Abstract: A frequency hopping spread spectrum receiver that does not require an independent synchronization source to receive and track a frequency hopping transmitter signal. In a search mode, the receiver of this invention hops in a reverse direction and at a faster rate than the transmitter hopping pattern. This results in faster signal acquisition time. The receiver uses the audio data tones of the transmit signal to detect and synchronize to the transmitter signal. Once in track mode of operation, a frequency hopping hysteresis ensures against erroneous detection of signal loss by tracking the transmitter hopping pattern for several consecutive hops before switching back to search mode.