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 preliminary...
Sep 26, 2023•10 min•Ep. 301
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. ==================================== 🛒 Check out our new Merch...
Sep 19, 2023•17 min•Ep. 300
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 perfect places ...
Sep 12, 2023•20 min•Ep. 299
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 Code scannin...
Sep 05, 2023•27 min•Ep. 298
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. ==================================== �...
Aug 31, 2023•48 min•Ep. 297
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! ==================================== Squel...
Aug 24, 2023•22 min•Ep. 296
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 new Mer...
Aug 15, 2023•18 min•Ep. 295
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 own store sellin...
Aug 08, 2023•17 min•Ep. 294
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 Code scannin...
Aug 01, 2023•24 min•Ep. 293
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 Scanner Radio Hobby a...
Jul 25, 2023•21 min•Ep. 292
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 website, you can ...
Jul 18, 2023•13 min•Ep. 291
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 had a few emergency...
Jul 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 290
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 his SDS100...
Jul 11, 2023•26 min•Ep. 289
🏖️ 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 merchandise! Show your love for...
Jun 27, 2023•23 min•Ep. 288
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 hamfest, ...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 287
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 example, trans...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min•Ep. 286
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. This is a story of my d...
Jun 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 285
May 30, 2023•23 min•Ep. 284
🧢 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 week's podcast. ===...
May 23, 2023•18 min•Ep. 283
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: http://gpredict.oz9aec....
May 16, 2023•33 min•Ep. 282
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 the podcast....
May 09, 2023•35 min•Ep. 281
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 scanner radio s...
May 02, 2023•37 min•Ep. 280
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 Scanner School m...
Apr 25, 2023•34 min•Ep. 279
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 through the pr...
Apr 18, 2023•22 min•Ep. 278
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 merchandise! Show...
Apr 11, 2023•43 min•Ep. 277
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 interested in the re...
Apr 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 276
Freescan is free programming software that supports the Uniden DMA family of scanners. This means that it will not work on Home Patrol scanners or older Uniden scanners with standard memory programming. Freescan software is no longer being developed by the original author, but has been added to GitHub and updates have been added to newer forks. Free scan allows you to import from the Radio Reference database, you can copy from clipboard, or you can enter information in manually programming. Conv...
Mar 28, 2023•22 min•Ep. 275
The Yaesu VX-6R is a modern classic Ham Radio. So why should you use this as a scanner radio? It doesn't trunk. It doesn't do any digital modes. The alpha tags are limited to just 6 characters, and it's nearly 20 years old. Yep, doesn't seem like this one has many positives when you scratch the surface, but there is more here than meets the eye! The Yaesu VX-6R receives nearly from .5 MHz - 998.0 MHz. It receives Broadcast AM & FM, Shortwave (AM), VHF-Lo, Aviation, MilAir, Business Bands, FR...
Mar 21, 2023•27 min•Ep. 274
John has been a long time listener of the podcast and wanted to know how things work here behind the scenes. Not only do we talk about how the podcast is put together and what it takes to write and publish, but we also discuss what we both enjoy about the scanner hobby. This was a great conversation and I want to thank John for being a part of the experience. If you'd like to be on the podcast, John will tell you it's a fun time and there is no pressure. It's two people just having a conversatio...
Mar 14, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 273
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 John has a question about using Sentinel with Multiple Radios Mike is having a problem trunking a local system with his WS1065 Tony would like ...
Mar 07, 2023•31 min•Ep. 272
