Help on Scanner

[gotplastic]

I'd like to work towards my Ham license next year, but with some family issues going on have no time in '10. In the meantime I'd like to get a police scanner; betwen getting caught in a huge detour friday night, and a wicked storm last night there are just too many times where I dont know what's going on around me.

From what I've read in another forum, it seems like I need a triple trunking digital scanner to have a chance to get most departments. Does this sound correct ? I've looked at the Radio Shack units and it appears they generally start at close to $400. I would prefer not to, but could spend that much if I have to. I really prefer something portable since I spend a lot of time driving to other states.

Any help much appreciated. While I'm at it, can someone give me a rough idea what basic Ham equipment would run to get started. Will let me budget ahead some for next year.

 

[Radio]

Where are you located and what towns and agencies would you like to monitor? Do you want to just listen in the car or the house as well?

 

[gotplastic]

My priorities would be police/fire for Acton, Maynard, Stow, Waltham, Concord and then State Police for MA, CT, ME, NH

I think it would be 95% in my car and I'd only use it in the house if there was a hurricane or something happening.

 

[AppleSeeds]

www.radioreference.com is a great resource. Look around online, you can find good deals on used scanners all the time

 

[P-14]

The search engine on this forum is our friend:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/95329-Scanner-Recommendations?highlight=scanner

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/94038-digital-police-scanner?highlight=scanner

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...ine-Police-and-Fire-Scanner?highlight=scanner

 

[Zappa]

My priorities would be police/fire for Acton, Maynard, Stow, Waltham, Concord and then State Police for MA, CT, ME, NH

I think it would be 95% in my car and I'd only use it in the house if there was a hurricane or something happening.

A good trunking scanner will get you all of these with the exception of the NH agencies because they've all gone to P25 Digital. A Digital scanner will cost about $100-$200 more

 

[Radio]

My priorities would be police/fire for Acton, Maynard, Stow, Waltham, Concord and then State Police for MA, CT, ME, NH

I think it would be 95% in my car and I'd only use it in the house if there was a hurricane or something happening.

CT and NH have gone digital, not much digital in MA but yes, you are correct that you would need the $400 DIGITAL trunking scanner to receive what you want. Lots of choices, I like dedicated mobile scanners as carrying and hooking up and unhooking a portable really takes it's tool on the device. The antenna and power connectors will wear quickly. www.radioreference.com is a great site for info as stated.

 

[FhvnLT4A]

Hey good to hear another radiohead is being born. I would also check out Ebay if money is a factor. I have more than 5 scanners at home of different capacity. Half of them I bought on Ebay and served me well. I am partial to Uniden Bearcat myself. I used to work at Radio Shack and I hated their scanners.. just feel that Bearcat is a superior product IMHO.

 

[gotplastic]

Thanks everyone for the responses, I guess this confirms what I've read that for the digital there is no low-end entry point. Sincerely appreciate the help !