NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS SCANNER NETWORK

What is Zello?

Zello is a free push-to-talk app that works like a digital walkie-talkie. It allows you to listen to live audio streams directly from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Through the North Central Arkansas Scanner Network, I route real scanner audio into a dedicated server system. That audio is then safely and reliably transmitted into our Zello channels.

When you connect to the channel using the steps provided on this website, you are hearing the live scanner feed in real time.

This system is designed to be simple, clear, and dependable so you can stay informed about what is happening in the community.

Get Connected Now

HOW TO SET UP ZELLO TO LISTEN TO OUR SCANNER CHANNELS

Follow these steps carefully to make sure everything works properly.

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD ZELLO

Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
Search for “Zello.”
Download the app with the orange “Z” logo.
Install it on your device.

STEP 2: CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT

Open the Zello app.
Tap “Sign Up.”
Enter:
- A username
- A secure password
- Your email address
Complete the registration process.

If Zello asks how you plan to use the app, select: “Friends and Family”

STEP 3: ADD THE CHANNELS

Once you are logged in:

Tap “Channels” at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the plus (+) button at the top right.
Choose “Add by Channel Name.”
Type the channel name exactly as shown below.

You may also try adding by web.

Click here for Van Buren County

Click here for Searcy County Fire

Click here for Searcy County Sheriff's Office

Click here for North Central Arkansas EMS

If that does not work, continue using the manual search method explained

Type the names exactly as written:

Van Buren County

Searcy County - Fire & EMS

Searcy County Sheriff's Office

North Central Arkansas EMS

(This EMS network covers Van Buren, Searcy, and Cleburne Counties.)

After searching:

When the correct channel appears,
Tap “Add.”

Repeat this process for each channel you want.

VERY IMPORTANT — DO NOT CLOSE ZELLO

If you are new to Zello, this is extremely important:

Keep Zello running in the background at all times.
If you swipe up and close apps, you will close Zello.

If Zello is closed, you will miss live traffic.

Zello must stay open in the background for everything to work properly.

UNDERSTANDING ZELLO MODES

Available

You hear live traffic in real time.
This is recommended if you want to hear everything as it happens.

Solo

Focuses on one channel.
Other channels still record in the background.
You can replay missed traffic later.

Busy

Stops alerts and notifications.
Still records traffic (as long as Zello stays running).
You can replay later.

If you follow these steps exactly, your scanner feed will work properly.

If you have any issues, double-check:

Channel names are spelled correctly
Zello is running in the background
Your phone notifications are enabled for Zello

Meteorologist Blaze Thomas

I just want to personally say thank you to everyone using the North Central Arkansas Scanner Network. When I first had this idea, my goal was to make it free and easy for people to understand what is happening in the community, especially when you see an ambulance or fire truck and want to know what is going on. This network has grown quickly, and we have built a brand new dedicated server just for you. I am very excited about what this means moving forward. On this website, you will find the steps to access the scanner feed. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook at Meteorologist Blaze Thomas. Thank you again for using the feed.