Scanner School - Everything you wanted to know about the Scanner Radio Hobby artwork

Scanner School - Everything you wanted to know about the Scanner Radio Hobby

329 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 130 ratings

Welcome to Scanner School, a podcast dedicated to the Scanner Radio Hobby.

Each week we cover another topic related to scanning and will be answering all of your questions to take you from Scanner Radio Student to Scanner Radio Scholar.

Technology Leisure Hobbies scanners fireradio frequencies hamradio policeradio radio scanner scannerradio
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

325 - SRU104 - LCN vs CC Only Trunked Systems

March 12, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

  There are two distinct flavors of trunked radio systems that we need to be aware of when programming our scanners. There are systems that require that every frequency for each site be programmed into their pre-determined channel number, and those that do not. Systems that require every frequency be programmed into our scanners in their designated sequence are Logical Channel Numbered systems and include EDACS, LTR, and all flavors of DMR. Control channel only systems only require t...

324 - Ask Scanner School v66

March 05, 2024 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast 1. Jenny has a question about a strange signal she is hearing on her scanner 2. Garrett would like to know about picking up Low Ban...

323 - SRU103 - Trunked Radio Basics

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MB

Did you know that trunked radio systems are just like an orchestra? There are several parts in each that work in harmony.   In our latest podcast, we compare the two to make it easier for you to understand exactly how a trunked system works. We also dive into why trunked systems are an excellent way of utilizing the limited radio frequency resources. YOUTUBE LINK TBD ========= =========================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelc...

SRU102 - Conventional Scanning

February 20, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

Conventional is the "OG" when it comes to scanning. Every scanner radio that has ever been sold can receive conventional (analog) signals. This week's session of Scanner Radio University will break down several modes of conventional transmissions you can receive with your scanner radio. 🎬 Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://www.scannerschool.com/youtube   ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened h...

SRU101 - Intro to Scanner Radios

February 18, 2024 03:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

Welcome to the first in a series of classes that we are calling "Scanner Radio University". Over the next several weeks and months, we will be covering topics that will not only be geared towards those just entering the hobby, but topics that maybe you needed to overlook because a lot of today scanners just work out of the box or with computer assisted programming. This week, we will cover the basics of what scanner radio is, who uses them, where to buy one, and where to get help. 🎬 Wa...

320 - Ask Scanner School v65

February 06, 2024 08:00

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast.   If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask   Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Questions answered on this week's podcast James has a question about Close Call on his BCD325P2 Garrett is looking to update his live feed setup by using SDRs YOUTUBE LINK TBD     =====...

319 - I'm never selling this radio

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MB

Discover the incredible story behind my love for scanner radios. Join me as I reminisce about my first scanner radio and how it sparked my lifelong passion to helping others with the scanner radio hobby. 🎬 Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CeW3APzXvGM ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Scanner School merchandise! Show your love for the Scanner Radio Hobby and S...

318 - Yaesu FT-60R Review

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

The Yaesu FT-60R has to be one of the longest radios available for purchase. First released in 2004, the FT-60R is still for sale, 20 years later! Yes, this is a Ham Radio, but this rugged two way radio has a wide enough receiver that it could be used as a conventional only scanner radio. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles that most scanner radios have, this radio has enough going for it that the losses can be overlooked. Today’s review is broken down into 3 parts.   A gen...

317 - 13 Frequencies you need in your scanner right now

January 16, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MB

316 - Recent Updates from Uniden

January 09, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MB

315 - Ask Scanner School v64

January 02, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

314 - 2023 Year in Review

December 26, 2023 08:00 - 14 minutes - 35.6 MB

We’ve made it through another year. Here is a quick rundown of what we did in 2023 and what is planned for Scanner School in 2024. ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Scanner School merchandise! Show your love for the Scanner Radio Hobby and Scanner School. Pick up a hat, shirt, bag, or mug and help support Scanner School. 🔗 https://scannerschool.myspreadshop.com/ =======...

313 - Very Last Minute Gift Ideas

December 19, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 40.8 MB

Are you looking for a last minute Scanner Radio gift this holiday season? Do you need something for yourself or someone else? Here is a list of Scanner Radio accessories that you can have as a gift in just a few days. ==================================== 🔗  Gifts recommended in this week's podcast  (Links Below May Be Affiliate links, which means we could earn a small commission if you use these links to make a purchase) ==================================== Software Defined Radi...

312 - Understanding the Radio Reference Database

December 12, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 43.8 MB

How does the Radio Reference obtain the data that it publishes? Is it from Federal Licensed Databases or other online frequency repositories?   Nope! It comes from Scannerds like you and I.   In other words, the data that is inside the Radio Reference database is user contributed data that has been confirmed. We’ll cover how you can find and submit data in this podcast episode, and cover the differences between paid and premium accounts. ==================================== 🛒  Ch...

