Lightning can destroy your scanner radio setup in a second. Adding proper grounding and installing lightning arrestors only takes a few minutes and can potentially save your setup. In this session, you will learn how lightning arrestors work, what they do, the different types of lightning arrestors, and some that I recommend. All session notes can be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session32 ** CONTEST ALERT -- LAST CHANCE ** Win a $100 Scanner Master Gift Card. Check out www.scann...
Jul 31, 2018•25 min•Ep. 32
Jonathan Higgins is the Digital Media Communications Manager for Scanner Master . He and I speak about his background in scanning, share some great stories, and talk about his "RailFan" experiences. Jonathan and I also talk about the history of Scanner Master , which started 40 years ago. We talk about their current product lines and services, such as scanner radio programming, scanner sales, and radio packages. As an affiliate for Scanner Master , I am happy to have Jonathan on the podcast so h...
Jul 24, 2018•57 min•Ep. 31
What are you using for coax cable? Not all coax cable is created equal and in today's podcast we will run through some numbers to show you why the bargain stuff is so inexpensive compared to quality coax. We have a great chart to help you see all the numbers in this week's session notes. All session notes can be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session30 ** CONTEST ALERT ** Win a $100 Scanner Master Gift Card. Check out www.scannerschool.com/contest for details! Please support the S...
Jul 17, 2018•20 min•Ep. 30
Preamplifiers could help you or hurt you depending on several factors. I have used preamps in the past and have seen mixed results. There are certain situations where a preamp could be extremely helpful. I have ways you might be able to improve your station instead of investing in a preamp. All session notes can be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session29 ** CONTEST ALERT ** Win a $100 Scanner Master Gift Card. Check out www.scannerschool.com/contest for details! Please support th...
Jul 10, 2018•21 min•Ep. 29
There are many things to consider when purchasing your next (or first) scanner radio antenna. Do you need an antenna that... Covers many frequencies Covers a particular frequency Is directional Is NOT directional Will fit in an attic Is affordable Will be used for a portable radio These are some of the items we talk about today and tell you what the next antenna that I will be installing on my house this summer and why. All session notes can be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/sessi...
Jul 03, 2018•25 min•Ep. 28
MilAir Scanning is different depending on where it is you live. Today's guest, Michael Man, is a big fan of Military Air monitoring. Since he lives close to a few training facilities, MilAir Scanning is one of this favorite past times. Michael is lucky enough to live near several practice areas where he can listen to dog fights, refueling exercises, and other ground exercises. Any scanner that can monitor the MilAir bands and a good outdoor antenna is all that is needed to enjoy MilAir Scanning....
Jun 26, 2018•37 min•Ep. 27
Field Day - Amateur Radio's Open House! If you've never been on the air or if you are interested in checking out what Amateur Radio is all about (and if you live in the US), check out Field Day. Field Day is a contest. The more contacts you make, the more points you get... and it is by far the most popular and publicized event featuring Ham Radio. But besides being a contest, Field Day is where Amateur Radio operators practice their skills. They operate using emergency power, on temporary antenn...
Jun 19, 2018•18 min•Ep. 26
Its finally here - the new Uniden SDS100 Scanner. This scanner is new from the inside out, top to bottom. I'll let you know all about this new scanner and my first thoughts after using this radio for only a day. You can keep up to date with my review by visiting www.sds100review.com If you are looking to purchase this scanner, would you mind using our affiliate link? We would earn a small fee for the sale and this helps support the Scanner School podcast. The best part is, it doesn't cost you an...
Jun 12, 2018•35 min•Ep. 25
Eric Carlson from FlightAware.com joins us on the podcast to talk about ADS-B monitoring using a PiAware setup. ADS-B (Automatic dependent surveillance — broadcast) is the protocol used by airplanes to give their position beacons. This includes there altitude, location, heading, and Squawk Code. Eric and I discuss the benefits of owning your own ADS-B receiving setup, the steps required to build your own ground station, and the perks of sending your data to FlightAware.com All session notes can ...
