What do I need

[rigpiggler]

I know absolutely nothing about any of this kind of stuff but have always been interested. When I was a kid I new this old timer and he had a radio set up in his basement and he was alway down there listening and chatting with people from all around.
I was wondering what kind of equipment I would need so that I can do the same.
Sorry for my lack of knowledge in this but I am interested in setting something up and learning especially during this cold winter.

 

[jonwienke]

Are you talking about using radios to communicate with friends and acquaintances, or using a scanner to listen to police, fire, EMS, aircraft, etc.?

 

[rigpiggler]

I have an anolog scanner that is probably no good anymore or so I have been told.

Does anyone use radios anymore to comunicate or has everything gone digital.


Like I say I know nothing about this stuff.

 

[bob550]

If all you're interested in is local communication of less than 10 miles, a CB radio into an outdoor mounted antenna would get you that capability. Although, the CB bands are no where near as popular as they were decades ago. On the other hand, if you're looking to communicate over greater distances, consider a Ham Radio operator's licence. Depending on your investment of money and time, you could communicate anywhere between 10 to 50 miles, to literally thousands of miles. There are plenty of Hams on this forum with all kinds of helpful information for you! Good luck!

 

[ab5r]

I see that you are located in Canada. I cannot help much with the Canadian Amateur Radio laws.

You can check the database here in Radio Reference to see what you local situation is regarding law, fire and EMS frequencies. More that likely, most have gone digital or even encrypted. BUT, a good new scanner would be able to receive digital analog, with some limitations depending on what you area is using.

The gentleman that you described was probably a ham operator and communicating local and distant stations. That course of action would require having license, equipment and antenna(s).

Overall, the costs could be expensive, depending upon whether you bought used or new gear. You might try to locate a local ham operator or club and get better details. Good luck, it is a fun hobby.

 

[KK4JUG]

You need to decide what you want to do. You posted your request in a scanning thread but you mentioned that your friend talked with others on the radio. He didn't do that with a scanner.

This and other web sites have a wealth of information about CB, amateur radio, more scanning that you thought ever existed and much, much more. Decide what you really want to do and how much you want to spend. You can get into CB for less than a hundred dollars or take up amateur radio and conceivably spend thousands. Scanning falls somewhere in between.

Your request is a little ambiguous. Do some research and decide what areas you're interested in then narrow your questions a bit.

 

[jwt873]

I appreciate that it's difficult finding out about something you know nothing about. The toughest part is knowing what questions to ask.

Like others above have mentioned. If the fellow was talking then he was either using a citizens band (CB) radio or he was an amateur radio operator also known as a ham. (Ham is a nickname for an amateur radio operator).

If he was a CB operator, you can slide over to the CB section of this forum. If he was a ham, then there is lots to find over in the amateur radio section.

If you are interested in ham radio, you need to obtain a license in order to operate. If this is what you're after, then here is some info on getting a Canadian ham license. How to Start.