Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies

H. Ward Silver has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing Ham Radios For Dummies in 2004. He supports Seattle University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, QST, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL’s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.

• Introduction 1About This Book 1What You’re Not to Read 2Foolish Assumptions 2How This Book Is Organized 3Part I: Making Radio a Hobby, a Habit, or a Helper 3Part II: Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play 3Part III: Listening In: Scanning and Shortwave Listening 3Part IV: Getting Technical with Your Radio 4Part V: The Part of Tens 4Appendix 4Conventions Used in This Book 4Where to Go From Here 5Part I: Making Radio a Habit, a Hobby, or a Helper 7Chapter 1: Introducing Radios and the Wireless World 9Understanding How Radios Fit into a Wireless World 10Radios, PCs, and phones — Oh, my! 10Why get enthusiastic about radio? 11Communicating person to person 11Communicating in an emergency 13Using your radio for fun 14Putting radios to work 14Introducing Radio’s Unique (And Magical) Forms 15What You Can Do with a Radio 16Roger: Sharing information 17Using your radio at work 17Listening in with a scanner 18Chasing broadcasts 19Knowing Radio Rules and Regulations 19Getting Training (If You Need To) 20Books and videos 20Online training 21In-person training 21You, Too, Can Build and Fix Your Own Radio 21Limitations on opening the hood 21Kits and homebrewing 22Chapter 2: Discovering the Art and Science of Radio 25Doing the Wave: How Radio Waves Work 25Introducing frequency 25Measuring frequency across the spectrum 26Understanding wavelengths 28Getting From Here to There: Propagation 30Signals on the ground and in the sky 30Reflections 31The weather, the sun, and the seasons 32What You Hear Is What You Get: Modulation 33Amplitude modulation (AM) 34Frequency modulation (FM) 35Terms of Endearment: Using the Language of Radio 35Understanding controls and features 36The antenna 36The contact 37Chapter 3: Making Radio Fit Your Life 39Seeing What Makes Radio Services and Allocations Different 40Characterizing services by frequency and modulation 40Characterizing services based on equipment limitations 42Comparing Two-Way Radio Services 43Choosing Between the Services 45Buying Equipment to Fit Your Budget 45Getting a License When You Need To 46Who made them king? — The FCC 46Registering with the FCC online 47Accessing the ULS and applying for a new license 48Coloring Inside the Lines: Basic Rules 50Broadcasting (one-way transmissions) 51Identifying your station 51Recognizing power and antenna limits 51Modifying your radio 51Avoiding naughty talk 52Where to Find All the Rules and Regulations 52Part II: Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play 53Chapter 4: A Radio in Your Pocket: FRS/GMRS Radios 55Introducing the FRS and GMRS Services 55Getting a GMRS License 57Understanding Basic Radio Features 59Operating controls 60Indicators 61Introducing privacy codes 62Rings and beeps 64Table of Contents ixBasic Operating Skills 64Holding the radio correctly 65Using a PTT radio 65Learning how to speak 66Using a headset 67Scanning 67Using call signs 67Participating in public communications 68Using Your Radio at Public Events and Places 68Using Your Radio in the Great Outdoors 69Maximizing Your Range 71Repeating Yourself 71Choosing a Radio 74Range: Specifications versus reality 74Batteries: Buying packs or individual cells? 74Warranty and reliability 75Other options to consider 75GMRS-specific options 76Adding Antennas and Accessories 77Antennas and cables 77Microphones 77Headphones and headsets 78Bike and motorcycle accessories 78Battery chargers and power adapters 78Chapter 5: Breaker, Breaker: Using Citizens Band 79CB Basics 79Getting help from experienced users 80Getting the lowdown on licenses and requirements 80Knowing CB frequencies and channels 81Finding Uses for Your CB Radio 81Getting To Know Your Radio 82Under control: Knobs and switches 82Keeping an eye on indicators 83Getting a gander at the back panel 84Little extras for higher-end radios 85Operating Your CB 86Receiving your first CB transmissions 86Handling noises and interference 87Making your initial communications test 88Picking a handle 88Learning communications basics 89Going Out and About with Your CB 90Using Your CB for Emergency Communications 91Shopping on the CB Channel 92Understanding your SWR meter 93Sounding great: Microphone madness 93Choosing and using antennas 94Operating on the Right Side of the Law 96Two-Way Radios & Scanners For DummiesChapter 6: Communicating in Emergencies 99Matching