Guys,

I was grounded, flying in NY, this weekend (I am still upset). My Icom was lit up with a signal that varied in strength all day long. My range check was less than half of what it normally is on both of my radios (10x & 8103). No one was on my channel, no one was turning on and I have been flying at the same field with the same radio(s) for years. I think this will fall under the category of "stuff happens". The problem is how do you ever trust that channel at that field ever again?

Also, 3 order modulation does exist. The Icom lit up at my local field and I waited until the signal stopped and watched to see who was turning off. It tuned out, of the three guys who were on, none of them were on my channel. I only got a signal when all three of them were on at the same time. Once again, enough to cause a failed ground check.

Lesson learned: A scanner will save your planes, if you use it.

Mark M.