Jun 05, 2018•41 min•Ep. 24
Dave Pascoe, KM3T, from LiveATC.net joins us on the podcast. We talk about the basics of aviation monitoring, what equipment is required, and how to understand the terms and common phrases used during aviation communications. Dave also discusses the conversation workflow that a pilot goes through before taking off, while flying, and while landing. All session notes can be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session23 Please support the Scanner School podcast. Visit www.scannerschool.co...
May 29, 2018•41 min•Ep. 23
One of my favorite scanning activities is to scan the local Air Show. The Air Show at Jones Beach is every Memorial Day weekend and it brings a lot of Military and Civilian Performers. In this podcast, I'm going to let you know what you need to maximize your scanning during an air show. We have a lot of links in this podcast, and all of them can be found in the show notes at www.scannerschool.com/session22 Please support Scanner School by becoming a Patreon Supporter at www.scannerschool.com/sup...
May 22, 2018•29 min•Ep. 22
Today we are joined by Jim Peruta, a 45 year veteran of the Fire Buff Photography scene. Jim runs his own website at res23cue.net and is a member of the Connecticut Fire Photographer's Association . Jim and I discuss what it takes to be a fire buff photographer and what someone should do or should not do if they are looking to buff a fire scene. We have a lot of links in this podcast, and all of them can befound in the show notes at www.scannerschool.com/session21 Please support Scanner School b...
May 15, 2018•36 min•Ep. 21
Fire Tone Out (FTO) is a feature included with higher end Uniden Scanners. Before breaking down FTO and how it works, we take a look at basic two tone alerting by Plectron, GE, and Motorola. We also discuss 5/6 tone and ZVEI tones used outside of the US. Show notes can be found at www.scannerschool.com Please support Scanner School by becoming a Patreon Supporter at www.patreon.com/scannerschool
May 08, 2018•26 min•Ep. 20
Severe Weather Monitoring goes beyond just scanning. I believe that every home and business should have a weather alert radio in a location that is centralized. A weather alert radio can be a life saving device and should be given the same importance as smoke detectors, CO alarms, Explosive Gas meters, and fire extinguishers. In this session, we discuss how to use your scanner as a weather alert radio, how to monitor weather activity from SKYWARN via Amateur Radio, GMRS, and FRS. I also recommen...
May 01, 2018•25 min•Ep. 19
Simulcast - when it comes to digital systems, it can be your worst nightmare. In this session of Scanner School, we have a few tips on dealing with simulcast and a few suggestions to eliminating the problems it causes. You can grab the show notes for today's podcast at www.scannerschool.com/session18 New this week, you can also help support the Scanner School podcast by visiting www.scannerschool.com/support We have several ways to help fund the podcast, including a way that comes at no cost to ...
Apr 24, 2018•17 min•Ep. 18
Today we welcome Marshall Sherard, KE4ZNR, from the Tarheel Scanner/Shortwave Listener's Group, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Marshall and I discuss the benefits of joining a local Scanner Radio Group, how to locate an existing group, and how to start your own group if there aren't any established in your area. In addition, Marshall and I discuss what his background is and how he became interested in the scanner radio hobby. You can grab the show notes for today's podcast at www.scanners...
Apr 17, 2018•47 min•Ep. 17
In Today's podcast, we review the current Phase 2 capable scanners on the market In Session 14 we introduced you P25 systems and hardware. In Session 15 we discussed Phase 1, Phase 2, X2-TDMA, and conventional P25 as well as some hints and tricks you can use to monitor P25 systems. This podcast will wrap up our P25 series, for now. You can grab links and see more reviews on the scanners mentioned on today's podcast at www.scannerschool.com/session16 New this week, you can also help support the S...
Apr 10, 2018•30 min•Ep. 16
Last week we introduced P25. This week we build on that introduction session and discuss conventional and trunking with P25. This includes Phase 1, Phase 2, and X2-TDMA systems. We also have a few hints and tricks for you to optimize your P25 reception on your Uniden, Whistler, GRE, or Radio Shack scanner radio. You can grab the show notes for today's podcast at www.scannerschool.com/session15 You can also take a look at our glossary for all of the acronyms we used in this session at www.scanner...
