Can anyone here recommend a good police scanner?

[mttmrphy]

I have been trying to read all I can about scanners but it seems like there are too many options.

Can anyone help?

[tommykjensen]

Ehhhh what does a police scanner have to do with photography? I don't think You will find any reviews and police scanners on this site :wink:

[Scottes]

Police scanners are important to photography if you're shooting trains and canal locks...

:wink:

[tommykjensen]

Police scanners are important to photography if you're shooting trains and canal locks...

:wink:

Ahh I get it :lol:

[sGu]

or if you are photojournalist, news reporters.

police usually have the first call when anything big or small happens, so by monitor their frequency, you'll know what's happening and where. most importantly, from the way they talk, you can sense seriousness of events, just so you can get first hand photo.

but, is it legal? :roll:

[Penguin_101_1]

They are in the US as far as I know and they sell them in STL so you are fine I think. I know someone that has a scanner from Radio Shack. That is a lot of help. :lol:

[John_T]

...also very useful for photographers planning an L heist. Ls don't fit throught the bars in the joint. :lol:

[Belmondo]

On scanners:

For police monitoring, do a little research for the area(s) you're interested in. If the police use trunking, you'll need a scanner that can deal with it (see http://www.police-scanner.info/scanning/scantrunk.htm for an explanation of trunking).

You'll also want to learn the 'ten-codes' for your local police. They don't all use the same ones. ("10-4" appears to be pretty universal, but that's about it).

I actually carry two scanners with me when I'm chasing trains. One is usually tuned to the main road frequency, and the other scans several other frequencies including the PBX channel (radio-telephones). It's invaluable for knowing where to stake myself out to intercept approaching rail traffic.


It can be a very useful tool.

[Persian-Rice]

Uniden BearCat, I used to use one when I eherm used to race.............

Very very nice gadget, pretty fun to listen to police frequencies when you are bored too........... Oh, for frequencies, just search up police frequencies for your town on google, I got tons for Toronto and the surrounding area.

[mttmrphy]

I have read a lot about Uniden today. I'm not sure if there is a distributor in STL for them though. I could order online but I would like to get hands with it before purchasing.

I'm off work now so maybe I'll stop by Radio Shack on my way home.

[Tom W]

I have read a lot about Uniden today. I'm not sure if there is a distributor in STL for them though. I could order online but I would like to get hands with it before purchasing.

I'm off work now so maybe I'll stop by Radio Shack on my way home.

Radio Shack does sell a few different scanners. But, they're usually overpriced. However, if you catch a sale, they are fairly reasonable. My store installed the local trunking frequencies for me when I got mine.

Unfortunately, my PD is going all digital in a couple of years with a completely new system, which will probably render my particular scanner useless.

[pinball]

Get a bearcat or one from radio shack they are the same thing. the 245 is one of the better it has trunk tracking then just find a group in your area for the frequencies.

[mttmrphy]

I was informed by the dude at Radio Shack that the county just went digital and the other depts are getting ready to do the same. Those scanners are around $450-$500... I'm not sure I can justify that purchase.

Gonna have to watch e-bay I guess.

[stopbath]

My police scanner only scans images in black and white... :)

[John_T]

LOL :lol:

[Mills]

Uniden Bearcat.

BC780XLT=MK II

BC780XLT=10D

I have both and love them. Fireground Photography is one of my favorite subjects. They are both great pieces of equipment.

[Mills]

Here is a link to a good company. I have used them for both of my scanners.

http://www.youreq.com/outdooreq/scanners/base/base.asp?bhcp=1

[mttmrphy]

Uniden Bearcat.

BC780XLT=MK II

BC780XLT=10D

Same model...

I may as well get a digital if all of the districts will eventually switch. I would hate to be out of date.

Also I am considering a handheld over a base unit. I would like to have it with me at home and in my car. Is this a wise move or not?
http://www.youreq.com/outdooreq/Scanners/Handheld/Uniden/bc250d.asp?bhcp=1

[Persian-Rice]

I have the handheld with a little earpiece. I am a very happy owner.

[HumpZu]

I have been trying to read all I can about scanners but it seems like there are too many options.

