MIL-C-5015, now known popularly as MS connectors, are multi-pin, highly durable connectors that were originally invented for use in military applications. They have a variety of features that makes them easy to use for nearly any application and are often found in a variety of advanced, high power, heavy duty devices in the industrial world. MS connectors are a type of circular threading connector that requires no tools to assemble. Installation can be done by simply the barrel into the receptacle and turning in the proper direction. This ease of Read More

Radio can be divided into two main categories: Radio designed for you to listen to Radio designed for you to listen to and talk on Radio designed for you to listen to include the AM and FM bands, shortwave radio, and an enormous number of specialized radio bands that you can hear by purchasing a radio scanner. These specialized radio bands include police and emergency frequencies and a host of other interesting things to listen to. A radio designed only to be listened to in known as a receiver. Radios Read More

Business band stands for a series of frequencies in the UHF and VHF two-way radio bands, which are exclusively reserved for businesses to communicate within limited ranges. Of course, not just anyone can use this bandwidth. Anyone that wants to use the business band must first receive a license from the Federal Communications Commission, also known as the FCC. There are some exceptions to this rule in the form of five frequencies, which are part of the Multi Use Radio Service, which means they are open for unlicensed use. This Read More

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a licensed radio service. GMRS consists of 16 UHF channels on FM, plus 7 channels that are shared with FRS. The maximum allowable power for a GMRS radio is 50 watts. The GMRS channels which are shared with FRS are limited to 5 watts of power. The use of repeaters is allowed on GMRS. Most GMRS repeaters use CTCS (Control Tone Coded Squelch). GMRS Frequencies The frequencies assigned solely to GMRS are: Designator Simplex or Repeater Output Repeater Input 550 462.550 MHz 467.550 MHz Read More

Fixed Radio Scanners My recommendations for general purpose radios for scanning are the PC controlled models. PC controllers scanning radios give you many more options for playing and are a great bang for your scanning buck. The only downside is that you can't carry these radios around on your belt! Icom PCR-1000 WinRadio Mobile Radio Scanners To scan while walking around, I recommend either the Uniden BC250D Trunked Radio Scanner, which will enable you to listen to trunked radio, or the Yaesu VX-7R tranciever, which will allow you to both Read More

A Ham radio antenna tower is usually a metal tower that hams use to support their antennas. There's also an interesting story behind birth of the terms Ham or amateur radio. The actual signification of the term 'ham' was lost but there are several theories that explain its provenience. For example some say it was an insult at first, others say it's just the simplified version of the term amateur and so on. In order to understand what a Antenna Tower is, you must understand what it's used for, and Read More

A police scanner is basically a radio scanner that is also a receiver that receives wireless radio signals. A scanner identifies these wireless radio waves. A scanner can identify numerous radio signals and bands concurrently making it easy to keep track of many channels simultaneously. The phrase “police scanner” derives from the fact that the majority of scanner users take pleasure in listening to police radio broadcast. Police scanner codes vary from department to department. Most codes are reasonably standard, but a few of the codes are specific to the Read More

A loop antenna is one that is designed to receive radio signals more efficiently than other antennas. Loop antennas are considered more efficient than others because they are mobile, work with a wide range of frequencies, and use less electricity. A loop antenna’s performance is entirely dependent on its construction and placement, although other factors may also play a role. Loop antennas locate areas with ideal signal strength, and improve signal quality and communication. How Loop Antennas Work A loop antenna is made of a loop of copper or another Read More

XM Radio is a type of satellite radio that is extremely popular with people that want more entertainment and programming choices from their radio with less commercials and interruptions. XM Radio is similar to cable TV as users pay a small fee each month to receive superior programming. In XM Radio’s case, users can receive over 150 different channels, many with commercial free music, talk show personalities, and quality sports programming such as Major League Baseball and NASCAR. In order to receive XM Radio, users must first have a special Read More

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) is a metric commonly used with antenna systems for ham or shortwave radio communication. VSWR is normally defined as a ratio with a 1:1 VSWR, indicating that there is an exact or perfect match between all antenna system elements. The VSWR can also be expressed by comparing Vmax with Vmin in a ratio. Why does VSWR Exist? In order to obtain maximum power from a load, the load and generator impedance must match. If there is any mismatch or difference, then maximum power transfer does Read More