264 - 5 Steps to Get You Started with Scanning Today

264 - 5 Steps to Get You Started with Scanning Today

Author: Phil Lichtenberger January 10, 2023 Duration: 34:53

If you are looking to get started in the scanner radio hobby, I have 5 tips to help you get started today.

I also walk through common mistakes and this podcast will help you avoid making common beginner mistakes.

This podcast is also available in a shorter format on our YouTube Channel
🎥 https://youtu.be/l8RHrJ8z1Qg

 

Step 1 - Make a list of what it is you want to listen to
Be as detailed as possible and write down specifics to help you understand who it is you want to monitor

Step 2 - Set reasonable expectations on how far you want to monitor
Scanner reception is dependent on many factors.  Be prepared to monitor anywhere from down the block to across the county

Step 3 - Know the frequencies and trunk systems in your area
Use the database at Radio Reference in order to help you understand how you can monitor your local area

Step 4 - Understand your budget
New radios will range from $100 to over $600.  You may need to work within your budget to get started with the hobby.

Step 5 - Be prepared to ask and learn
There will be a lot to learn.  There are great resources online and on YouTube to help you understand the scanner radio hobby

Bonus - This is a hobby and you will learn and grow with it
Don't be discouraged.  Sticking with any hobby is rewarding and scanning is no exception.

 

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🛒  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/

 

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🎙 Join our new Scanner Radio Community
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Join our FREE Discord server and connect with other Scanner Radio Users!

By using Discord, a free, multi-platform community portal, you can now be part of the Scanner Radio Discussion!

Chat real time, share photos, ask questions, and give feedback to other's in chat.

🔗 https://www.scannerschool.com/discord


Ever wondered about the distant voices crackling over a police band or the chatter between air traffic controllers? Scanner School is for the curious. Hosted by Phil Lichtenberger, this exploration digs into the nuances of monitoring public safety and utility communications, transforming a technical hobby into a accessible and fascinating pastime. Rather than just listing equipment, episodes unpack the how and why-the stories behind the signals. You’ll hear practical advice on choosing a scanner, decoding technical jargon, and understanding radio protocols, all explained without assuming prior expertise. The discussion often extends to the ethics and laws surrounding the hobby, providing a thoughtful framework for listeners. Newcomers will find a clear path forward, while seasoned enthusiasts discover deeper layers to their interest. It’s a weekly dose of clarity and discovery, where specific listener questions shape the conversation, moving from basic concepts to more intricate details. Tune in to this podcast for a guided tour through a world of sound most people walk right past, and you might just find yourself listening to your surroundings in a completely new way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Scanner School - Everything you wanted to know about the Scanner Radio Hobby
Podcast Episodes
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323 - SRU103 - Trunked Radio Basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:43
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 tr…
322 - SRU102 - Conventional Scanning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
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321 SRU101 - Intro to Scanner Radios [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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319 - I'm never selling this radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:01
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318 - Yaesu FT-60R Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:22
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…
317 - 13 Frequencies You Need In Your Scanner Right Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:05
Whether you are just getting into the scanner radio hobby or you are a seasoned scanner listener, you need to have these 13 types of frequencies in your scanner. Here is the good news, most of these are already pre-progr…
316 - Recent Updates from Uniden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:56
Uniden has surprised the Scanner Radio world with several recent updates. In July 2023, Uniden announced they will be releasing two new scanners, the BCD160DN and the BCD260DN. These two new scanners will be conventional…
315 - Ask Scanner School v64 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:57
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 YouT…
314 - 2023 Year in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:20
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! =========================…