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 1

About This Book 1

What You’re Not to Read 2

Foolish Assumptions 2

How This Book Is Organized 3

Part I: Making Radio a Hobby, a Habit, or a Helper 3

Part II: Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play 3

Part III: Listening In: Scanning and Shortwave Listening 3

Part IV: Getting Technical with Your Radio 4

Part V: The Part of Tens 4

Appendix 4

Conventions Used in This Book 4

Where to Go From Here 5

Part I: Making Radio a Habit, a Hobby, or a Helper 7

Chapter 1: Introducing Radios and the Wireless World 9

Understanding How Radios Fit into a Wireless World 10

Radios, PCs, and phones — Oh, my! 10

Why get enthusiastic about radio? 11

Communicating person to person 11

Communicating in an emergency 13

Using your radio for fun 14

Putting radios to work 14

Introducing Radio’s Unique (And Magical) Forms 15

What You Can Do with a Radio 16

Roger: Sharing information 17

Using your radio at work 17

Listening in with a scanner 18

Chasing broadcasts 19

Knowing Radio Rules and Regulations 19

Getting Training (If You Need To) 20

Books and videos 20

Online training 21

In-person training 21

You, Too, Can Build and Fix Your Own Radio 21

Limitations on opening the hood 21

Kits and homebrewing 22

Chapter 2: Discovering the Art and Science of Radio 25

Doing the Wave: How Radio Waves Work 25

Introducing frequency 25

Measuring frequency across the spectrum 26

Understanding wavelengths 28

Getting From Here to There: Propagation 30

Signals on the ground and in the sky 30

Reflections 31

The weather, the sun, and the seasons 32

What You Hear Is What You Get: Modulation 33

Amplitude modulation (AM) 34

Frequency modulation (FM) 35

Terms of Endearment: Using the Language of Radio 35

Understanding controls and features 36

The antenna 36

The contact 37

Chapter 3: Making Radio Fit Your Life 39

Seeing What Makes Radio Services and Allocations Different 40

Characterizing services by frequency and modulation 40

Characterizing services based on equipment limitations 42

Comparing Two-Way Radio Services 43

Choosing Between the Services 45

Buying Equipment to Fit Your Budget 45

Getting a License When You Need To 46

Who made them king? — The FCC 46

Registering with the FCC online 47

Accessing the ULS and applying for a new license 48

Coloring Inside the Lines: Basic Rules 50

Broadcasting (one-way transmissions) 51

Identifying your station 51

Recognizing power and antenna limits 51

Modifying your radio 51

Avoiding naughty talk 52

Where to Find All the Rules and Regulations 52

Part II: Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play 53

Chapter 4: A Radio in Your Pocket: FRS/GMRS Radios 55

Introducing the FRS and GMRS Services 55

Getting a GMRS License 57

Understanding Basic Radio Features 59

Operating controls 60

Indicators 61

Introducing privacy codes 62

Rings and beeps 64

Table of Contents ix

Basic Operating Skills 64

Holding the radio correctly 65

Using a PTT radio 65

Learning how to speak 66

Using a headset 67

Scanning 67

Using call signs 67

Participating in public communications 68

Using Your Radio at Public Events and Places 68

Using Your Radio in the Great Outdoors 69

Maximizing Your Range 71

Repeating Yourself 71

Choosing a Radio 74

Range: Specifications versus reality 74

Batteries: Buying packs or individual cells? 74

Warranty and reliability 75

Other options to consider 75

GMRS-specific options 76

Adding Antennas and Accessories 77

Antennas and cables 77

Microphones 77

Headphones and headsets 78

Bike and motorcycle accessories 78

Battery chargers and power adapters 78

Chapter 5: Breaker, Breaker: Using Citizens Band 79

CB Basics 79

Getting help from experienced users 80

Getting the lowdown on licenses and requirements 80

Knowing CB frequencies and channels 81

Finding Uses for Your CB Radio 81

Getting To Know Your Radio 82

Under control: Knobs and switches 82

Keeping an eye on indicators 83

Getting a gander at the back panel 84

Little extras for higher-end radios 85

Operating Your CB 86

Receiving your first CB transmissions 86

Handling noises and interference 87

Making your initial communications test 88

Picking a handle 88

Learning communications basics 89

Going Out and About with Your CB 90

Using Your CB for Emergency Communications 91

Shopping on the CB Channel 92

Understanding your SWR meter 93

Sounding great: Microphone madness 93

Choosing and using antennas 94

Operating on the Right Side of the Law 96

Two-Way Radios & Scanners For Dummies

Chapter 6: Communicating in Emergencies 99

Matching Radios and Emergencies 99

Deciding who you plan to talk to 100

Prioritizing the what and why 101

Firming up how and when you’ll communicate 101

Filling in the blanks 102

Being Ready 103

Making and Responding to Calls for Help 104

