FAQ
TL;DR: Expect quiet periods when monitoring; silence can last 2.5 days. "If they have nothing to talk about, they don't talk." This FAQ helps beginners set frequencies, turn off RX tones, and improve reception for police, fire, and ambulance listening. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426471]
Why it matters: It shows setup is simple, but airtime varies, so silence doesn’t mean your radio is broken.
Quick Facts
- Enter the exact transmit frequency used by the service; that’s the core setup for listening. [Elektroda, tape, post #18426333]
- Disable receive-side tones: set R-DCS and R-CTZS to OFF to avoid filtering out calls. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426603]
- You may hear nothing for long stretches; one listener reported 2.5 days of silence. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426471]
- Placement matters: put the radio by a window or on a higher floor to improve range. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426645]
- If the agency uses DMR digital voice (12.5 kHz, 2 time slots), analog radios won’t decode it. [ETSI TS 102 361]
How do I quickly set my radio to hear local services?
Use this fast method: 1. Look up the exact transmit frequency for the service. 2. Enter that frequency in VFO or store to a memory channel. 3. Monitor the channel; you only hear traffic when users transmit. [Elektroda, tape, post #18426333]
Do I need DCS/CTCSS on receive to monitor?
No. For general monitoring, turn off receive-side tone squelch. On many menus these are R-DCS and R-CTZS; set both OFF. Tone squelch filters audio to only matching tone and can hide calls. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426603]
I entered police, fire, and ambulance frequencies but heard only two police calls all day—is that normal?
Yes. Traffic can be sparse. One listener reported total silence for about 2.5 days. “If they have nothing to talk about, they don’t talk.” Hold on the channel and wait; your setup is likely fine. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426471]
Does moving the radio near a window or higher floor improve reception?
Yes. Place the radio by a window to reduce building losses. Higher placement improves line-of-sight and effective range. Face the display inward if you prefer discretion. Small placement changes can outperform menu tweaks. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426645]
Could the agency have switched to DMR and that’s why I hear nothing?
It’s possible. Some users migrate to DMR digital systems. If that occurs, an analog-only receiver will not produce intelligible audio on those channels. Consider a DMR-capable scanner to monitor such systems. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426471]
Can an analog FM radio decode DMR or other digital voice?
No. DMR is digital and uses two time slots within a 12.5 kHz channel. Analog FM cannot decode that modulation. You need a DMR-capable receiver or scanner to hear DMR voice. [ETSI TS 102 361]
What happens if I leave RX tone squelch enabled?
You may hear nothing, even with a strong signal. Tone squelch opens audio only when the programmed tone matches. For wide monitoring, disable RX tones so all audio passes through. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426556]
Is it legal to listen to police or ambulance channels?
Check local law. Many jurisdictions restrict listening to non-public broadcasts or decoding encrypted traffic. Never share or misuse what you hear. When unsure, monitor only permitted services. [Ofcom: Use of Radio Scanners]
Any quick way to test if my programming works?
Hold on a known active channel and wait. Public safety channels can be quiet for long stretches, so silence does not prove a setup issue. When users transmit, your squelch should open and audio should play. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426471]
Where can I find the right frequencies to program?
Use official lists or trusted community databases. Search by country, region, or service type. Confirm that entries are current, because agencies change systems or migrate to digital. Program only what you may legally monitor. [RadioReference Frequency Database]
Any discreet placement tips when listening at home?
Yes. Put the radio at a window for better signal, but face the display inward. This keeps the screen from drawing attention while you monitor. [Elektroda, Rezystor240, post #18426645]
