Scanner School - Everything you wanted to know about the Scanner Radio Hobby

Do you want to understand how a Yagi antenna works? In this episode, Phil explains the elements of a Yagi antenna, what they’re used for, and even how to build your own. All session notes with links to the items we talked about an be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session127 You can help support Scanner School by visiting our support page at www.scannerschool.com/support Don't forget to join us for our weekly net on Zello. For info, visit https://www.scannerschool.com/zello

Do you struggle to understand why antenna designs differ? In this episode, I explain antenna polarization and how the design impacts it. All session notes with links to the items we talked about an be found on our website at www.scannerschool.com/session126 You can help support Scanner School by visiting our support page at www.scannerschool.com/support Don't forget to join us for our weekly net on Zello. For info, visit https://www.scannerschool.com/zello

The Spring (or Fall) to take inventory and make a note of how your radio setup is doing. Phil covers, antenna, masts, mounting, coax, and grounding.

Many of you have have been submitting their questions and today I am answering some of them. This month I answer: - Are there any scanners that are commercially available that are capable of Tetra decoding, and if not, what other options are there? - What jacks are on the SDS-200?  - Is it possible to upgrade an HP2 to make it function more like an SDS-100 or SDS-200? - How do you cross-reference what’s available on Radio Reference with how it appears in Uniden’s software? - And more

Do you want to find deals on used equipment on eBay? In this episode, Phil shares his do’s and don’t’s of bidding on eBay auctions.

Are you wondering what it’s like to participate in a Scanner School Zello net? In this episode, Phil plays a recent Zello net chat for you to hear what it’s like.

Yes - Episode 122 is being released before episode 121... We are all starting to feel a little bit cooped up in our homes.  Social distancing is the new normal and keeping inside may be driving you nuts. Today we go over 12 different radio ways you can keep yourself sane during an insane time.

In this episode, Phil plays the live Ask Scanner School session he held on Facebook and YouTube.

Today we're talking about a classic, the Uniden BC780XLT.  This radio came out in 2000 and it shook up the scanner radio market.  Learn why the power that was behind it made it a go-to scanner for many people at the time and what was available for this model on the aftermarket. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to set up a dispatch center? In this episode, Phil talks to his old friend Rob Bambino to discuss his company RF Designs. Rob's company specializes in consulting with fire departments and local law enforcement to build and maintain their dispatch centers and equipment.

Where can you find frequencies that might have Coronavirus-related traffic? In this episode, Phil shares with you what he’s listening to and makes suggestions for you to find what you might want to listen for in your area.

How can you join the Scanner School community in a live Zello chat? In this episode, Phil walks you through how to create your Zello account and join the Scanner School group, and explains the purpose of the weekly Zello net chat and what sets it apart!  For info, visit https://www.scannerschool.com/zello

Many of you have have been submitting their questions and today I am answering some of them. This month I answer: Difficultly with monitoring in Sacramento California How do I program or add talk groups or frequencies to the GRE-PSR800 handheld scanner? What is the best scanner available? Who is the best source to purchase from? I have an SDS100. Can you tell me the flight watch move for the statewide system in Indiana?

Did you know you can use a free app to set up a live scanner feed? How can you get started? In this episode, I will walk you through how to set up a live feed of your scanner radio using the free app Zello, including equipment you’ll need and how it compares to setting up a broadcast hosted on your own computer. PS - Join our NEW Zello channel! For info, visit https://zello.scannerschool.com

Do you want to set up your own scanner live feed? How can you get started? In this episode, I'll walk you through how to set up a live feed of your scanner radio to be hosted on your home computer, from what hardware you need to specific software settings that need to be changed.   All of this in less time than it takes to get a pizza delivered