311 - Ask Scanner School Vol 63

December 05, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 46.1 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.  Questions answered on this week's podcast Ralph is looking for help using DSD Plus and his Scanner Danny has a few questions about setting up a Software Defined Radio Terry would like to know what t...

310 - Riding and Scanning Amtrak's Zephyr with Garrett Farwell

November 30, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 76.7 MB

Garrett Farwell returns to the podcast this week to talk about his recent trip from California to Colorado aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr. How does a “Scannerd” occupy their time while on a multi-day and multi-state land cruise?   With their portable scanner of course! Garrett shares how he prepared for his trip using online resources to find frequencies he might be interested in monitoring on his journey and how one last minute surprise really helped him get his trip off on the right...

309 - 2023 Holiday Buyer's Guide

November 22, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 33.9 MB

308 Ham Radio HTs for Scanning w/ David Vine

November 14, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 66.4 MB

David Vine returns to the podcast this week to share alternative uses to Ham Radios. Not only can you use VHF and UHF Ham Radios to talk and monitor amateur radio frequencies, but you can use most of them to monitor outside the amateur radio band.  This means many ham radios can also be used as basic scanner radios. Frequencies that can be monitored will vary by make and model, but for the most part, expect to be able to monitor the VHF and UHF public safety bands with a VHF or UHF ham ra...

307 - Ask Scanner School Vol 62

November 07, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 45.9 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting scannerschool.com/ask   Questions answered on this week's podcast Scott would like to know how to make his scanner scan faster Derek is looking for a scanner that has a display that is easy to see and will work well in his area. ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! =========================...

306 - Should You Buy a "Receiver" ?

October 31, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 40.7 MB

Scanners and Receivers are more cousins than brothers and sisters. Both receive frequencies, both can scan frequencies, and both do not transmit. However, each has their own strong points and weaknesses when it comes to tuning, range, and features. Found out if you should buy a receiver for your radio arsenal in this podcast episode.   ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Sc...

305 - Building a Bond by Scanning Schools

October 24, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 40 MB

Are you looking for a creative way to build a radio bond with your child? Have you tried to scan something they can relate to, such as their own school? When your child hears a teacher, faculty, or staff that they know and can recognize talking on the radio, it could spark an interest for scanning within them. Scanning your child’s school can also be of interest during times where the school has engaged their own safety protocols and have locked down.   Or, it could be interesting to h...

304 - Remembering Larry Van Horn

October 19, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 93.3 MB

For many, you can’t talk about scanning without mentioning Larry Van Horn. Larry has influenced many in the hobby when it comes to Military Monitoring.    He wrote for Monitoring Time Magazine for many years and continued to write for “The Spectrum Monitor” once MT ceased publication. Not only was Larry a wealth of information when it came to Military Monitoring, but his yearly airshow columns were second to none. Larry, N5FPW, spent many years monitoring and sharing information.  Larr...

303 - 3D Print your own repairs or accessories

October 12, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MB

If you’ve ever wanted to create or build your own scanner accessories, 3D printing may be an exciting avenue to start exploring. Matt Neely has been bitten by the 3D Printing bug, and has already printed many scanner radio accessories for a fraction of what ‘store bought’ products would cost. Imagine printing your own replacement parts.  This includes belt clips, channel, squelch, and volume control knobs.   Maybe even SDS100 battery door retainer clips or desk stands. Free plans for...

302 - Ask Scanner School Vol 61

October 03, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 50.1 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting https://www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.  https://www.scannerschool.com/youtube Questions answered on this week's podcast Joe would like help understanding how trunked systems work and how they are programmed into a scanner Gary is tra...

301 - Icom IC-R15 Announcement

September 26, 2023 08:00 - 9 minutes - 31.5 MB

Icom recently displayed their newest receiver at the 2023 Tokyo Hamfest. This is being called the successor to the IC-R30, but I completely disagree.  It lacks most of the features that made the IC-R30 great.  To call it a successor, based on the released specs, is an insult to the former model. The IC-R15 looks to be a neutered receiver and does not include the frequency ranges commonly found on most of the Icom receivers that predated this new model. I, for one, am hopeful that these...

300 - 300 Episode Review - What's next?

September 19, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 38.1 MB

300 Weekly Episodes!   12 Weeks shy of 6 years!   All I can say is WOW! Instead of spending a lot of time looking back at the last 300 episodes, let’s talk about what the plans are for the next 6 years or 300 episodes of the podcast. Yes - the podcast will remain - but there is something new that is in the works that will make the podcast even better, and more enjoyable for you. Thank you all for your support over the last 300 episodes.     ==================================== 🛒 ...

