Thank you Nick for your great post. I'm studying the web site you
referenced. Very informative. Can you tell me, is an outside antenna a good
accessory and can it be attached to the scanner without much technical
knowledge? Is one type of antenna better tyhan another?

Samantha



"cnick6" wrote in message
...
Sam,

As others have suggested, you need to do some quick research. I highly
recommend http://www.radioreference.com
to see what your local PD/Fire/EMS system is using...

In the past, you could just buy one scanner to do it all - but that's not
really the case any more. I have one for trunking and one for
conventional. Then I have a portable handheld scanner as well. (Actually
I have 3 of those, but I only use one regularly.)

If you are in an area that is using a trunked system, then you need to
find out if they're using digital. It's called APCO P25. If you see this
in the description, then you're limited to only a few scanners. Also, I
should point out that there's also no guarantee that the Police won't
encrypt certain channels. If you look at the radio reference site, there
are forums by state. Check around and see what other people are doing in
your area.

I can highly recommend the Uniden BC396T as it comes with programming
software (you can download at no charge.) It can decode the "digital"
mode (P25) and it's also a conventional scanner as well. This model is
right around the 400-500 price range. This is a handheld model. (They
have a 996 model which is the base version.)

If you're in an area that is not digital (you'll see it say Motorola
800mhz Type II or Smartzone) then you have a bit more options. A good
scanner is the Uniden BCT15. This model is around $200 - but you do have
purchase the programming software ($25.) This model is a base scanner
(or mobile.)

So you see it depends on what your local community is using for their
radio system. Like another person suggested... take a trip to your local
radio shack and chances are they can help you figure out what you need.


-Nick

Sam,

Well the positive aspect to 'trunking' is that the radio frequencies are
much higher. With most US cities, you can get buy with a simple rubber
ducky antenna or a telescopic base antenna. If your city is using
conventional frequencies then you may want to invest in an outside antenna.

The price of an outside antenna is reasonable. I use the Radio Shack
"scanner" antenna (20-043) and it's priced here at $73. It's very easy to
set up. Just get it up as high as possible. Mount it on a PVC pipe or some
kind of pole and you're good to go. The higher up you can get it the
better. (Some people will buy a TV antenna mast... which is like 25ft and
then mount it on that.) Whatever way you choose, just make sure it's secure
and away from any power lines. My antenna has withstood winds up around
70mph, so I'm not too worried about weather.)

You'll need to buy RG-58 coax cable. Plug one end into the antenna and the
other into the scanner. Most scanners have a "BNC" connector type. You'll
need a small adapter to convert between the coax and BNC. Ask the RS
salesman for that. It's like $5.

For receiving - almost any antenna will work. I think the RS scanner
antenna is the best value without going overboard. It should last you for
years. The antenna is usually a one-time investment. You'll see
"discone" a lot. That's a pretty typical type for a base scanner. Now, why
some vary in price from $50 to $250 - I don't know. They claim better
performance, but that might be stretching the truth a bit. ;o)

Another retail store I use is "Universal Radio" - they're very nice and will
take time to answer questions for you. They have a nice online site to look
at gear, accessories, etc. http://universal-radio.com/

Their prices are very good btw on most products.

Here's their direct link for antennas:
http://universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants.html

Here's their direct link for scanners:
http://universal-radio.com/catalog/scanners.html

PS. Some of those antennas show the assembly instructions... so you can see
what's all involved. Usually it's just screwing things down. Pretty
straightforward.


Good luck,
-Nick


"ScannerNewbie" wrote in message
news
Thank you Nick for your great post. I'm studying the web site you
referenced. Very informative. Can you tell me, is an outside antenna a
good accessory and can it be attached to the scanner without much
technical knowledge? Is one type of antenna better tyhan another?

Samantha