Sunday, July 6, 2025

Software - SAPJRadioScanningDB

Project Specification and Outline for SAPJRadioScanningDB

1. Overview and Purpose

SAPJRadioScanningDB is a Python-based custom database application designed specifically for logging and organizing radio frequencies and related information. Traditional radio logging solutions often lack the customization required to cater to unique use cases like ultralight radio DXing, UHF band monitoring, and detailed frequency tracking. SPAPJRadioScanningDB addresses this by providing a tailored and flexible database solution that allows for easy storage, retrieval, and categorization of radio scanning data, including observed frequencies, user information, notes, and date of entry.

2. Objectives

· Customizable Fields: SAPJRadioScanningDB includes essential fields specific to radio logging needs while allowing for additional modifications as needed.

· User-Friendly Interface: A simple and intuitive interface for entering and searching logs.

· Efficient Data Retrieval: Quick retrieval and filtering of logged entries based on various criteria.

· Long-Term Usability: Scalable and maintainable solution to support long-term use without over-complication.

3. Scope

The scope of SAPJRadioScanningDB includes:

· Development of a local database to log and manage radio frequency data.

· Implementation of data entry fields relevant to radio monitoring and logging.

· Design of a simple GUI interface for data entry and search, if time and resources allow.

· Inclusion of export functionality for backups or data analysis.

4. Key Features and Functional Requirements

1. Data Entry Fields:

a. FREQ / USER: This field logs the frequency observed or, if applicable, the intended user (such as a broadcasting station, an amateur radio call sign, or an assumed user based on frequency).

b. DATE: The date when the frequency was logged, recorded in a standardized format.

c. NOTES: A free-text field to record any relevant information or observations about the entry, such as signal strength, language spoken, or location details.

d. LOGGED: A drop-down menu to categorize the logging status of the frequency entry. Options may include “Unconfirmed,” “Confirmed,” “Regular Listener,” and “Archived.”

2. User Interface:

a. Search and Filter Options: Enable users to search entries by frequency, date, user, or logging status.

b. Quick Entry and Update: Allow rapid entry of new observations and easy updates to existing records.

c. Sorting Options: Enable sorting by frequency, date, or user for streamlined review.

3. Data Management:

a. Database Storage: Local storage in a SQLite or similar lightweight database for ease of portability and quick access.

b. Data Backup and Export: Ability to export logs to formats like CSV or JSON for sharing, analysis, or archiving.

c. Data Integrity Checks: Ensure data validation and integrity to avoid duplicate entries or erroneous data.

4. Future Features (Optional):

a. Automated Date Input: Auto-fill the date field based on the current date for quick logging.

b. Enhanced Categorization: Additional options in the LOGGED dropdown for more nuanced frequency tracking.

c. Mobile/Remote Access: Allow the database to be accessed remotely or through a mobile interface.

5. Database Schema

Field - Type - Description

FREQ/USER - String - Frequency observed or user identifier (e.g., station name, call sign).

DATE - Date - Date the observation was made.

NOTES - Text - Any relevant information about the observation (signal, language, transmission details).

LOGGED Enum (String)

TYPE - Drop-down status (e.g., “Business", "Airband").

6. Development Timeline

1. Phase 1: Requirements Gathering and Design

a. Define data structure and core requirements (1 week).

2. Phase 2: Database Development

a. Implement core fields and develop the schema (1–2 weeks).

3. Phase 3: User Interface (if applicable)

a. Develop a basic interface for data entry, search, and filtering (2–3 weeks).

4. Phase 4: Testing and Validation

a. Run tests to ensure functionality and data integrity (1 week).

5. Phase 5: Deployment and Documentation

a. Finalize the application, prepare documentation, and deploy (1 week).

7. Conclusion

SPAJRadioScanningDB aims to provide a custom radio logging solution that addresses specific needs for flexible, scalable, and secure data management in radio scanning and monitoring.