299 - Planning my new radio room

September 12, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 41.2 MB

Finally - after 20 years in my house I'm finally able to build my radio room the way I want it. I've had 2 temporary locations that always looked like a hodgepodge of radios, computers, and wires.  Frankly, each was an embarrassment in their own right. But - no matter how bad they looked in my opinion, they were functional. And that is the story here!   Whether you have a single radio on a desk, nightstand, or on your hip, whatever works best for you is perfectly fine!  We don’t need per...

298 - Ask Scanner School Vol 60

September 05, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 47.6 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast Rob would like to disable Zip Code scanning and enable his favorites lists on his scanner. David has a question about how well Zip Co...

297 - Becoming "The Guru" with Luke Hartnett

August 31, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Do you want to be known as your community's go to guy or gal for scanner radio help and programming? Luke Hartnett is known in his firehouse as being the point of contact for any radio issues other members may have.   And by word of mouth, he is quickly becoming known in his area for being a "Scanner Scholar". Hear how Luke built trust with those around him, networked with other radio users, and because known as "The Guru" in his community on today's podcast.   ======================...

296 - Uniden’s New BCD160DN and BCD260DN

August 24, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 42.7 MB

Finally - not one, but TWO new scanners from Uniden. Should we be excited about these two new radios, or should we pass on them? That all depends on your location and your needs. See, these scanners break the mold and give us something we’ve never seen before A scanner radio, with no trunking, no P25, but supports DMR and NXDN. Who is this radio for? The answers are in this week’s podcast.   ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! =================...

295 - 10 Accessories every handheld scanner user needs

August 15, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 39.4 MB

Looking to level-up your portable scanner radios? Today's podcast covers 10 must have accessories every user needs. A shortlist of what we cover (with affiliate links): Easier To Read Manuals https://www.scannermaster.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=500&Click=6262 Aftermarket Antennas http://www.scannermaster.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=27&Click=6262 Protective Cases http://www.scannermaster.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=41&Click=6262 ==================================== 🛒  Check out our...

294 - 5 Reasons Why You Need a Portable Scanner

August 08, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 38.3 MB

Scanner radios, with some small exceptions, come in two form factors.  Handheld for portable use, or desktop/mobile for single location installations. Which type of scanner is right for your needs?  If you are looking for your first or next scanner and can’t decide between a handheld or desktop scanner, I have 5 reasons why you should consider a portable radio. ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his ...

293 - Ask Scanner School Vol 59

August 01, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 44.6 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast Rob would like to disable Zip Code scanning and enable his favorites lists on his scanner. David has a question about how well Zip Co...

292 - Why Are Agencies Migrating to Digital?

July 25, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 41.3 MB

Like it or not, digital is here to stay. Why are more agencies and licenses digital instead of analog? Should you upgrade right now or do you wait? And no... it always doesn't have to do with encryption. And this does not mean it's the end of the scanner radio hobby.  Not by a long shot! ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Scanner School merchandise! Show your love for the ...

291 - Media Helicopter Monitoring

July 18, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 34.7 MB

Be part of the action! Hear breaking news reports directly from an eye in the sky. Receive your traffic updates every minute or two instead of when the local FM Radio Station wants to cycle the traffic reports every 10 minutes. Monitoring Traffic and News helicopters is usually something you can monitor with an analog only scanner.   But as is the case in some locations, what you can and cannot listen to may vary based on where you live. Using your favorite flight tracking app or w...

290 - Hospital Scanning

July 11, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 44.4 MB

Patients who run out of patience. Missing kids, life saving alerts, and routine messages. Hospitals can be exciting to monitor!   You never know what might come next. And as many of you know, I had a short stay in a hospital a few months ago.   Finding those frequencies and talk groups were not as easy as looking at Radio Reference.   The hospital I was staying at was not in the database.  This podcast explains how I was able to find those frequencies and talkgroups. In addition, we ...

289 - Ask Scanner School Vol 58

July 11, 2023 07:55 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast Bill wants to know about the placement of a transmitter antenna in relation to his scanner (receiving) antenna Jim wants to know why ...

288 - Summer Scanning Tips

June 27, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 43.3 MB

🏖️ Grab your sunscreen and flip flops! It is time for a change of scenery for both you and your scanner. There are so many options when it comes to scanning during the summer season. Lifeguards, marine, aviation, parks, campgrounds, and more!   🔔 This podcast is full of what you should be monitoring this summer.   ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Scanner School merchan...

287 - Ham Radio Hijinks w/ Tom Dean

June 20, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 90.8 MB

This coming weekend, the 4th Saturday of June, Field Day.  An annual test of emergency preparedness in the amateur radio community and a contest to see how many other stations you can make contact with in 24 hours. Tom Dean, KC2SJM, joins us today to speak about how much fun he is having on amateur radio, without the need to advance beyond the technician class license. Tom speaks all over the word and is active in his local community.  Helping the Red Cross during drills, local races and...

