H. Ward Silver 
Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies 

Discover a fun new hobby with helpful possibilities

Get directions, talk to folks overseas, or find out whether the fish are biting

Want to check out the morning news in London, help out in emergencies, or tune in to the big race? Two-way radios open up a world of possibilities – literally. This handy guide tells you about the equipment you need, fills you in on radio etiquette, shows you how to stay legal, and gives you lots of cool ideas for family-friendly radio activities.

Discover how to
* Use the right radio lingo
* Choose and operate different types of radios
* Get a license if you need one
* Communicate in emergencies
* Program a scanner
* Tune in to sporting events

Table of Content

Introduction 1

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

Chapter 1: Introducing Radios and the Wireless World 9

Chapter 2: Discovering the Art and Science of Radio 25

Chapter 3: Making Radio Fit Your Life 39

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

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

Chapter 5: Breaker, Breaker: Using Citizens Band 79

Chapter 6: Communicating in Emergencies 99

Chapter 7: Workaday Wireless: Business Radio Services 109

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

Chapter 9: Citizen Wireless: Amateur Radio 135

Part III: Listening In: Scanning and Shortwave Listening 143

Chapter 10: One Adam 12: Scanner Basics 145

Chapter 11: Scanning Public Service and Safety Radio Transmissions 169

Chapter 12: Radio Aloft: Aviation Radio Transmissions 181

Chapter 13: Radios in Uniform: Government Radio Transmissions 187

Chapter 14: Radio in Action: Recreational Radio Transmissions 195

Chapter 15: Surfing the Air World: Shortwave Listening 207

Part IV: Getting Technical with Your Radio 227

Chapter 16: Building Your Radio Toolbox 229

Chapter 17: A Spark of Electronic Know-How 243

Chapter 18: Installing Radios Right 257

Chapter 19: Getting a Charge Out of Batteries 287

Chapter 20: Putting Your Computer to Work 299

Chapter 21: Troubleshooting Your Radio 311

Part V: The Part of Tens 327

Chapter 22: Ten Radio Secrets 329

Chapter 23: Ten Emergency Tips 333

Chapter 24: Ten Radio First-Aid Techniques 337

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

Appendix: Glossary 345

Index 355

About the author

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.