Unofficial compilation note: this library is unofficial material compiled and rewritten by BG7BAG Radio from public sources, for study reference only, and is not affiliated with the equipment manufacturers. For takedown requests, contact contact@bg7bag.com.
Scanning: let the radio watch several frequencies for you
A practical way to discover local activity, find repeaters and monitor emergency channels.
What scanning does
Scanning lets you listen across several frequencies without manual switching — great for finding local activity, repeaters and emergency channels. Most HTs offer several scan modes.
Scan modes
- Channel scan: steps only through saved channels or a scan list; fastest and most useful.
- VFO / frequency scan: sweeps a continuous range looking for signals.
- Priority scan: periodically returns to a priority channel.
- Dual watch (DW): monitors the main channel plus a second tone-matched channel.
How to use it
- Build a scan list first (add the channels you want to a Bank).
- Press SCAN / ★ to start.
- It pauses on a signal; press any key or EXIT to lock that channel or stop.
- Enable dual watch in the menu for main + emergency dual monitoring.
Practical tips
- Keep the scan list small; a huge list steps slowly and misses signals.
- Skip channels you do not care about; set Priority on important ones.
- Enable CTCSS/DCS match to filter unrelated same-frequency chatter.
- Scanning does not transmit; you may only answer on a channel you have locked.
Compliance note
⚠
Scanning is for receiving only; transmitting still requires a licence, legal bands and local compliance (see the regulations page).
How do I reply while scanning?
When scan pauses on a channel, PTT transmits on it (if compliant); otherwise TX is usually blocked.
Why can I not find the repeater?
A repeater uses split TX/RX; your scan must cover its output frequency. Save the repeater RX frequency into the scan list.