Scanner and HF

Scanner (or SW Radio) needs BFO or SSB capability. Unless you transmit in AM only on the HF. Scanner also needs to be able to recieve on 3-30 MHz.

Mick. The only scanner that comes to mind is the Yaesu VR500. Was about $5-600 new
AOR also used to (& still may) produce one AR8200 but it was well over $1,000
Check out www.rigpix.com/index.shtml
A Yaesu VX5R that is also an Amateur transmitter may be a better option if you want to get a ham ticket - RX 0.5MHz to 1Ghz
Note that SSB is also used for weak signal long distance VHF and UHF work on amateur bands - need a good directional horrizontal antenna.
Note that the effectiveness on all bands will be determined by the antenna and on HF, generally the longer the better. Also, due to the size constraints, non;t expect miracles with selectivity - ability to reject strong unwanted signals.
Cheers Tony

Not sure if the cheaper uniden scanners will go down to HF frequencies.You might have to buy an icom.-Steve

Thank you all for the advice. My original plan was to get something for the kids and my entertainment listening to radio transmissions at airports. The thought about HF radio, particularly RFDS and 4WD network came later. I see from the online Uniden manuals that the $299 model receives some amateur bands but not sure if the RFDS and 4wd network are in the same bands. Thanks again and I'll follow the leads you have given me.