Main Screen
If you press "space" while on an entry, it will set the last logged date to today and also highlight the entry in red, this helps with logging what you hear each day.


Data Entry Screen
If you "right click" on an entry, this data entry screen will pop up, from here you can easily edit any fields and then save this.

 

Monday, February 24, 2025

Head to Head - Baofeng UV17 and UV-5RM

The Baofeng UV-17 and UV-5RM are both popular dual-band handheld transceivers, each offering distinct features tailored to different user preferences. Below is a comparative overview to assist in determining which model aligns better with your needs.

Design and Display
UV-17: Features a modern design with a larger, more vibrant display, enhancing readability and user experience.
UV-5RM: Maintains the classic Baofeng aesthetic with a standard display, which may be less vivid compared to the UV-17.

Frequency Range and Bands
UV-17: Covers the standard VHF (136-174 MHz) and UHF (400-520 MHz) frequencies. Some users have reported that their units can transmit on the 1.25-meter band (220-225 MHz) at 2.5 watts, though this may vary by device. 
UV-5RM: Operates primarily on VHF and UHF bands. Users have noted the ability to receive airband frequencies; however, audio quality in AM airband mode is suboptimal, with me experiencing distortion on strong signals, to the point that listening to the airband is a painful experience.

Transmit Power
UV-17: Offers high transmit power, with some reports indicating up to 5 watts on certain bands.
UV-5RM: Marketed as delivering up to 5 watts of transmit power, with selectable low, medium, and high power.

Additional Features
UV-17: Equipped with dual alarm functions, including a local alarm through the speaker and a broadcast alarm with siren/coded signals over the air. 

UV-5RM: Includes standard features typical of Baofeng radios but lacks advanced functionalities like GPS.

User Feedback
UV-17: Generally receives positive feedback for its audio quality and feature set. Users appreciate its performance across various bands and the enhanced display.
UV-5RM: While appreciated for its reliability, some users have reported issues with audio quality, especially when receiving strong signals in AM airband mode. 

Conclusion
If you prioritize a modern interface, enhanced display, and additional features like dual alarms, the UV-17 may be the preferable choice. Conversely, if you value a classic design with standard functionalities and are primarily operating within VHF and UHF bands, the UV-5RM remains a solid option.









Friday, February 21, 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Radio Scanning Frequencies - February 2025

As well as amateur radio, I also spend a lot of time scanning and searching the VHF and UHF bands. Below is my latest frequency list.

