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!
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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
293 - Ask Scanner School Vol 59 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
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…
292 - Why Are Agencies Migrating to Digital? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:34
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 no…
291 - Media Helicopter Monitoring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
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 m…
290 - Hospital Scanning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:55
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 hospit…
289 - Ask Scanner School Vol 58 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
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…
288 - Summer Scanning Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
🏖️ 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,…
287 - Ham Radio Hijinks w/ Tom Dean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:35
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 De…
286 - Frequency Allocation w/ David Vine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:30
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…
285 - I have Cancer (A PSA about my PSA) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
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 g…