Can anyone help?

Check out http://www.scannersandmore.com . This site has a FAQ on police scanners and about scanning in general. They even sale scanners at wholesale.

[DucoNihilum]

If you're just interested in listening at home on the computer...

http://www.police-scanner.info/live-police-scanners.htm

Check out that page. If you live in a big city yours might be on there (assuming you're in the US)

Listening to mine now :)

[NetDep]

Watching a show on one of the cable channels the other night, "Tabloid Wars," and it features two NYC papers. Very interesting show - anyway - it features several reporters AND photographers. To see the photographers in action is pretty cool!! One of the photographers has at least two vehicle mounted Bearcat scanners in his car, at least one portable hanging on his vest and a cell phone with earpiece in at all times. This all on top of his burgeoning vest and couple of bodies with zoom lenses hanging off of him. Was very cool to watch. Scanners are certainly a part of the professional PJ's life - just one thing (and not to be a buzzkill) - be familiar with the laws. In the State of Florida it used to be illegal to "permanently mount" a scanner in a car - that law has changed and it is now illegal to merely have a scanner in a car (FSS 843.16) although there is a provision if one is..."any recognized newspaper or news publication engaged in covering the news on a full-time basis"...one is exempted. I would be fairly certain that having a scanner and not using it in the commision of a crime (which enhances all penalties in Florida) would not be a major problem unless of course you get stopped going warp factor fifteen to a call you heard on your RatShack scanner!! As in all else - know the law - especially when it comes to things that go beyond "common sense" and are covered in statute. This, for me, is the perfect nexus - cameras, scanners and adrenaline - I understand - doesn't get much better than that!! Be Careful & Snap Safe - Tim. (*by the way - this is just a personal opinion/post and not anything official from me or my Agency).

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Too tired to read through all these posts, but.... My mom bought one not long ago from Radio Shack for around $100 and it is a great scanner.

[deadpass]

On scanners:

For police monitoring, do a little research for the area(s) you're interested in. If the police use trunking, you'll need a scanner that can deal with it (see http://www.police-scanner.info/scanning/scantrunk.htm for an explanation of trunking).

You'll also want to learn the 'ten-codes' for your local police. They don't all use the same ones. ("10-4" appears to be pretty universal, but that's about it).

I actually carry two scanners with me when I'm chasing trains. One is usually tuned to the main road frequency, and the other scans several other frequencies including the PBX channel (radio-telephones). It's invaluable for knowing where to stake myself out to intercept approaching rail traffic.


It can be a very useful tool.



Depending on where you live the ten-codes are being phased out. My stepdad is a county cop in iowa and they've eliminated the codes cause the higher ups don't understand them (i'm serious) So now the cops lives are put in more danger since dispatch will say "there is a warrant out on that guy" instead of the ten-code for a warrant. talk about intelligent.

[GyRob]

i dont think in the UK we are allowed to tune in to the police at all,
i use mine to tell me when a jet is approching the bombing range give's me just enough time to set my camera lens up.
Rob.

[gmen]

I have been trying to read all I can about scanners but it seems like there are too many options.

Can anyone help?Plenty of in-depth info on scanners can be found at:

www.sportsshooter.com

Do a search of the message boards. Here's a couple to get you started:

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=21124
http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=2263

---- Gavin

[flawlessly]

I might consider buying one just for the fun of it.

[Jon Foster]

I use several scanners. I have an older Uniden Bearcat base unit we use here at home with a nice high antenna tuned for the local stuff like police, fire and aircraft (we are a couple miles from an international airport). And then I use a couple of portable scanners when we are out and about. I have an older Pro-70 that rocks and gets lots of use for rail fanning (train photography). And I have a newer (old now) Pro-94 trunking scanner to listen to the new systems used by the larger government agencies like our county sheriff and the fire/medical units. I also have a permit carry and use a scanner on my body or in a vehicle. You'll need to be aware of any laws in your state so you don't get into trouble.

Jon.

[darkvibe]

I have a radio shack sitting on my desk here. The model is PRO-2037 and it says 200 channel hyperscan on it. Works great but it's a little (8 years?) old. I don't think my local police use trunking. I can listen to them fine and this thing doesn't say trunking on the front or anything.