286 - Frequency Allocation w/ David Vine

June 13, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 64.2 MB

I want to welcome a great radio friend, David Vine back to the podcast this week. David has a wealth of information when it comes to the radio hobby and has many presentations that he’s prepared for multiple radio groups. David returns this week to share a presentation about how frequencies are distributed and organized here in the United States, and across the world. Frequency Allocation is important, because it not only helps vendors create RF Hardware for certain end users.  For exa...

285 - I have Cancer (A PSA about my PSA)

June 06, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 62 MB

I want to take a second away from the scanner radio hobby to talk about my battle with Prostate Cancer. I'd like to share my story as a warning. If you are one who skips yearly physicals, I hope this persuades you into going. Why?  Because it was a simple blood test at a physical that uncovered my Stage 3 Cancer. I had no symptoms.  There were no flashing lights or red flags.   And only a doctor's check box on a blood screen uncovered what was hidden and lurking inside of me. Thi...

Ask Scanner School v57

May 30, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 43.9 MB

283 - A Change is coming to CB Scanning

May 23, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 38.8 MB

🧢 Beaker Breaker 1 - 9 You need to make this change in your scanners if you monitor CB, Good Buddy! Here in the US, CB Radio has been primarily been AM or SSB.  But there is a new modulation for CB, and it's FM! FM on CB will have many benefits, such as the ability to use PL or DPL, but will it be adopted here in the US? What does FM CB mean for us, the scanner radio user? What do we need to be ready for? And how do we listen to FM CB? All those answers, and more, are in this wee...

282 - Satellite Monitoring

May 16, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 52.5 MB

Did you know you can listen to the International Space Station or “Brazilian Pirates” from your backyard? With correct software, you can download weather images directly from satellites. Or, you may be able to receive Slow Scan TV images (SSTV) and earn certificates just for participating? 🛰️ Satellite Scanning is fun and exciting.   ==================================== 🔗  Links from this podcast ==================================== Orbitron: http://www.stoff.pl/ gPredict: ht...

281 - Ham Radio Digital Voice Modes

May 09, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 54.2 MB

Amateur Radio Operators are very resourceful when it comes to surplus equipment. Did you know that there are P25, NXDN, and DMR amateur radio repeaters in most corners of the world?   These repeaters are easily linked, allowing world wide communications during emergencies, events, and day to day activities. There are also HAM specific digital voice networks, like DSTAR, YSF, and M17 that you can easily monitor. There is also a Scanner Radio Net on DMR you can check out.  Details are in...

280 - Ask Scanner School v56

May 02, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 56 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast Art has several questions about monitoring local channels and travelling with a SDS100. Ray asks about antenna upgrades for his scann...

279 - Hear More with Less

April 25, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 53.3 MB

Did you ever get the feeling like you were missing transmissions on your scanner radio? Maybe you hear one half and then the scanner goes back in a scan mode and you never hear the rest of the conversation - leaving you hanging? What happens next? What did you miss? I have some suggestions to help avoid these problems on this week's podcast. ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling ...

278 - Special Temporary Authority

April 18, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 42.7 MB

Did you ever wonder how large, short term, temporary events with many moving parts, details, and staff all communicate? Some examples of these events include the Professional Golf Association Tournaments, Live Broadcasts from the Country Music Awards, large Air Shows, or Public Safety Communications. Here in the US, the FCC can issue an STA, or Special Temporary Authority, granting access to frequencies on a temporary secondary nature for use during this short term event.  Let's go thr...

277 - Severe Weather Scanning Guide

April 11, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 62.2 MB

From Pre-Planning, Live Weather Events , to Post Disaster Monitoring, this episode is full of hints and tips to scanning severe weather events. We've split this episode into two parts.: The first half covers who you might want to monitor during a weather disaster The second half covers programming your scanner for a disaster.   ==================================== 🛒  Check out our new Merch! ==================================== Squelchy opened his own store selling Scanner School...

276 - Ask Scanner School v55

April 04, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 58.4 MB

Every month I answer your questions on the podcast. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please leave me a voicemail at 516-308-2885 or by visiting www.scannerschool.com/ask Don't forget to join us on YouTube on the first Tuesday of every month for our live Q&A session.   Click here to Subscribe! Questions answered on this week's podcast Chuck would like some info on the SDS100 Ed would like a recommendation for a scanner and antenna for Athens, AL. James is intereste...

Twitter Mentions

@mcradioface 1 Episode
@mtlemergencies 1 Episode
@kc2sjm 1 Episode