The UHF tram network is quite comprehensive and may be heard with a very modest vertical antenna and receiver.
I am using a Uniden UBC340CRS desktop scanner, an inexpensive, compact and respectable receiver coupled to a Diamond X30 VHF/UHF antenna. The antenna is only 3 metres in the air however reception is very good.
A recent addition is a very old Bearcat 220 receiver, with the red led display. This is coupled to a VHF groundplane antenna side mounted on a small tower and reception results have been outstanding.
The amount of traffic heard will vary according to the time of day. Morning and afternoon peak times result in more radio traffic, becoming even busier when major events (such as the Australian Open and Melbourne Grand Prix) create a sometimes overwhelming demand for trams.
Try the following frequencies in your area:
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486.850
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Maintenance Power/Mechanical
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487.125
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Maintenance Power/Mechanical
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487.175
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Maintenance Power/Mechanical
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487.925
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Revenue Protection/Inspectors
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507.200
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Brunswick/Essendon depots
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507.250
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Special events
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507.275
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Glenhuntley/Malvern depots
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507.300
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Preston/Southbank depots
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507.600
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Camberwell/Kew depots
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508.450
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Special events
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509.375
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Special events
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507.225 is also used on the network for data transmissions.
You can find a plethora of information in relation to tram routes, passenger statistics, types of trams and other information on the Yarra Trams website.
A bank of trams head towards the city along St. Kilda Road. Photograph by Mark VK3PI