Radios and Emergencies 99Deciding who you plan to talk to 100Prioritizing the what and why 101Firming up how and when you’ll communicate 101Filling in the blanks 102Being Ready 103Making and Responding to Calls for Help 104Making a call for help 104Receiving a call for help 105Disaster Response 105Practice Makes Perfect 108Chapter 7: Workaday Wireless: Business Radio Services 109Choosing the Right Business Radio Service 109Multi-Use Radio Service: MURS 110Private Land Mobile Radio Services 110Using a Professional Radio Service Provider 111Radio system terms 112Staying in touch with dot and star channels even when you’re itinerant 113Licensing your business radio 114Operating Your Business Radio 115Chapter 8: Ladies and Gentlemen, Ships at Sea: Marine Radio 117Introducing VHF Harbor and Waterway Radio 118Knowing your marine VHF radio controls 120Choosing a marine VHF radio 122Choosing an antenna for your marine VHF radio 123Introducing Marine Radio’s Advanced Features 123Digital Selective Calling (DSC) 123Automatic Identification System (AIS) 125Saltwater Communications: HF Marine Radio 125Knowing your distress channels 126Operating a marine HF SSB radio 126Selecting a marine HF radio and antenna 128Basic Marine Radio Do’s and Don’ts 129Performing Basic Radio Tasks in the Water 130Satellite Radio and Marine E-mail 131Getting That License 133Chapter 9: Citizen Wireless: Amateur Radio 135Tuning In Ham Radio Today 136Ham radio core values 136Common ham radio activities 137Using electronics and technology 138Finding the Ham Bands 139Finding shortwave hams 139VHF, UHF, and microwave signals 140Getting a Ticket: The Ham Kind 140Understanding why an exam is required 141Preparing for the exam 141Knowing which exam to take 141Part III: Listening In: Scanning and Shortwave Listening 143Chapter 10: One Adam 12: Scanner Basics 145Listening: Oh, the Signals You’ll Hear 145Getting scanner basics 146Introducing channels and services 146Using AM, FM, and digital signals 148Simplex communications and repeaters 149Dispatch versus one-to-one communication 149Introducing the Radio Population 150Business users 150Government users 151Military users 151Hobbyists and other individual users 151Public and private aviation users 151Learning How to Use A Scanner 152Handling basic controls and use 153Configuring your scanner 156Knowing the Rules of Scanning 157Trunking Systems 157Defining trunking 157Using your scanner to monitor calls on a trunked system 158Programming Your Scanner 160Finding frequencies 160Using a PC with your scanner 162Choosing Scanners and Antennas 164Chapter 11: Scanning Public Service and Safety Radio Transmissions 169Tracking Down Your Local Government 169Acquiring and saving data on your computer 170Transferring data to your scanner software 172Scanning Trunked Systems 173Motorola Type I 174Motorola Type II 174EDACS and LTR 175Setting Up a Trunked System on Your Scanner 175Cracking Codes and Learning Lingo 177Helping, Not Hindering 179Chapter 12: Radio Aloft: Aviation Radio Transmissions 181Activity on the Aviation Bands 181Finding Frequencies 182Ground Control to Major Tom: Airport Operations 183Listening to Air Traffic Between Airports 184Strangling Your Parrot: Aviation Jargon 186Chapter 13: Radios in Uniform: Government Radio Transmissions 187Scanning the Military 187Finding military facilities 189Finding armed forces facilities 189Monitoring military aviation communications 190Accessing Civilian Agencies 191Step Away from the Radio: Following the Rules of Sensible Scanning 192Chapter 14: Radio in Action: Recreational Radio Transmissions 195Taking a Scanner to the Races 196Discovering what you can hear 196Getting the inside track on frequencies 198Using a racing scanner 199Winging It at Air Shows and Fly-Ins 200Conducting airfield communications 201Listening in on performer communications 201Taking Your Radio on the Run and into the Crowd 202Using your radio at a race 202Using radio technology at a concert or convention 203Getting the Right Accessories 204Want to Get Involved? 