Ham radio is at its best when you can hear it. This page is your listening post: a place to tune in to live amateur radio, hear real contacts as they happen, and get a feel for how the bands sound before you transmit yourself.
Listen Live — BrandMeister Hoseline Player
Use the player below to listen to live DMR talkgroups on the BrandMeister network, right here on this page. Enter any talkgroup number, or search talkgroups by name, then press Listen Live. There are no preset buttons — you pick the talkgroup.
Listen Live — BrandMeister Talkgroups
Enter any talkgroup number and hit Go — it connects and listens automatically.
No talkgroup selected - enter a talkgroup number or search by name.
Status: idle
Who is talking: —
On air: —
- None yet on this talkgroup.
The player above is the Hoseline Listen Live player by K4KNJ, running on this site. It connects live to BrandMeister Hoseline, so you hear real DMR traffic as it happens, with who-is-talking, recent talkers, and a signal level while a call is on the air.
Scan talkgroups
Build a scan list of up to 10 talkgroups. Scan listens on each one in turn for a few seconds and stops on the first one with activity, so you can hear it.
Add a talkgroup by number, or by name. If you are not sure of the number, use the talkgroup search below the player to find it, or type the name here and it will be looked up.
Scan is off.
Ways to Listen Live
Live streams and web receivers. Web-based software-defined radio (SDR) receivers let you tune the HF, VHF, and UHF bands from your browser. Listen for phone contacts, Morse code, digital modes, and nets — no radio required.
What You Might Hear
- Calling and chatting (ragchews): hams calling CQ and talking with friends old and new.
- Nets: scheduled on-air gatherings with a net control station guiding check-ins.
- Contests and special events: fast-paced exchanges and stations celebrating a special occasion.
- Morse code (CW) and digital modes: the beeps and tones that carry messages across the world on very little power.
Listening Tips for Beginners
Start on the 20-meter and 40-meter bands during the day, and try 80 meters in the evening. If you hear a call sign you are curious about, look it up on QRZ to see where the station is and what equipment they use. Listening is also the best way to learn good operating habits — how hams greet each other, take turns, and sign off with a friendly 73.
Note: listening to amateur radio is free and open to everyone. You only need a license when you want to transmit. Ready for that step? Visit our New Hams page.