SCMA Links and Monitoring Resources
The following links are provided as a resource for scanner listeners, amateur radio operators, aviation monitors, public safety communications enthusiasts, and others interested in radio monitoring. These sites include frequency databases, live scanner audio feeds, scanner programming help, hobby radio forums, California fire communications references, and learning resources for both new and experienced listeners. SCMA does not control these outside websites, and frequency information can change at any time, so listeners should verify important information from multiple sources when possible.
Scanner Databases and Frequency Information
RadioReference – The main national reference site for scanner frequencies, trunked radio systems, talkgroups, forums, and wiki information. Still the most useful starting point for most scanner programming and research.
RadioReference Database – Direct access to the frequency and trunked system database, including county-by-county pages for California and Southern California.
RadioReference Forums – Active discussion forums covering Uniden, Whistler, SDR, trunking, public safety monitoring, military monitoring, aviation, and regional monitoring topics.
RadioReference Wiki – User-contributed reference articles, scanner programming notes, terminology, radio system explanations, and hobby guides.
California Fire/EMS Scanner Frequencies – CA Firefighters – A California-focused scanner frequency resource with fire and EMS listings by county and region. Useful as a supplemental reference, especially for fire monitoring.
Live Scanner Audio
Broadcastify Calls – A newer style of scanner monitoring that archives individual radio transmissions from supported systems when available. Good for reviewing incidents after the fact.
OpenMHz – Another live/archived radio traffic platform, especially useful where systems are being recorded by local feed providers.
Southern California / California Monitoring
RadioReference – Los Angeles County – Scanner frequencies and trunked radio systems for Los Angeles County. Useful for LAFD, LA County Fire, public works, schools, and other local monitoring targets.
RadioReference – San Bernardino County – Scanner frequencies and trunked radio system information for San Bernardino County, including the county P25 system and local agency listings.
RadioReference – CAL FIRE – Statewide CAL FIRE frequency information and related listings.
Los Angeles County Fire Live Radio – Official LA County Fire Department live radio page. Useful for listeners who want direct access to available LACoFD radio audio.
FIRESCOPE Radio Communications Guidelines – California fire service radio communications reference material. More technical, but useful for serious fire monitoring and mutual-aid channel understanding.
Scanner Learning and How-To Sites
Scanner School – Scanner radio tutorials, podcast episodes, and beginner-to-advanced explanations of the hobby. Good for newer listeners and members trying to understand trunking, digital systems, simulcast, programming, and scanner features.
Scanner School Podcast Archive – A large archive of scanner-related podcast episodes covering trunking, simulcast, rebanding, digital systems, programming, and general monitoring topics.
The Scanner Guys – Live scanner hobby show with discussions, Q&A, and scanner-related topics for hobbyists.
Mark’s Scanners / Easier to Read Manuals – Very useful “plain English” scanner manuals, especially for Uniden and GRE/RadioShack/Whistler models.
Easier to Read SDS100/SDS200 Manual – Direct resource for Uniden SDS100 and SDS200 users. Very helpful for SCMA members using modern Uniden scanners.
RTL-SDR.COM – Software defined radio news and projects.
Scanner Retailers / Programming Help
Scanner Master – Major scanner retailer with radios, antennas, accessories, programming services, and scanner information.
Scanner Master Programming Services – Programming help for users who want a scanner configured for local public safety systems without doing all the programming themselves.
Zip Scanners Learning Center – Commercial site, but it has useful beginner guides and explanatory articles about police scanners, scanner legality, and basic scanner operation.
Mobile Scanner Apps
Scanner Radio App – Popular mobile scanner app for listening to live public safety, fire, NOAA weather, amateur radio, aviation, and marine feeds. The Google Play listing says it includes access to more than 8,000 live audio streams.
Police Scanner Radio & Fire App – iOS scanner app for listening to live scanner audio and receiving breaking-news-style alerts.
Miscellaneous Sites of Interest
SoCalADSB – Southern California ADSB (ADS-B) – Fleet Aircraft Tracking for Police Helicopters – Fire Helicopters – News Helicopters – Federal Government Aircraft.