Anyone Do Any Scanning?

[Hahnsb2]

Just curious? I just got into it last weekend. I picked up a used Uniden BR330T handheld scanner and subscribed to RadioReference Database where I can download trunk systems and frequency's directly to my scanner. I also put a Mic clip on my dash to hold it when I'm driving.

It's really fun listening in, never knew how much crime goes on!

 

[4x4junkie]

I got a Bearcat BCD996T that I turn on occasionally when stuff's happenin' around me. It can get pretty interesting at times, although for the most part, it's just a bunch crap like "Code 30" alarm calls, traffic stops, and an occasional petty theft or domestic violence call (interesting at first, but then you get kindof bored of them after you've intercepted a good lengthy car pursuit on your scanner radio lol).

 

[Earl43P]

Check this out: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/

I listen pretty much any time I'm in front of the computer, work or home.

Most of the juicy details go through cellphone, but at least you get an idea what's going on and where.

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

I used to have a scanner until the batteries started leaking and ruined the scanner which was a hand held. I've been looking at getting another one though.

 

[Hibs]

you taxpayers let me sit and scan all day long, but my equipment is a little bigger then handheld. lol.

 

[daniel3507]

ive been thinking of picking one up from radio shack. ive listened online before and its pretty fun

 

[Hahnsb2]

ive been thinking of picking one up from radio shack. ive listened online before and its pretty fun

I really recommend the Uniden BR330T. While I have no personal experience, I've read it it better than the Radio Shack Pro-97 that most people use, bigger frequency range, better reception, more compact and I believe more memory.

 

[strvger]

just a note before you take them on the road... they are illegal in vehicles in some states. the one i live in for example. even though i was a volunteer fireman here for about 16 years, we were never permitted to keep a scanner in our vehicles even if the freqs were fire only. i'm not 100% sure, but i think Nevada is the same (vacation place there). i know there are others with similar restrictions.

 

[daniel3507]

just a note before you take them on the road... they are illegal in vehicles in some states. the one i live in for example. even though i was a volunteer fireman here for about 16 years, we were never permitted to keep a scanner in our vehicles even if the freqs were fire only. i'm not 100% sure, but i think Nevada is the same (vacation place there). i know there are others with similar restrictions.

thats interesting. going to do some digging around and see if there is a list of states where its illegal

 

[Jacks2K4x4]

Here you go:

http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/

 

[strvger]

thanks for the excellent link!!

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yeah I looked up the scanner laws before I bought it, totally legal here anywhere even close to here.

 

[gman]

i was thinking about getting into scaning. i really dont know much about it. i was thinking about getting a hand held scanner but im wondering how far i will be able to hear on a hand held any buddy got any idea? also what is the trunking feature as oppose to a regular scanner? i know these are dumb question but i have never even seen a scanner in use!

 

[daniel3507]

i was thinking about getting into scaning. i really dont know much about it. i was thinking about getting a hand held scanner but im wondering how far i will be able to hear on a hand held any buddy got any idea? also what is the trunking feature as oppose to a regular scanner? i know these are dumb question but i have never even seen a scanner in use!

check out radioreference.com I am new to scanning as well so i really cant answer your questions. i just registered on the forum at radioreference and some of the things are pretty confusing. listening to the local cops online right now.

 

[Hahnsb2]

i was thinking about getting into scaning. i really dont know much about it. i was thinking about getting a hand held scanner but im wondering how far i will be able to hear on a hand held any buddy got any idea? also what is the trunking feature as oppose to a regular scanner? i know these are dumb question but i have never even seen a scanner in use!

Yep check out radioreference.com. (from what I understand) Basically a trunking system allows multiple channels on a few frequency's in a large network (for example this whole county is using a trunking system) and it uses several transmitters so I can hear anything on the Clark County system. The state patrol uses a conventional system still so any more than about 10 miles from the tower or officers I can't get anything. I can also pick up the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications system (Oregon) here in Washington.

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Trunking_Basics