Scanning as a hobby ScanShack ® is a registered trade mark



So you've made that decision to get into a hobby that can bring hours, days, weeks, months, and years of enjoyment.  Well you've made a wise choice !  Scanning is a hobby that many currently partake in and few are sorry they got into it.  A scanner is a radio receiver that has the ability to "scan" through many channels, stopping on active frequencies, so you are able to keep track of many agencies at a time.  With a standard communications receiver you are limited to listening to a single frequency, but with a scanner your listening ability is limited only by the number of memory channels the scanner has.

Scanner manufactures are constantly upgrading their models to include more and more features.  Trunk Tracking  is the latest type scanner that has hit the market place.  Agencies use a number of different type trunking systems and today's scanners are able to receive just about every type of trunking format, including digital systems.

 

 

 

Uniden released two APCO25 type digital scanners.  The BC250D and BC785D, along with an optional digital board, will allow you to receive digital technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RadioShack released an APCO25 type digital scanner.  The PRO-96 has a "built-in" digital board, and will allow you to receive digital technology.

Here's a Yahoo group dedicated to the Pro-96: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RadioShackPro96/

 

Below is a list of just some of the companies that manufacture scanners in today's market.

Uniden
Radio Shack
Electra
Icom
Yeasu
Trident
Alinco
GRE
Kenwood
AOR
Fairhaven
Optoelectronics
Regency
Standard
Cobra
Sony
Yupiteru
Commtel
Here is a:

Listing of scanners past and present  Note: This is out of date!

Considerations
One of the first considerations in making a decision on what type scanner you will purchase is the type of radio traffic in your area you'll be listening to.  Does your area use only conventional frequencies, trunking systems, scrambled transmissions, digital systems, what frequency range do I need  ?  Without the answers to these questions your purchase could be in vain. 

Example:  A scanner that does not follow a trunked system can receive those frequencies used in a trunked system but following the calls will not be possible.  You'll only hear a portion of the transmission.  A control channel is used in trunk systems and a trunk tracking scanner uses this control channel to process and follow transmissions in a orderly fashion.

To Trunk or not ?

If your area uses an analog trunking system, purchase a scanner that is capable of trunk tracking.  Also, make sure that scanner is capable of following that certain type trunk system your area is using.  The types I am aware of are: Motorola, EDACS, and E.F. Johnson.  For more information on individual trunking systems do a search on the internet, where a ton of information is located.

If your area uses trunking then the below scanner models might be a consideration:

Radio Shack

PRO-90
PRO-91
PRO-92
PRO-94

PRO-96

PRO-2050
PRO-2052
PRO-2066

Uniden

BC235XLT
BC245XLT
BC780XLT
BC895XLT

BC250D

BC785D

The second decision you must make is, should I buy a base unit, mobile unit, or handheld unit ?  A base unit is great for home use, a mobile unit can be used in the vehicle (if state laws allow) or as a base with the proper power adapter, and a handheld can be used just about anywhere.  Most manufacturers make all three types so the choice is an individual one.

Another consideration is the number of memory channels your scanner should have.  This also is an individual choice with some considerations for the type and number of frequencies your area uses.  In the "olden days", scanners had a limited number of memory channels available because of the hardware available.  Today's scanners are limited by what the manufacturer wants to include.  We are now in the thousands of channels available !  

A lastly you must decide what type features you want in your scanner.  Scanners are marketed today with many features that the older models never had.  My first scanner had an On/Off - volume control, squelch control and LEDs to show what channel was active, and it took crystals for each frequency. That was the entire list of features. Nothing like what is available today !

What to listen to ?

With today's scanners, due to extended frequency coverage, there are a huge amount of things to listen to:

Police     Fire

Ambulance 

Aircraft, Emergency Service, Ham, Industry, Railroad, Satellite, Sporting events, Government, Broadcast band, Short wave, just to name a few.

The area you monitor in and what you want to listen to will determine what is available.

The frequency spectrum is divided into portions for each activity and agency type.  To see the band plan go here: FCC Frequency Band plan

Scanner costs ?

Well, it depends what you want.  You can get a used scanner for as little as $10.00 on many of the on-line auctions or newsgroups, but you probably won't get a state of the art model.  New scanner prices range from $59.00 on sale for a low end model to over $500 for a top of the line model with a bunch of bells and whistles.  For around  $250-$350 you should be able to get a reasonable new unit that will trunk if needed.  Not bad for years of happiness.


Scanner Accessories
Many scanner owners are happy with what they get when they buy their original scanner, but..... if you've been in the hobby for a while then... it's time to accessorize !

