📻 Radio Scanning & SDR
Exploring the airwaves with software-defined radio, scanners, and frequency monitoring.
What is Radio Scanning?
Radio scanning is the hobby of monitoring radio communications across various frequencies. From aviation to public safety, there's a whole world of radio traffic to explore legally and ethically.
Legal Notice: Always check local laws regarding radio monitoring. In the US, listening to most unencrypted public safety and aviation frequencies is legal. Never interfere with communications or use information for illegal purposes.
My Radio Equipment
RTL-SDR
Software-defined radio dongle for wideband reception from 24MHz to 1.7GHz.
Uniden Bearcat
Dedicated scanner for P25 digital trunking and public safety monitoring.
Aviation Receiver
Airband receiver for monitoring ATC communications and aircraft.
HD Radio
Digital radio for crystal-clear FM and additional HD subchannels.
Frequencies I Monitor
| Service | Frequency Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation (VHF) | 118-137 MHz | ATC, ATIS, Ground Control |
| Marine VHF | 156-162 MHz | Coast Guard, ship-to-ship |
| Public Safety | Various | P25 digital trunking systems |
| Amateur Radio | Various bands | 2m, 70cm, HF bands |
| Weather | 162.4-162.55 MHz | NOAA Weather Radio |
Related Resources
Getting Started with SDR
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is an affordable way to explore the radio spectrum. Here's what you need:
- RTL-SDR Dongle: Around $30 for a quality unit with TCXO
- Antenna: Start with the included antenna, upgrade to a discone for wideband
- Software: SDR# (Windows), GQRX (Linux/Mac), or SDR++ (cross-platform)
- Patience: Learning to tune and decode takes practice!
Tip: Start with strong FM broadcast stations to verify your setup works, then explore aviation, weather, and other services.