Ham and Shortwave Radio
Scanner radios let you monitor real-time communications from emergency services, aviation, marine traffic, and more—giving you a front-row seat to activity happening around you. Modern scanners can follow trunked systems, decode digital signals, and scan hundreds of channels automatically.
If you’re new to the hobby, start with our complete guide to Radio scanner, where we cover how scanners work, the differences between analog and digital models, and how to find active frequencies in your area. From there, you can explore topics like programming your scanner, choosing the right antenna, and optimizing reception for local systems.
Browse the articles below to learn about my experiences, and learn how to select, set up, and get the most out of your scanner radio.
Police scanners are one of the most accessible entry points into the radio hobby. They allow you to listen to real-time communications from emergency services, aviation, weather stations, and more. But behind that simplicity is a fairly sophisticated system of radio technology. This guide breaks down exactly how police scanners work—without oversimplifying the important details. … Read more
This collection of emergency communications videos focuses on real-world preparedness, off-grid communication strategies, and practical radio use during crises. Learn how to set up reliable communication systems when infrastructure fails, including portable radio setups, backup power solutions, and field-ready gear. These videos highlight best practices for emergency response, coordination, and maintaining situational awareness. Whether you’re … Read more
For many, the mention of a police scanner conjures up images of a specialized radio used strictly by emergency services or news reporters. However, in reality, a police scanner is a versatile tool used by hobbyists to monitor a wide range of public safety and utility communications. At its core, it is a sophisticated radio … Read more
The End of an Era On March 16, 2026, Environment Canada will permanently shut down the VHF Weatheradio Canada transmitter network and the “Hello Weather” telephone service. After exactly 50 years of continuous service, the synthesized voices that guided mariners through storms and alerted families to tornadoes will vanish from the airwaves. For those of … Read more
You’ve heard of WebSDRs, but what exactly are they? This deep dive article breaks it down for beginners, explaining the basics, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone starting out in software-defined radio (SDR). We’ll cover everything from setup tutorials to comparisons with traditional radios, all in easy-to-understand language to help you … Read more
Coast Guard, Maritime, National Guard, and Military Channels This guide combines two critical areas: maritime frequencies monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for sea-based emergencies, and National Guard/military frequencies for land-based disaster preparedness and response. These tap into enthusiast scanning communities, emergency managers, and volunteers alike, paralleling systems like FEMA’s interoperability channels. Whether you’re … Read more
The National Weather Service’s NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) network is the fastest and most reliable way to get life-saving alerts directly from the source—24/7, no internet or cell service required. The Seven (and Only Seven) NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies All NWR stations in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories operate on exactly these channels: … Read more
I am seriously looking at buying one of these Uniden Bearcat HomePatrol scanners in the near future. This is state-of-the-art in scanning and I’m impressed with the audio I’ve heard on some YouTube videos. I need a scanner that doesn’t just sit there but likes to be tinkered with. I like eye candy too; I … Read more
FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are one of the frontline government agencies to respond to any large-scale disaster with medical care, triage, shelter, food, and other forms of humanitarian aid. Here are some frequencies commonly associated with FEMA and related emergency response activities, based on general knowledge and information available up to October 5, … Read more