ANTENNAS
The standard antenna that comes with your unit is fine for day to day reception.  The rubber duck antenna on those handhelds or the back of set or top of set antenna on those base and mobile units is limited in the range (distance) that it can receive signals due to "line of site" characteristics, interfering structures, etc.  But for those in search of stations farther away they sometimes choose to purchase an after market antennas to complement their units.  Outdoor antennas, coupled with coax, can be erected at heights above obstructions to help increase reception of those harder to get stations.  Mobile antennas can also give you increased reception in your vehicle.
For an outside antenna I recommend either of the two antennas below:
There are many types of after market antennas, here are a few:

A telescopic whip antenna is a nice addition for those who use handhelds and don't want to connect to an outside antenna.  I have used the below model for years an find it performs very well over the rubber duck supplied with the scanner.

Amplifiers

Amplifiers to increase weaker signals are available as after market items.  They basically are inserted between your antenna and scanner to boost the signal strength of frequencies received at your antenna.  Used costs range from $25-$100 on auctions and newsgroups.  New units can be found also from numerous dealers.

Frequency Converters

Frequency converters that allow scanners that were not designed to receive 800 MHz - 900 MHz, to receive those ranges, are available as after market items.  They connect between your antenna and scanner to "up convert" the frequencies received.

Example: To receive 850 MHz on a scanner that can only be programmed to receive up to 512 MHz you would :  1) Connect the converter between the antenna and scanner, 2) Program 450 MHz into the scanner, 3) Turn on the converter, 4) The frequency 850 MHz is now being received on the scanner.  It's that simple.  These units typically cover a range of 810 MHz - 912 MHz.  Used costs range from $ 45 - $125 on auctions and newgroups.

Speech Inverter/Descramblers

While scanning you may have come across a scrambled speech signal.  You know it when you hear it.  It's been described as a Donald Duck sound, inverted audio, and many other ways.  Well, you can actually buy an accessory that descrambles this type scrambled speech.  You plug this unit into your earphone or speak output jack, turn it on, and you now hear unscrambled audio.

Scanner Software

There are many different type software programs available as accessories for your scanning hobby.  Many of the new scanners are being equipped with connectors to more easily interface with your computer.  The older models had to be retrofit with an interface device.   Some of the functions performed by these scanner software programs are:  record the audio from your scanner and place it on your hard drive while displaying audio waves, upload frequencies and scan modes via your computer, completely controlling all functions of your scanner from your computer with a nice graphical screen depicting your scanner, and displaying aircraft movement on your computer (similar to air traffic control programs).  A quick search for "radio scanner software" on an internet search engine will provide you with plenty of links to research these programs.

Coax Cable
When it comes to coax you can go simple or not so simple, cheap or not so cheap.  Line loss is a consideration on long runs.  The better the coax the more signal that will probably reach your scanner.  For the average listener RG-8 and RG-58, 50 ohm coax is a standard while RG-59, 75 ohm coax (used for TV antennas) has also been used with great success.  Since scanners receive only, the impedance mismatch using RG-59 is not that critical.  Make sure you have the right type connector on the ends of your coax to properly connect both the antenna and your scanner.

For those who want to get deeper into the coax issue, below is an extensive chart listing different type coax and their properties.