205Scanning Tips 205Chapter 15: Surfing the Air World: Shortwave Listening 207Finding Shortwave Broadcasters 208Listening to amateur radio on SW bands 209Monitoring commercial, government, and military broadcasts 211Using shortwaves to receive data and miscellaneous signals 212Choosing and Using SW Radios and Antennas 213Selecting a radio 213Introducing common SW radio controls 214Two-Way Radios & Scanners For DummiesGetting a shortwave antenna 216Building your own antenna 216Finding SW equipment vendors 217Shortwave Signal Propagation 217Hops, skips, and jumps: Understanding how the ionosphere affects propagation 219Understanding other atmospheric conditions that affect propagation 221Introducing World Time 221Using a Program Guide 222Confirming Your Reception 223Including the right information in your QSL 224Getting station addresses 225SWL Web References 225Part IV: Getting Technical with Your Radio 227Chapter 16: Building Your Radio Toolbox 229Acquiring the Right Tools 229Absolutely required tools 229Not absolutely required, but certainly handy, tools 230Finding bargain toolsets 231Cleaning tools you must have 232Getting a toolbox 232Stocking Stuff 233Stocking extra adapters and connecters 234Stocking other odds and ends 236The Mechanics of Stocking Spare Parts over Time 236Finding Education and Training 238Getting freebies from manufacturers and retailers 239Visiting individual or club Web sites 239Getting information from books 239Taking online courses 241Chapter 17: A Spark of Electronic Know-How 243Understanding the Relationship between Amps, Volts, Watts, and Ohms 243Measuring current 244Understanding voltage basics 245Calculating power 245Introducing resistance 246Making calculations with Ohm’s law 247Wires, Cables, and Connecters 249Wires 249Cables and Cords 250Connecters 251Dealing with Safety Issues 255Two-Way Radios & Scanners For DummiesChapter 18: Installing Radios Right 257Installing Your Radio at Home 257Setting up a safe radio environment 257Setting up your very own radio central 259Accessories 261Adding a computer to your radio operation 263Finding the right furniture 264Using antennas and feedlines 265Getting Your Mobile Installation Rolling 273Understanding vehicle radio safety issues 274Setting up a power supply for your car radio 275Finding a home for the radio in your car 278Using antennas and feedlines in the car 281Choosing and Installing Connectors 283Crimp terminals 283RF connectors 283Chapter 19: Getting a Charge Out of Batteries 287Getting Battery Basics 287Ah Introducing Amp Hours and Characteristic Voltage 288Disposable Batteries versus Rechargeable Batteries 290Disposable batteries 291Rechargeable batteries 292Exploring the World of Battery Packs 295Following Basic Battery Tips 295Adhering to the Rules of Battery Safety 296Charging and discharging batteries safely 296Storing and handling batteries with care 298Safely disposing of batteries 298Chapter 20: Putting Your Computer to Work 299Making Sure Your PC and Radio Are Compatible 299Determining software compatibility 300Determining hardware compatibility 301Decoding signals 302Choosing a Signal Interface 303Making the Connection 304Setting up the control connection 305Setting up the radio audio and keying connection 306Connecting the sound card 306Adjusting the levels 306Troubleshooting Your Computer and Your Radio 308Common radio problem #1 308Common radio problem #2 309What to do if you still have a problem 309Chapter 21: Troubleshooting Your Radio 311Hunting the Wily Mr Murphy 311Prosecuting Power Problems 312Anticipating and preventing ac power problems 313Dealing with dc power problems 314Solving Operating Problems 315Banishing Noise 317Neutralizing power line noise 317Angling around appliance noise 318Nullifying noise from engines 319Attacking atmospheric noise 320Dealing with Interference 320Received interference 320Avoiding being the cause of interference 322Visiting the Radio Doctor 325Part V: The Part of Tens 327Chapter 22: Ten Radio Secrets 329Listening Rules 329Talking Louder Doesn’t Do You Any Good 330It’s All in the Antenna 330The FCC Does, Too, Care 330Setting Up Your Radio Correctly the First Time 330Finding the Hot Spot 331Planning for the Worst 331Getting What You Pay For 331Following the Ten Count 332Discovering the Best Way to Relax 332Chapter 23: Ten Emergency Tips 333Using Your Radio Regularly 333Getting Yourself under Control 334Supplying Just the Facts 334Being Smart with Resources 334Knowing Where to Tune 334Taking Advantage of Geography 335Writing Everything Down and Keeping It Short 335Following the Plan 335Using the Buddy System 335Practice, Practice, Practice 336Chapter 24: Ten Radio First-Aid Techniques 337Resetting the Radio 337Replacing Lost Antennas 338Putting the Wrong Batteries to the Right Use 338Fixing a Faulty Pushbutton 338Working around a Broken Speaker 338Splicing Together Torn Wires 339Working through Wind and Noise 339Rescuing an Immersed Radio 339Building an Emergency Charger 340Making Do with the Tools around You 340Chapter 25: Ten New Ways to Have Fun with Your Radio 341Direction Finding 341Hilltopping 342Conducting Coverage Tests: Can You Hear Me Now? 342Going on a Radio Scavenger Hunt 343Riding at a Radio Rodeo 343Creating Radio Scoreboards 343Going to a Hamfest 343Weather Watching 344Wildlife Tracking 344Joining a Club 344Appendix: Glossary 345Index 355