Scanner / CB set up

[02SuperXLT]

Any suggestions on brands of Mobile Police/Fire Scanner to mount in my Ranger? I plan on having a CB mounted as well. I don't want to break my bank, so I will be scouring Ebay.
Thanks, Jeff

 

[willindsay]

Is your local agencies using a Trunked system or just a standard one channel syestem?

I've had good luck with the Radioshack handheld units. Right now I've got a RS PRO-94 dual trunking scanner sitting beside me.

 

[02SuperXLT]

I believe they are using a trunked system. I want to mount on that is a similar size to a Cobra 29 CB. Another Question, Will I need a separate antenna for scanner?

 

[willindsay]

Look up your county on Here It'll give you most of the frequencies and tell you what system their using.

As for an antenna you're gonna want a separate one. The frequencies for a CB are around 26-27mhz while the police and fire are usually in the 460mhz and 150mhz range. A CB antenna will work but then you're gonna have to get a coax splitter and 2 short lengths of coax and you'd probably get interference any time you keyed the CB mic. So it'll be easier and probably around the same cost to just run a second antenna.

 

[02SuperXLT]

next question

thanks for that link. I thought I had all of the local frequencies, but there are a few that I missed.
My next question is when I run two separate antennas for cb and scanner, do they also have to be kept a distance apart? I would like to run them with one on each side of the truck...

Thanks for all of your help!
Jeff

 

[willindsay]

I'm no expert but I think they'll be fine placed on opposite sides of the truck. Worst I can see happening is you get a little static in the scanner when you key the CB but I doubt you'll even get that. I'd just make sure not to run the coax beside each other and all should be good.

Also check back on that site from time to time it's always being updated. I check my area about once a month and always seem to find new frequencies.

 

[ronclark]

Any suggestions on brands of Mobile Police/Fire Scanner to mount in my Ranger? I plan on having a CB mounted as well. I don't want to break my bank, so I will be scouring Ebay.
Thanks, Jeff

A word of caution check the laws in your state about having a scanner mounted in a car, as a lot of state its illegal to have a scanner in a automobile.
there is a exceptions if you work in public safety,and Amateur radio licensee holders are except.

 

[dispatcher812]

Actually only a few ban them completely. Check out this site: http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html

I am looking into replacing my double Din radio with a single din and then mounting a scanner underneath that.