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