Apr 03, 2018•26 min•Ep. 15
Welcome to P25 aka Project 25 aka APCO-25. We talk about the 8 modules that make up a P25 system and how they operate. P25 Conventional is covered as well as NAC. P25 Trunking, Phase 1, Phase 2, and X2-TDMA will follow in next week's session of the Scanner School Podcast. If you haven't subscribed to our podcast, please do so now so you don't miss next week's session.
Mar 27, 2018•25 min•Ep. 14
Be a fly on the wall on one of my consulting sessions with Jon Goldenberg. Jon was one of the winners of the Free Consulting Contest that we had in February of 2018. Jon and I discuss his current scanner needs and discuss some ways on how he can setup his scanners. We talk about the local P25 and EDACS Trunk systems, close call, P25 threshold settings, and if he should consider using multiple scanners for his monitoring needs. There is also an idea I have been tossing around at the end of this s...
Mar 20, 2018•41 min•Ep. 13
In this session of Scanner School, we review scanners that support "Analog" trunk systems, or systems that are not completely digital like P25, DMR, or NXDN. These scanners are sometimes called Trunk Tracker III scanners and the scanners we review in this session all support rebanding. You can download session notes for this podcast, as well as additional resources at http://www.scannerschool.com/session12 We also have a new e-guide available for anyone looking for their first scanner. Download ...
Mar 13, 2018•33 min•Ep. 12
Rebanding is a necessary evil in the 800 MHz spectrum in the United States. In this session of Scanner School, we discuss why rebanding happened, how it changed the landscape of the 800MHz spectrum, and what it means for the scanner radio user. There will be extra content that goes along with this podcast on our website at https://www.scannerschool.com/session11
Mar 06, 2018•31 min•Ep. 11
Motorola Type I was the first generation trunk system by Motorola. Motorola Type IIi Hybrid was a bridge to the 2nd Generation Trunk System by Motorola, the Type II Smart Net. A Smart Net system can be expanded into Smart Zone and Omni Link Systems. We will explain those systems, plus Motorola Type II VOC on the session of Scanner School. Show notes can be found at https://www.scannerschool.com/session10 Please leave your feedback! https://www.scannerschool.com/speakpipe or at +1 516-308-2885...
Feb 27, 2018•30 min•Ep. 10
In this session of the Scanner School podcast, we discuss the different flavors of EDACS Trunking. We cover EDACS Wide, EDACS Narrow, EDACS SCAT, EDACS-ESK, including AEGIS and ProVoice. In addition, we answer some listener e-mail questions and give suggestions on discone antennas, coax, and scanners that support EDACS-ESK. Session notes can be found at www.scannerschool.com/session9
Feb 20, 2018•39 min•Ep. 9
LTR or Logic Trunked Radio Systems, is a trunking protocol built by E.F. Johnson in the late 1970's. While it is primarily used in my area for business radios, it is the old dinosaur in the trunking world. There are a few flavors of LTR Trunking. This session focuses on LTR Standard and LTR-Net. We discuss LTR Passport and LTR MultiNet very briefly. Be sure to join our facebook group for your chance to win a free consulting session....
Feb 13, 2018•26 min•Ep. 8
Trunked Radio Systems are not difficult to understand one you know how they work. In this session of Scanner School, we talk about the basics of how Trunking works and will be focusing on specific trunk systems in the upcoming episodes.
Feb 06, 2018•27 min•Ep. 7
Welcome to Scanner School Session 6 ( www.scannerschool.com/session6 ). We review 3 handheld and 3 desktop scanners that you can use now with what you have learned in Scanner School Sessions 2 - 5.
Jan 30, 2018•31 min•Ep. 6
Today we talk about the more common analog modulation methods, AM, SSB (LSB & USB), FM, NFM, and WFB (WBFM). Session notes are at https://www.scannerschool.com/session5
Jan 23, 2018•34 min•Ep. 5
We break down the differences between each and give examples of when each one might be used to communicate. Session notes are at https://www.scannerschool.com/session4
Jan 16, 2018•30 min•Ep. 4
In Session 3, we discuss the differences between Carrier Squelch, Tone Squelch, Digital Tone Squelch, and what is a NAC. Show notes can be found at https://www.scannerschool.com/session3
Jan 09, 2018•26 min•Ep. 3