29.6000

10M HAM SIMP

52.5250

6M HAM SIMP

53.7750

VK7RDR 6M

53.8750

VK7RAA 6M

72.1250

CONNORVILLE

72.2750

LES WALKDEN

73.1300

B W MANION

75.5900

BEAMS BROS

77.6500

TECS

78.0125

WTC WORKS

78.5500

GT COUNCIL

79.4250

TECS

118.1000

TOWER - HOBART

118.7000

TOWER - LTON

119.1000

CTAF

119.6000

LGH HELIPAD

121.5000

AIR EMERGENCY

123.4500

AIR SIMP

123.8000

ATC - LTON APPROACH

125.5500

ATC SOUTH

126.3500

AIR SIMP

126.4000

HELI RESOURCES

126.5000

ATC - NORTHERN TASMANIA

126.7000

CTAF

127.3000

CTAF-GT

127.4750

SHARP AIRLINES

129.5000

QANTAS

130.1250

JETSTAR-HOBART

130.2250

JETSTAR-LTON

130.3500

VELOCITY

135.3000

ATC

135.3500

AIR UNKNOWN

136.1250

JETSTAR

136.5500

VELOCITY

145.0250

2M HAM SIMP

146.4000

VK7RAA INPUT

146.4500

2H HAM SIMP

146.5000

2M HAM SIMP

146.5250

2M HAM SIMP

146.5750

2M IRLP

146.9000

VK7REC

147.0000

VK7RAA-MTARTHUR

156.3500

MARINE

156.3750

MARINE VHF 67

156.4000

MARINE VHF 8

156.4250

MARINE WEATHER

156.6000

MARINE VHF 12

156.7000

MARINE VHF 14

156.8000

MARINE VHF 16

157.5375

TASRAIL VHF SIMP

157.5750

TASRAIL SIMP VHF

157.6250

TASRAIL VHF SIMP

157.7750

TASRAIL VHF SIMP

158.0000

TASRAIL SIMP VHF

159.7900

LES WALKDEN

161.0750

ARTEC

162.3750

TASRAIL MILLERS

162.3875

TAS GAS

162.4750

BORAL-DAZZLER

162.5000

BORAL-MT ARTHUR

162.5250

TASRAIL

162.6000

TASRAIL-DAZZLER

162.6125

TASRAIL-MTARTHUR

162.7125

GRAHAM RAND

163.0250

LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.0750

LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.4250

TECS

163.4750

LCC FREELANDS(D)

163.5750

LCC MT ARTHUR(D)

163.8625

CSE CROSS COM

163.9125

CSE CROSS COM

166.2700

HANSON

410.7000

ESSENTIAL SECURITY

412.5500

LGH

412.7750

DEPT JUSTICE

413.1000

LC STAFF(D)

413.3500

LGH SECURITY(D)

415.4500

SILVERDOME

431.5500

VK7RJG INPUT

438.0500

VK7RBL-BENLOMOND

438.4125

VK7RJG-DMR

438.5000

VK7RIN

438.5500

VK7RJG-MTARTHUR

439.7750

VK7RDR-DAZZLER

439.9250

NTARC

450.2750

JB HIFI

450.3500

ANNANCONDA LTON

462.0125

MYER

462.0500

BUNNINGS

462.0500

HARRIS SCARFE

462.0750

TASPORTS

462.1000

OFFICEWORKS

462.1125

UHF SIMPLEX

462.1250

UHF SIMPLEX/CRANES COMBINED

462.1625

COLES RACECOURSE

462.1875

NEWSTEAD COLLEGE

462.2000

COLES SHARED

462.2250

OFFICEWORKS

462.2500

KMART LTON

462.2750

SUPERCHEAP LTON

462.2875

COLES NEWSTEAD

462.3250

SPOTLIGHT

462.3375

COLES WELLINGTON

462.3750

TASPORTS

462.3875

DAN MURPHYS

462.4125

BCF LAUNCESTON

462.4375

RADIO WAREHOUSE

462.4500

PETER ALEXANDER

462.4875

GOOD GUYS

462.5625

462.5625MHz

462.6125

462.6125MHz

462.8750

LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

463.0250

LCC QVMAG(D)

463.4000

TARGET LTON

463.5375

ST LUKES

463.9000

CASINO SECURITY

464.2750

METRO ABLES

464.3750

METRO FREELANDS

465.3125

TARGET MOWBRAY

465.4000

CSE CROSS COM

467.1750

TECS

467.4750

CASINO SECURITY(D)

467.5375

DEPT JUSTICE

469.5500

FEDERAL COURT

469.7000

UHF RENTAL

471.3000

BOAGS

471.5250

BASIN CHAIR LIFT

471.6250

HAYWARDS/CRANES COMBINED

471.6375

VIZPIX

471.7000

PFRIFER CRANES

471.9000

VIZPIX

472.2250

BOAGS

472.8250

MD DUNCAN(D)

473.4000

TASRAIL SIMP UHF

473.5000

TASRAIL SIMP UHF

474.1250

WARREN J SPEERS

474.2250

VEC CONSTRUCTION

474.3750

LCC PARKING(D)

474.4750

UNI SECURITY (D)

474.5750

ABC TV

474.7750

UNI SECURITY (D)

474.8500

TRANSPORT INSP

474.8750

LCC CARRVILLA(D)

