police scanner buying advice needed

[Lucky]

this would be for work, but work isn't paying, so I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible. (50-$100) Probably will buy used off ebay, so common models or brands would be preferrable. just need to know what frequency ranges I need to make sure to be able to get...plus what features are good to get. do i need 200 channel or will 50 do fine? Must be handheld so it can travel with me in the car and then go inside...just need a cheap scanner that will cover everything a newspaper photographer might encounter...just local fire and police primarily.

no net access at home so please bump when you can-any help appreciated!

 

[boyRacer]

Are you gonna go street racing?

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Most police are starting to use trunk tracking and other more private channels so most of the good stuff will not be picked up on a cheaper scanner. I have an old one that is pre cell ban and it picks up some police but not all of it.

 

[Wduaqnug]

get refurbished one

 

[Lucky]

im doubting that has made it here (SW michigan)..as the metro desk has a somewhat older (radio shack PRO-50) handheld that seems to work fine, I just dont know if their scanners are good or if I should look for something better.

 

[bmacd]

ooOOoo...i'm also looking for a scanner that will work in SW Michigan. Bump for you

-=bmacd=-

 

[Wduaqnug]

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=+police+radio+scanner

 

[MichaelD]

Aren't they illegal to have in your vehicle? THAt said, hide it well.

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Aren't they illegal to have in your vehicle? THAt said, hide it well.

Not all States are strict.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
Aren't they illegal to have in your vehicle? THAt said, hide it well.

Only if used in a commission of a crime in Alabama.

Edit- It would be illegal for you Lucky. You will need permission from your area chiefs or an amateur license.

Text of law:

Michigan Scanner Law

Original source: Michigan Compiled Laws Online
Chapter 750 - The Michigan Penal Code
Division 328-1931 - Acts of 1931
Chapter LXXIV - Radio Broadcasting


750.508 Equipping vehicle with radio able to receive signals
on frequencies assigned for police purposes; Permit required;
Exceptions; Misdemeanor; Penalty; RADAR-detectors not
restricted. [M.S.A. 28.776]

Sec. 508.
(1) Any person who shall equip a vehicle with a radio receiving
set that will receive signals sent on frequencies assigned by
the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of
America for police purposes, or use the same in this state
unless such vehicle is used or owned by a peace officer, or a
bona fide Amateur Radio Operator holding a Technician class,
General, Advanced, or Extra class amateur license issued by the
Federal Communications Commission, without first securing a
permit so to do from the Director of the Department of State
Police upon application as he or she may prescribe, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the
county jail for not more than 1 year, or by a fine of not more
than $500.00, or by both fine and imprisonment in the
discretion of the court.

(2) This Section shall not be construed as restricting the use
of RADAR-detectors.

 

[Lucky]

up again.


interesting point millenium...I wonder if using a handheld device would be construed as "equipping the vehicle" as it would certainly not be permanant and I would be bringing it in and out of the car.

up for that question and good models to buy...

 

[The Wildcard]

bump!

 

[psianime]

My cousin used to have a police scanner. We would listen on radio transmissions, some funny stuff.

-psianime

 

[Lady In Red]

I like the Bearcat best. It's very clear and doesn't have static like some does. Get a 900MHz w/trunk tracking - that way you'll be up to sniff with local police - Rescue etc. Some of their frequencies will be scrambled so you can't hear. If you have a friend that is on the police force he can give you a lot of frequencies. (Off record of course) If you have trouble in getting frequencies you can always scan ranges and then assign to a channel. This way you can get talk around with the police etc.. The number of channels depends on you and your area. I have a base station at home with 300 channels. Didn't need that many but the price was very good. My handheld has 100 channels. They are not illegal in my area. I listen to mine 24/7 and at times they can be very fun! Some can pick up cell phones and cordless phones as well along with baby monitors etc....

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Some can pick up cell phones and cordless phones as well along with baby monitors etc....

The cell phone ones were banned in 94. For a while after that you could mod them to get the 8-900 mhz cell band range but I think its now impossible. The old one of mine will pick it up still but its getting less and less since it only works on non digital cell radios. I used to work installing the cell equipment around here so I knew what frequencies all the local radios were running on

 

[tarheelmm]

I use a Bearcat Sport. Use it mostly for the races. Has 100 channels and does pick up analong cell phones and wireless under 2Ghz
Works great for police, fire, airport and weather

 

[stev0]

uniden bearcat bct-12

i have this same model that i picked up on clearence at sears, works wonders when the po' are using planes to catch speeders. also makes for some entertainment late at night/on road trips.

 

[hevnsnt]

I have a Sportcat (Bearcat Sport I believe) and I love it. However it does not do trunking, which you would certainly want.

 

[Smaulz]

umm hey, I've got a scanner I'd consider selling. It's a BC9000XLT from Uniden. GREAT scanner, just don't use it much anymore. PM me.

 

[Jeffwo]

Originally posted by: Smaulz
umm hey, I've got a scanner I'd consider selling. It's a BC9000XLT from Uniden. GREAT scanner, just don't use it much anymore. PM me.

That's a very nice scanner!

Jeff

 

[Gujski]

I remmeber some guy in college in 93 had one of those in the dorms, for a few days all we did was listen to everyones cordless phone conversations. Funny stuff.

 

[bunker]

You will need one that can handle trunking. The MSP uses trunking for almost all radio communications.

If you're not concerned about the MSP, I know Oakland county and a few others also use trunking.