[threeio]

A 20$ RTL-SDR will give you a very broad view of the spectrum and an idea of how one area can be quiet, the other filled with signals and the oddities of atmospheric noise, etc. Super fun and there are 100,000 YouTube videos on how to get it working.

https://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Mini-Compatible-Package...

[NikkiA]

I would argue that a $0 web-sdr bookmark will teach you exactly the same things without you forever wondering if it's your antennae that's the problem.

[actionfromafar]

You sort of back-handedly made a case for using your own antenna to better understand radio. :-)

[NikkiA]

Oh, there is absolutely a case for trying your own antennae, and experimenting with various antenna topologies, to understand radio.

The issue is if it's the first thing a newbie should be doing while also trying to work out if their USB dongle works at all :D

[ale42]

Very true... only issue is that you wont receive any local signals if there's no local web-SDR in your area.

[furyg3]

Where do you find these? Is there an online library?

[NikkiA]

websdr.org has a huge list. You can find a few more via google.