrowband FM receiver can be equipped with a discriminator output: every FM receiver contains
a discriminator. If your device is not in the menu, it simply didn't pass my workbench yet.
- How do I add a discriminator output when my device isn't listed?
Take a look at this overview to see if your receiver is listed in table 1.
If not, check whether your scanner contains a discriminator IC that is mentioned in table 2.
If you found the IC, you can get some inspiration
from table 3 by checking equipment with the same discriminator IC.
You can always find the right spot with an oscilloscope.
- Do any receivers exist with a factory fitted discriminator output?
Only a few receivers have a standard discriminator output. They are listed in this overview.
- I have an amateur radio transceiver. How do I equip it with a discriminator output?
Many amateur radio sets have a 9600 bps packet radio output. You can use this in stead of a discriminator output.
Amateur radio equipment is often built very compactly, so you'll lack the space to put an
additional chassis terminal in the transceiver. Why not consider buying a cheap (vintage) second hand
scanner for digital modes monitoring.
- Can I still use my scanner after the modification?
Yes, your scanner keeps all its normal functions. Adding a discrimator output
does not affect your scanner, provided that it is done properly.
- What's the function of the resistor?
Connecting or disconnecting an interface to the discriminator output might cause a
short-circuit. The limiting resistor prevents the discriminator IC from being loaded
or damaged.
- What's the value of this resistor for my scanner?
The value is not critical. I use values between 5.6 and 15 kilo-ohm.
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What's the function of the capacitor?
With some discriminator ICs, especially the MC3361, some IF signal 'leaks' into
the discriminator output. You can see the effect on the oscilloscope pictures. The resistor and capacitor form a simple filter
that attenuates the 455 kHz IF signal, while leaving the digital baseband signal intact. Some practical combinations are:
- 5.6 k with 4.7 nF
- 10 of 12 k with 2.2 nF
- 15 k with 1.5 nF
- I made a discriminator output, connected it to the soundcard, but I don't get any text
The settings of your soundcard are critical. There is no guarantee for succes. For a 100% no-fuss result you should
consider using the discriminator output in combination with a 2 or 4 level interface.
- Can I use the discriminator output for ACARS?
ACARS is an AM signal. A discriminator output is made on the FM part of
your receiver.
ACARS uses an 1800 Hz tone, which is phase modulated with a shift of 1200
Hz and 2400 bit/s (MSK - minimum shift keying). This MSK modulated audio signal is
then transmitted in AM. The audio signal fits perfectly in the audio spectrum of an
AM receiver (300-3000 Hz). Through this indirect modulation method, an AM
detector output is not necessary.
In most cases, you can use the earphone output of your receiver for ACARS.
- Can I use the discriminator output for ADS-B?
ADS-B (Mode S with extended squitter) is transmitted on 1090 MHz. Most scanners can't receive this frequency. Apart from that,
the bandwith of an ADS-B signal is about 2 MHz. A scanner has a receiver bandwith of about 25 kHz, and is not suited to receive these broadband signals.
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Interfaces
- What is the difference between a 2-level Hamcom modem and a 4-level FSK
interface?
With a 2 level interface you can monitor 2 level signals (POCSAG; 2-level FLEX)
With a 4 level interface you can monitor both 2 and 4 level signals (POCSAG; 2 and 4 level FLEX; ERMES).
- Can I connect the modem to my scanner's earphone output?
For error free monitoring of paging signals, you need a discriminator output in
combination with an interface. Using a Hamcom-modem in combination with an earphone
output is a waste of the investment. In that case, you're probably better off using
the earphone output in combination with your PC's soundcard. A 4 levelinterface
almost certainly won't work with an earphone output.
- Can I use a USB to serial converter?
Unfortunately not. You need a 'real' serial port.
PDW doesn't use the normal RS-232 TXD/RXD lines, but uses the status lines (CTS, DSR, DTR).
The 'abuse' of these lines for PDW purposes does not comply with the RS-232 protocol. If you have direct control
over the serial port (i.e. through a physical port) you can sample these lines without a problem.
If you use a USB to RS-232 converter, all serial communications goes through the converter's
driver. So, to be able to control these lines using a USB to RS-232 converter, you would have to
rewrite the driver software of the converter.
- Can I use the interface for AIS?
To monitor AIS, you need to connect your receiver's discriminator output to your PC's soundcard using an audio cable.
With Shipplotter you can then monitor AIS. The interfaces
are meant for decoding paging and will not work with AIS.
- Can you send me an interface?
You can go to the Order Information page
to find price inforation and order directly using the 'Buy Now' buttons.
I accept PayPal, Credit Card, bank transfer and cash. I ship worldwide.
However, you may have to pay customs duty and tax if you live outside the European Union.
Feel free to contact me
for further ordering information.
- Can I order a printed circuit board? An unassembled kit with components?
I only sell tested and ready-to-use 4-level data slicers. However, you can find all info to make your
own interface on this page, including a hi-res PCB design.
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