Scanning Q&A

On this page, you'll find a random sampling of questions and answers about scanning and radios. If you have a question, and find a good answer, please feel free to add both to this page. Only add questions, though, if you have the answers; if you need an answer to a question, and it's not on this page already, please try the Radio Reference forums.

General Scanning Questions

• ''Can I bring my scanner on an airplane?''
  • Read the Scanning on an Airplane and Scanners and Airport Security pages.

• ''Is scanning legal? How about in my car?''
  • Read this informative site on scanner laws.

• ''What is the best scanner for me?''
  • See the help provided on the scanner decision page.

• ''What are the codes and signals I hear public safety personnel using on the radio?''
  • See our articles about 10 codes and other brevity codes.

• ''What is a signal contour, and how does it affect what I can hear?''
  • See our Signal Contour article

Frequency Searches

If you are searching for specific frequencies in your area, the RR Database is the place to start - but sometimes there may be a better option....

• ''Where can I find frequencies for the various services, such as Railroads, Aircraft, etc.?''
  • Please see our US/Canadian Common Frequencies article

• ''Where can I find frequencies for NASCAR, LPGA, NFL, etc.?''
  • See our Sports frequencies article

• ''I'm flying into an airport that the RRDB doesnt have. Where can I find frequencies for it?''
  • Go to the popular Airnav website

• ''I'm going on a cruise and would like to see if there's activity to be heard. Where can I find frequencies?''
  • See this popular CruiseShips by Bill Dunn for cruise ship frequencies

• ''I need to look up a callsign I copied. Where can I find it?''
• ''I need to look up a frequency that isnt in the database. Where might I find it?''
  • If you have a premium subscription, you will be able to use the FCC query tools at the bottom of the database page

• ''Where can I find out about military communications in my area?''
  • Check out our Milcom article

• ''Where can I find out about frequencies used by the US Federal Government?''
  • Check out our Federal frequencies article