[KatmanDu]

http://radioreference.com is a good spot to look up the frequencies for your area and to find out what type of system each agency uses. I've got a Pro-2055 to listen to the other county's near me (my neighborhood is in the corner of four counties); but am having problems finding a good spot for the antenna. Homeowner's association doesn't allow outdoor antennas and the house's foil-backed insulation seems to be acting like a big faraday cage. :(

[short5]

Depending on where you live the ten-codes are being phased out. My stepdad is a county cop in iowa and they've eliminated the codes cause the higher ups don't understand them (i'm serious) So now the cops lives are put in more danger since dispatch will say "there is a warrant out on that guy" instead of the ten-code for a warrant. talk about intelligent.

That may be the "shop" talk but 10- codes are being eliminated in a effort to bring more interoperability to the nations first responders. Homeland security is giving lots of money to jurisdictions for radio upgrades but mandate no code words so if another jurisdiction is involved there is less confusion. Interoperability is the post 9/11 buzzword and many jurisdictions are going digitally trunked and encrypted in some cases. Search for radioreference.com or whatever it is called. They have a forum and specific information for your area as well as legal information. Scanning has become a detailed hobby not the analog plug and play business of yesterday. The nice thing is scanners are now very fast and computer programmable. Good luck.

[Jon Foster]

but am having problems finding a good spot for the antenna. Homeowner's association doesn't allow outdoor antennas and the house's foil-backed insulation seems to be acting like a big faraday cage. :(

There are a couple of decent antennas that will fit in an attic or crawl space. Do a little searching and I'm sure you'll find a couple. Your problem has come up from time to time and the attic antenna seems to be the best bet. Or camouflage an antenna in a tree on your property so nobody can see it. I'll look around for those antenna's too. If I can find a link to them I'll send it to you.

Jon.

[drparker]

We had a great time listening to our scanner and the stupid stuff people do. However all the police around here have gone to computerized encoded signaling and we can't pick them up any more. Hell most of the calls are sent via text to their laptops anyway.:(

Make sure investigate your area and if the scanner you looking at can really pickup what you want.

Drew

[am_pitbull_terrier]

Another thing to find out is if they are analog or digital. If they are analog find out when they are swithching to digital (they will be sooner or later) everyone has to by like 2008 (I think thats when it is) Digital scanners are MUCH more expensive than analog. If you have analog and they are or switch to digital you will not pick anything up.

[KatmanDu]

Appreciate that, Jon. I've got a discone in the attic right now and can pick up the analog trunked system one county over but not the high band system in my own county. I can pick them up in the driveway, though. :P

Re: 10-codes... 10-codes aren't going away for everyday use. What the feds want is for agencies to use plain english during mutual aid, interagency types of emergencies. For day to day operations, 10-codes will still be used.

[Jon Foster]

Discone... That's it. Ok, never mind, you have one already! :rolleyes:

How about a tree mount? Or even a large bush?

Jon.

Edit: I gotta learn to spell!

[KatmanDu]

It's a new neighborhood, so the only tree in the yard is only 7 feet tall at this point. I'm brainstorming other ways to get it outside but still camouflaged... may enclose the A/C units in a lattice fence and hide it in there. That way the neighbors think I'm being considerate by hiding my ugly A/C units, when I'm actually circumventing the neighborhood association! :)

[RandyMN]

I am a HAM radio operator and unfortunately the area I live in has gone digital which completely limits the choices you have in buying a scanner. Not only that, digital scanners use ID's, trunking and voice technologies that make them much more difficult to operate. i am a computer programmer by profession and I still haven't programmed my scanner to operate at a level where I want to use it. Hopefully technology will improve and the digital scanners will get more user friendly.

If you live in an area that is not digital, then it's a breeze.

[Jon Foster]

I'm still holding off on a digital unit. I'm worried they'll change the format again and anything I buy won't be compatible... Of course I'll miss out on some stuff but then again, the prices will keep dropping on the new radios as time passes making them more affordable once everyone is on the same technology etc...

Jon.