Cable Imp. VF Center Dielectric Cap. Shield Jacket OD Volts Lbs/
type (ohms)   conductor   (pf/ft)       RMS 1000ft
RG8 50 0.84 .108" bc sspe 24 AL/tc PVC IIA 0.405" 4000 97
RG8 50 0.84 .108" bc sspe 24 AL/tc PVC 0.405" 4000 97
RG8 50 0.84 19/23 bc sspe 24 AL/tc PVC IIA 0.405" 4000 98
RG8 50 0.82 19/23 bc mcfpe 24.6 AL/tc IIIA 0.405" 2000 98
RG8 50 0.82 19/23 bc mcfpe 24.6 AL/tc TPE 0.405" 4000 95
RG8 50 0.85 .109" ccAL ccfpe 23.9 AL/tc IIIA 0.405" 4000 90
RG8 50 0.84 19X23 bc hdfpe 24.6 AL/tc IIIA 0.405" 4000 95
LMR 50 0.86 .142" ccAL ccfpe 23.6 AL/tc IIIA 0.500" 6500 100
LMR 50 0.87 .176" ccAL ccfpe 23.4 AL/tc IIIA 0.590" 8000 130
LMR 50 0.85 .177" str bc ccfpe 23.4 AL/tc IIIA 0.590" 8000 130
LMR 50 0.87 .262" bc tube ccfpe 23.4 AL/tc IIIA 0.680" 9000 290
LMR 50 0.88 .349" bc tube ccfpe 23.1 AL/tc IIIA 0.920" 10000 510
LMR 50 0.89 .527" bc tube ccfpe 22.8 AL/tc IIIA 1.35O" 12000 740
8X 50 0.78 19/29 bc mcfpe 28 bc PVC Chr. 0.242" 300 41
8X 50 0.78 19/29 bc mcfpe 28 bc PVC IIA 0.242" 300 41
8X 50 0.72 19/29 bc dfpp 29.1 tc PVC IIA 0.242" 1500 45
8X 50 0.8 19/29 bc mcfpe 24.5 AL/tc PVC IIA 0.242" 300 42
8X 50 0.8 19/29 bc mcfpe 24.5 AL/tc TPE 0.242" 300 42
RG11A/U 75 0.66 7/.0159" bc pe 20.6 bc PVC IIA 0.405" 3700 92
58 50 0.66 .032" bccs pe 28.8 tc IIIA 0.195" 1400 29
RG58/U 53.5 0.66 .032" bc pe 28.8 tc PVC 0.195" 1400 28
RG58A 52 0.66 19/.0071" bc pe 29.6 tc PVC 0.195" 1400 29
RG58C 50 0.66 19/.0071" bc pe 30.8 tc PVC IIA 0.195" 1400 29
58 52 0.78 19/.0071" bc mcfpe 24.6 AL/tc TPE 0.195" 1400 29
RG59B/U 75 0.66 .023" bccs pe 26.5 bc PVC IIA 0.242" 1700 34
RG62A/U 93 0.84 .0253" bccs sspe 13.5 bc PVC IIA 0.242" 750 38
RG83/U 35 0.66 .102" bc pe 44 bc PVC IIA 0.405" 3700 122
RG142B/U 50 0.695 .037" sccs ptfe 29 sc/sc IX 0.195" 1400 36
RG174A/U 50 0.66 7/.0063" ccs pe 30.8 tc IIA 0.100" 1100 8
RG174/U 50 0.66 7/.0063" ccs pe 30.8 tc I 0.100" 1100 8
RG178B/U 50 0.695 7/.004" sccs ptfe 29 sc IX 0.072" 750 6
RG188/U 50 0.695 7/.0067" sccs ptfe 29 sc IX 0.105" 900 17
RG213/U(E) 50 0.66 7/.0296" bc pe 30.8 bc IIA 0.405" 3700 100
RG213/U 50 0.66 7/.0296" bc pe 30.8 bc IIA 0.405" 3700 100
RG213/U(C) 50 0.66 7/.0296" bc pe 30.8 bc I 0.405" 3700 100
RG213/U(P) 50 0.66 7/.0296" bc pe 30.8 bc IIIA 0.405" 3700 100
RG214/U 50 0.66 7/.0296" sc pe 30.8 sc/sc IIA 0.425" 5000 125
RG214/U(C) 50 0.66 7/.0296" tc pe 30.8 tc/tc I 0.425" 5000 125
RG217/U 50 0.66 .106" bc pe 30.8 bc/bc IIA 0.545" 7000 202
FX 217 50 0.66 7/.038" bc pe 30.8 bc/bc IIA 0.545" 7000 202
RG223/U 50 0.66 .035" sc pe 29.4 sc/sc IIA 0.211" 1900 36
RG303/U 50 0.695 .039" sccs ptfe 29.4 sc IX 0.170" 1200 30
RG316/U 50 0.695 7/.0067" sccs ptfe 29.4 sc IX 0.102" 1200 12
RG393/U 50 0.695 7/.0312" sc ptfe 29.4 sc/sc IX 0.390" 4000 165
RG400/U 50 0.695 19/0077" bc ptfe 29.4 sc/sc IX 0.195" 1600 50
Legend: bc=bare copper; tc=tinned copper; sc=silvered copper ccs =copper-clad steel; ccAL=copper-clad Aluminum sspe=semi-solid polyethylene; mcf=microcell foam; ccf=closed cell foam hdf=high density foam; dfpp=dense foam polypropylene; ptfe=teflon type PVC=polyvinylchloride; IIA=Class 2 PVC(non-contaminating) IIIA=polyethylene(pe)Class 3; TPE,TPR=thermoplastic rubber IX=Class 9 teflon type(ptfe)
 

Rechargeable Batteries


If you own a handheld scanner you know the continual purchase of those throw away batteries can add up to a pretty penny.  Luckily rechargeable batteries help defer the cost.  Nickel-Cadmium (NiCds), Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Rechargeable Alkaline batteries are used in handheld scanner across the world.  Most scanner manufacturers make accommodations to recharge some types of batteries without even having to take them out of the scanner.   Make sure your type battery is able to be re-charged properly inside your scanner before you try this.  The manufacturers instruction manual should outline the correct type(s).  Alkaline rechargeables CAN NOT be recharged within a scanner.  Damage may occur if you try this ! 


Other stuff

Other types of accessories are available for your scanner to include carrying cases, external speakers, AC/DC power adapters, belt clips, vest packs, to name a few. 

 Frequencies directories can be another handy addition.  They come in both book form and CD ROM form and can be purchased from of number of different outlets.

 This has only been a high level explanation of the hobby of scanning.  Many more in-depth articles have been written about this subject and can be found in many locations, including all across the internet.