Making a call for help 104

Receiving a call for help 105

Disaster Response 105

Practice Makes Perfect 108

Chapter 7: Workaday Wireless: Business Radio Services 109

Choosing the Right Business Radio Service 109

Multi-Use Radio Service: MURS 110

Private Land Mobile Radio Services 110

Using a Professional Radio Service Provider 111

Radio system terms 112

Staying in touch with dot and star channels even when you’re itinerant 113

Licensing your business radio 114

Operating Your Business Radio 115

Chapter 8: Ladies and Gentlemen, Ships at Sea: Marine Radio 117

Introducing VHF Harbor and Waterway Radio 118

Knowing your marine VHF radio controls 120

Choosing a marine VHF radio 122

Choosing an antenna for your marine VHF radio 123

Introducing Marine Radio’s Advanced Features 123

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) 123

Automatic Identification System (AIS) 125

Saltwater Communications: HF Marine Radio 125

Knowing your distress channels 126

Operating a marine HF SSB radio 126

Selecting a marine HF radio and antenna 128

Basic Marine Radio Do’s and Don’ts 129

Performing Basic Radio Tasks in the Water 130

Satellite Radio and Marine E-mail 131

Getting That License 133

Chapter 9: Citizen Wireless: Amateur Radio 135

Tuning In Ham Radio Today 136

Ham radio core values 136

Common ham radio activities 137

Using electronics and technology 138

Finding the Ham Bands 139

Finding shortwave hams 139

VHF, UHF, and microwave signals 140

Getting a Ticket: The Ham Kind 140

Understanding why an exam is required 141

Preparing for the exam 141

Knowing which exam to take 141

Part III: Listening In: Scanning and Shortwave Listening 143

Chapter 10: One Adam 12: Scanner Basics 145

Listening: Oh, the Signals You’ll Hear 145

Getting scanner basics 146

Introducing channels and services 146

Using AM, FM, and digital signals 148

Simplex communications and repeaters 149

Dispatch versus one-to-one communication 149

Introducing the Radio Population 150

Business users 150

Government users 151

Military users 151

Hobbyists and other individual users 151

Public and private aviation users 151

Learning How to Use A Scanner 152

Handling basic controls and use 153

Configuring your scanner 156

Knowing the Rules of Scanning 157

Trunking Systems 157

Defining trunking 157

Using your scanner to monitor calls on a trunked system 158

Programming Your Scanner 160

Finding frequencies 160

Using a PC with your scanner 162

Choosing Scanners and Antennas 164

Chapter 11: Scanning Public Service and Safety Radio Transmissions 169

Tracking Down Your Local Government 169

Acquiring and saving data on your computer 170

Transferring data to your scanner software 172

Scanning Trunked Systems 173

Motorola Type I 174

Motorola Type II 174

EDACS and LTR 175

Setting Up a Trunked System on Your Scanner 175

Cracking Codes and Learning Lingo 177

Helping, Not Hindering 179

Chapter 12: Radio Aloft: Aviation Radio Transmissions 181

Activity on the Aviation Bands 181

Finding Frequencies 182

Ground Control to Major Tom: Airport Operations 183

Listening to Air Traffic Between Airports 184

Strangling Your Parrot: Aviation Jargon 186

Chapter 13: Radios in Uniform: Government Radio Transmissions 187

Scanning the Military 187

Finding military facilities 189

Finding armed forces facilities 189

Monitoring military aviation communications 190

Accessing Civilian Agencies 191

Step Away from the Radio: Following the Rules of Sensible Scanning 192

Chapter 14: Radio in Action: Recreational Radio Transmissions 195

Taking a Scanner to the Races 196

Discovering what you can hear 196

Getting the inside track on frequencies 198

Using a racing scanner 199

Winging It at Air Shows and Fly-Ins 200

Conducting airfield communications 201

Listening in on performer communications 201

Taking Your Radio on the Run and into the Crowd 202

Using your radio at a race 202

Using radio technology at a concert or convention 203

Getting the Right Accessories 204

Want to Get Involved? 205

Scanning Tips 205

Chapter 15: Surfing the Air World: Shortwave Listening 207

Finding Shortwave Broadcasters 208

Listening to amateur radio on SW bands 209

Monitoring commercial, government, and military broadcasts 211

Using shortwaves to receive data and miscellaneous signals 212

Choosing and Using SW Radios and Antennas 213

Selecting a radio 213

Introducing common SW radio controls 214

Two-Way Radios & Scanners For Dummies

Getting a shortwave antenna 216

Building your own antenna 216

Finding SW equipment vendors 217

Shortwave Signal Propagation 217

Hops, skips, and jumps: Understanding how the ionosphere affects propagation 219

Understanding other atmospheric conditions that affect propagation 221

Introducing World Time 221

Using a Program Guide 222

Confirming Your Reception 223

