Scanner Terminology Answers

Question: What is meant by the "step-rate" of a scanner?

Answer: The step rate is the increment by which a digital scanner can be tuned.

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Question: How do I tell if my scanner uses dual or triple conversion

Answer: Look at the number of IF Frequencies. Dual-conversion scanners have only 2 IF frequencies; triple-conversion scanners have 3 IF frequencies.

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Question: What does "SMR" mean in call book lists?

Answer: "SMR" indicates a Service Maintenance Repeater. Radio operators must be a member of that club to transmit to that repeater.

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Question: What are birdies?

Answer: Birdies are covered in detail in the On-line Scanner Guide.

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