I used to listen to police and other service/emergency calls and had programmable scanners to cover a wide range of departments. I stopped doing that because every time I got all set up, the departments would change their frequencies, begin trunking or other mods. Then my scanners were obsolete, again.
Since you said "Hams", I use a Grundig Satellit 750 to tune into amateur radio bands and to world wide broadcasts. Gotta warn you, though, Radio Amateurs drone on & on until I just wanna scream! It's a hoot to tune into Cuba, Romania, China to hear their version of our news. The ultra right wingers are on 4840KHZ if you choose to listen to a different slant on current events.
A plus side to having a good short wave radio is if the SHTF, short wave radios may become the only reliable source of information.
Here's the one that I use and recommend:
http://www.frys.com/product/6084828?gclid=CIjp3uLO6s0CFQ4zaQodkwcHNQ
Flash
So even without a license I can own and listen on radio capable of transmitting? Out of curiosity, How would they know if I've been transmitting?
What type of antenna do you need with something like that?
Yes, you can buy whatever transceiver you want. As far as transmitting without a license, people monitor for that. For example, there are requirements to announce your FCC call sign at certain times. If you don't, some licensed HAM might notice that and report that to the FCC. Do they know who you are and where you live? No, not yet. But if you keep doing it they can find where the signal is coming from and you get a cease and desist letter from the FCC, and hefty fines if you continue. As Roger said, HAMs can drone on and on and take this stuff seriously. That said, if it's an emergency, anyone can transmit. But if you think you might want to transmit at some point, the novice license is easy to get.
A Technician License, covering VHF frequencies, requires little study time, no morse code and a quick exam.Yes, you can buy whatever transceiver you want. As far as transmitting without a license, people monitor for that. For example, there are requirements to announce your FCC call sign at certain times. If you don't, some licensed HAM might notice that and report that to the FCC.... That said, if it's an emergency, anyone can transmit. But if you think you might want to transmit at some point, the novice license is easy to get.
This article will give you the basics. Hams make a sport out of it:Out of curiosity, How would they know if I've been transmitting?
I would think it "impossible" in the US since that license class doesn't really exist anymore. Perhaps the technician class license would be easier to get.... the novice license is easy to get.
I would think it "impossible" in the US since that license class doesn't really exist anymore. Perhaps the technician class license would be easier to get.