474.9250

PFEIFFER CRANES

474.9500

JMC GROUP

475.0000

CHURCHILL PARTS

475.0500

MCDERMOTT BUSES

475.0562

TAS RACING

475.0625

ROWING TASMANIA

476.4250

UHF CB CH 1

476.4375

UHF CB CH 41

476.4500

UHF CB CH 2

476.4625

UHF CB CH 42

476.4750

UHF CB CH 3

476.4875

UHF CB CH 43

476.5000

UHF CB CH 4

476.5125

UHF CB CH 44

476.5250

UHF CB CH 5

476.5375

UHF CB CH 45

476.5500

UHF CB CH 6

476.5625

UHF CB CH 46

476.5750

UHF CB CH 7

476.5875

UHF CB CH 47

476.6000

UHF CB CH 8

476.6125

UHF CB CH 48

476.6250

UHF CB CH 9

476.6375

UHF CB CH 49

476.6500

UHF CB CH 10

476.6625

UHF CB CH 50

476.6750

UHF CB CH 11

476.6875

UHF CB CH 51

476.7000

UHF CB CH 12

476.7125

UHF CB CH 52

476.7250

UHF CB CH 13

476.7375

UHF CB CH 53

476.7500

UHF CB CH 14

476.7625

UHF CB CH 54

476.7750

UHF CB CH 15

476.7875

UHF CB CH 55

476.8000

UHF CB CH 16

476.8125

UHF CB CH 56

476.8250

UHF CB CH 17

476.8375

UHF CB CH 57

476.8500

UHF CB 18-TIP

476.8625

UHF CB CH 58

476.8750

UHF CB CH 19

476.8875

UHF CB CH 59

476.9000

UHF CB CH 20

476.9125

UHF CB CH 60

476.9250

UHF CB CH 21

476.9375

UHF CB CH 61

476.9500

UHF CB CH 22

476.9625

UHF CB CH 62

476.9750

UHF CB CH 23

476.9875

UHF CB CH 63

477.0000

UHF CB CH 24

477.0125

UHF CB CH 64

477.0250

UHF CB CH 25

477.0375

UHF CB CH 65

477.0500

UHF CB CH 26

477.0625

UHF CB CH 66

477.0750

UHF CB CH 27

477.0875

UHF CB CH 67

477.1000

UHF CB CH 28

477.1125

UHF CB CH 68

477.1250

UHF CB CH 29

477.1375

UHF CB CH 69

477.1500

UHF CB CH 30

477.1625

UHF CB CH 70

477.1750

UHF CB CH 31

477.1875

UHF CB CH 71

477.2000

UHF CB CH 32

477.2125

UHF CB CH 72

477.2250

UHF CB CH 33

477.2375

UHF CB CH 73

477.2500

UHF CB CH 34

477.2625

UHF CB CH 74

477.2750

UHF CB CH 35

477.2875

UHF CB CH 75

477.3000

UHF CB CH 36

477.3125

UHF CB CH 76

477.3250

UHF CB CH 37

477.3375

UHF CB CH 77

477.3500

UHF CB CH 38

477.3625

UHF CB CH 78

477.3750

UHF CB CH 39

477.3875

UHF CB CH 79

477.4000

UHF CB CH 40

477.4125

UHF CB CH 80

477.5000

UHF CHAT

484.5500

QANTAS UHF

484.8000

BOAGS

484.8250

HAYWARDS

485.1125

HAYWARDS

485.1125

ROWING TASMANIA

485.2500

CSE CROSS COM

488.5500

CSE CROSS COM

488.7000

TECS

490.1500

LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

493.2750

DOOR OF HOPE

494.8250

LAUNCESTON AP STAFF

494.9250

LCC SWIMMING

495.0000

BUCKBY MOTORS

495.0125

UHF SIMPLEX

495.0625

VIZPIX

495.1125

VIRGIN UHF

500.0500

AFRS

505.7750

JETSTAR UHF

506.8000

VIRGIN UHF

509.8750

OFFICE RACING

509.8875

GRAMMAR

509.9375

CSE CROSS COM

509.9875

ST VINCENTS