FM Scanners

[Mudman]

I recently bought a used FM scanner. I live next to a busy port but can't recieve anything on any Frequency. (not even the local radio station)

Before i take it back to the shop.. Anyone have any other tips i should try? (so as not to look like a complete idiot)

[Buenchico]

I can only think of two reasons (other than a fault) why you can't receive anything.

The first is that you haven't actually programmed any frequencies into the scanner. Scanners don't tune across all frequencies in a given range. They only examine the frequencies which have been programmed into them to see if there's a signal. If you don't store any frequencies you won't receive anything. (If you need a list of marine frequencies for your area, just post again and state which port it is that you live next to).

The only other reason I can think of for having no reception is having the squelch control incorrectly set. You need to ensure that this is only just beyond the threshold for cancelling background noise. Too far one way and the device won't scan. Too far the other way and the scanner won't regard any signal as strong enough to lock onto.

Chris

[Mudman]

Cheers Chris. Tried all that now. Still no change. A friend of mine has a transmitter. He's going to test it next to that. Don't know the first thing about radio. Just spotted this thing, it was cheap and seemed like a good buy... Particularly bad buy if it doesn't work! Pretty pricey paperwight.

[markja]

go back to the shop and ask for a demo. my mate had a coffee machine,took it back and complained (loudly)that it didn't work! the girl plugged it in, followed the (unread) instructions and bingo! one fully functioning machine and one bright red customer.

if the shop give you a demo and they find it's faulty they will be ever so appologetic, give you a new one & you will have saved face.

[Mortartube]

Also check the instructions to make sure that it doesn't have a mute function that you've accidentally turned on.