A controller expressed concern regarding a radio problem lasting the entire shift. It was noted that...

Narrative:

After assuming R36 r-side; we received numerous complaints about radio reception. Pilots were having an extremely difficult time hearing me or my instructor speak on frequency. Pilots complained of a 'scratchy' sound; 'buzzing'; and generally weak reception. Multiple aircraft reported this at various altitudes throughout the sector. Different transmitter sites were used; as well as standbys and buecs. Along with pilots reported issues we also had issues hearing pilots. At the end of transmissions it sounded as if a squelch break was interfering with transmission. The buzz/humming sound was extremely distracting to the point that pilot read backs were unintelligible. Several times I had to ask a pilot to repeat a read back; and/or call another sector to ensure that the aircraft received the correct instruction. This was turned in to the flm on duty and tech-ops were notified. A tech came down; listened to the radios and stated he'd work on it. Throughout the remainder of the day conditions continued to deteriorate. More often than not we were left guessing if the aircraft had indeed acknowledged an instruction. Recommendation is to fix our radios.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Controller expressed concern regarding a radio problem lasting the entire shift. It was noted that read backs were unintelligible and communications uncertain.

Narrative: After assuming R36 R-side; we received numerous complaints about radio reception. Pilots were having an extremely difficult time hearing me or my Instructor speak on frequency. Pilots complained of a 'scratchy' sound; 'buzzing'; and generally weak reception. Multiple aircraft reported this at various altitudes throughout the sector. Different transmitter sites were used; as well as standbys and BUECS. Along with pilots reported issues we also had issues hearing pilots. At the end of transmissions it sounded as if a squelch break was interfering with transmission. The buzz/humming sound was extremely distracting to the point that pilot read backs were unintelligible. Several times I had to ask a pilot to repeat a read back; and/or call another sector to ensure that the aircraft received the correct instruction. This was turned in to the FLM on duty and Tech-Ops were notified. A Tech came down; listened to the radios and stated he'd work on it. Throughout the remainder of the day conditions continued to deteriorate. More often than not we were left guessing if the aircraft had indeed acknowledged an instruction. Recommendation is to fix our radios.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	911364
Time
Date	201009
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZSE.ARTCC
State Reference	WA
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Gulfstream V / G500 / G550
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Initial Climb
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Developmental
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types

A controller expressed concern regarding a radio problem lasting the entire shift. It was noted that read backs were unintelligible and communications uncertain.