Including the right information in your QSL 224

Getting station addresses 225

SWL Web References 225

Part IV: Getting Technical with Your Radio 227

Chapter 16: Building Your Radio Toolbox 229

Acquiring the Right Tools 229

Absolutely required tools 229

Not absolutely required, but certainly handy, tools 230

Finding bargain toolsets 231

Cleaning tools you must have 232

Getting a toolbox 232

Stocking Stuff 233

Stocking extra adapters and connecters 234

Stocking other odds and ends 236

The Mechanics of Stocking Spare Parts over Time 236

Finding Education and Training 238

Getting freebies from manufacturers and retailers 239

Visiting individual or club Web sites 239

Getting information from books 239

Taking online courses 241

Chapter 17: A Spark of Electronic Know-How 243

Understanding the Relationship between Amps, Volts, Watts, and Ohms 243

Measuring current 244

Understanding voltage basics 245

Calculating power 245

Introducing resistance 246

Making calculations with Ohm’s law 247

Wires, Cables, and Connecters 249

Wires 249

Cables and Cords 250

Connecters 251

Dealing with Safety Issues 255

Two-Way Radios & Scanners For Dummies

Chapter 18: Installing Radios Right 257

Installing Your Radio at Home 257

Setting up a safe radio environment 257

Setting up your very own radio central 259

Accessories 261

Adding a computer to your radio operation 263

Finding the right furniture 264

Using antennas and feedlines 265

Getting Your Mobile Installation Rolling 273

Understanding vehicle radio safety issues 274

Setting up a power supply for your car radio 275

Finding a home for the radio in your car 278

Using antennas and feedlines in the car 281

Choosing and Installing Connectors 283

Crimp terminals 283

RF connectors 283

Chapter 19: Getting a Charge Out of Batteries 287

Getting Battery Basics 287

Ah Introducing Amp Hours and Characteristic Voltage 288

Disposable Batteries versus Rechargeable Batteries 290

Disposable batteries 291

Rechargeable batteries 292

Exploring the World of Battery Packs 295

Following Basic Battery Tips 295

Adhering to the Rules of Battery Safety 296

Charging and discharging batteries safely 296

Storing and handling batteries with care 298

Safely disposing of batteries 298

Chapter 20: Putting Your Computer to Work 299

Making Sure Your PC and Radio Are Compatible 299

Determining software compatibility 300

Determining hardware compatibility 301

Decoding signals 302

Choosing a Signal Interface 303

Making the Connection 304

Setting up the control connection 305

Setting up the radio audio and keying connection 306

Connecting the sound card 306

Adjusting the levels 306

Troubleshooting Your Computer and Your Radio 308

Common radio problem #1 308

Common radio problem #2 309

What to do if you still have a problem 309

Chapter 21: Troubleshooting Your Radio 311

Hunting the Wily Mr Murphy 311

Prosecuting Power Problems 312

Anticipating and preventing ac power problems 313

Dealing with dc power problems 314

Solving Operating Problems 315

Banishing Noise 317

Neutralizing power line noise 317

Angling around appliance noise 318

Nullifying noise from engines 319

Attacking atmospheric noise 320

Dealing with Interference 320

Received interference 320

Avoiding being the cause of interference 322

Visiting the Radio Doctor 325

Part V: The Part of Tens 327

Chapter 22: Ten Radio Secrets 329

Listening Rules 329

Talking Louder Doesn’t Do You Any Good 330

It’s All in the Antenna 330

The FCC Does, Too, Care 330

Setting Up Your Radio Correctly the First Time 330

Finding the Hot Spot 331

Planning for the Worst 331

Getting What You Pay For 331

Following the Ten Count 332

Discovering the Best Way to Relax 332

Chapter 23: Ten Emergency Tips 333

Using Your Radio Regularly 333

Getting Yourself under Control 334

Supplying Just the Facts 334

Being Smart with Resources 334

Knowing Where to Tune 334

Taking Advantage of Geography 335

Writing Everything Down and Keeping It Short 335

Following the Plan 335

Using the Buddy System 335

Practice, Practice, Practice 336

Chapter 24: Ten Radio First-Aid Techniques 337

Resetting the Radio 337

Replacing Lost Antennas 338

Putting the Wrong Batteries to the Right Use 338

Fixing a Faulty Pushbutton 338

Working around a Broken Speaker 338

Splicing Together Torn Wires 339

Working through Wind and Noise 339

Rescuing an Immersed Radio 339

Building an Emergency Charger 340

Making Do with the Tools around You 340

Chapter 25: Ten New Ways to Have Fun with Your Radio 341

Direction Finding 341

Hilltopping 342

Conducting Coverage Tests: Can You Hear Me Now? 342

Going on a Radio Scavenger Hunt 343

Riding at a Radio Rodeo 343

Creating Radio Scoreboards 343

Going to a Hamfest 343

Weather Watching 344

Wildlife Tracking 344

Joining a Club 344

Appendix: Glossary 345

Index 355