Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies

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