2024 Scanner Radio Buyers Guide
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- #podcast 257
Are you looking for a new Uniden Scanner or Whistler Scanner Radio?
Are you unsure of what to buy and what is the right scanner for you?
This video will help you navigate the current Scanner Radio Market when it comes to buying new gear.
Our Video Buyer’s Guide will help you navigate the current Scanner Radio Landscape from both Uniden and Whistler, and also give you some tips, tricks, and free resources along the way.
Below are links from this week’s video, and some of these are affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission if you use these links to make a purchase.
▶️ Free Resources
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1️⃣ 5 Things you need to know before buying your first or next scanner radio:
🔗 www.scannerschool.com/5things
2️⃣ Free SDR Course to get you started in an afternoon
🔗 courses.scannerschool.com
3️⃣ Navigating the new Radio Reference Database version 2.x
🎥 • Radio Reference Databa...
▶️ Scanner Radios in this Video:
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Uniden SR30C
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3GzoN9W
Uniden BC125AT
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2R4ot6s
Uniden BN355N
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3XkeoFa
Uniden BC365CRS
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3tKsH8y
Uniden BCD325P2
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2Fv5AZl
Uniden BCD996P2
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2QXMLz0
Uniden HP2
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2KknXPx
Uniden BCD436HP
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3tM7fQr
Uniden BCD536HP
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2DyksDt
Uniden SDS100
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2S0KYJR
Uniden SDS200
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3Xn597i
Whistler WS1010
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3hQsduI
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3OmwSRq
Whistler WS1025
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3hQsduI
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3Ot8UDZ
Whistler WS1040
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3GB9qhy
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3EsjjuZ
Whistler WS1065
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3tPdZ04
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3Az2D40
Whistler TRX-1
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2TrN1bj
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3VigqEa
Whistler TRX-2
Scannermaster Link: www.scannermaster.com/ProductD...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/2DAtDnc
Whistler Direct: bit.ly/3OoGjzD
Chapters:
========================
00:00 Intro
00:15 What is your budget?
00:59 Where are you?
01:41 The Radio Reference Database
03:05 Handheld vs Desktop/Mobile Scanners
03:28 Handheld Scanner Pros and Cons
07:11 Desktop Scanner Pros and Cons
09:42 Costs vs Features
10:40 Analog Scanners
11:25 Uniden SR30C
12:02 Uniden BC355N
12:41 Whistler WS1010
14:02 Whistler WS1025
14:43 Uniden BC125AT
15:31 Uniden BC365CRS
17:00 Links to Purchase Scanners
17:18 Analog Trunking Scanners
17:28 Uniden BCT15X
19:23 Digital P25 Phase 1 Scanners
19:46 Whistler WS1040 & WS1065
21:45 Digital P25 Phase 2 Scanners
22:44 Uniden BCD325P2
23:13 Uniden BCD996P2
23:52 Database / Zipcode Scanners
25:00 Whistler TRX-1 Scanner
26:13 Whistler TRX-2 Scanner
26:58 Uniden BCD436HP & BCD536HP
27:29 Uniden BCD436HP
27:54 Uniden BCD536HP
28:38 Uniden HP2
29:36 Simulcast Scanners
29:42 Uniden SDS100 & SDS200
30:24 Uniden SDS200
30:59 Uniden SDS100
31:43 Uniden SDS200 Continued
32:37 Software Defined Radios
33:10 Free Resources - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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Who remember the days when you could listen in on your neighbors cordless phone conversations them was some great days ❤
Used to do it
Back in the early 90s had a radio shack pro-39. It picked up cell calls right out of the box. No modifications
King Charles does!
I have stopped buying any scanning radios since all law enforcement in my area (the main reason you buy such a radio in the first place) have encrypted. The only things you can hear are some vague fire dispatching and other non-law enforcement activities such as ham radio which, as a ham myself, has become less and less useful and interesting. In fact, I sold the SDS radios I had since they don't provide useful information anymore, so the effort at maintaining constantly-changing programming is no longer justified. I have also noticed local TV newscasts have a lot less local coverage of incidents involving law enforcement since they cannot hear L/E dispatches any longer. So, unless some tight-lipped L/E PIO feels generous and reveals something to the media, or someone sees something and calls the media, most never hear about it which L/E is perfectly happy with. The old school days of a TV news desk piled high with scanner radios is long past!
Agreed. It is a dead hobby for the reasons you stated. Had it's apex in the 90s with the ability to eavesdrop on the cell phones. Those days are long gone.
It sucks everything here in Alabama went encryption including all fire and police all scanners here are paper weights here lol
In mn, the same thing has happened but if you get the “5-0 radio app, you should be able to listen in again. Works great unless there adding more encrypted frequencies then it’s down for a bit but it’s what I use here in central mn.
Looks like for Washington County MN, I would need the simulcast scanner, correct? Most specifically, City of Stillwater. And what is ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response)…? Would love to a video on my county to confirm!
In most country's listening to law enforcement channels is illegal but there is still plenty to listen to if you look for it
I have to say you are very dedicated to helping people understand the scanning hobby, thank you for that
Hi Phil, you out did yourself with this video! There is so much to take in I for one will have to watch it a few times!! Thank You have a
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
nicely done, am still figuring out if/when to by next scanner, dealing with simulcast system in central Ohio. Keep up the good work.
Phil, awesome job on this video! So informative. Thanks
I found this channel while searching for something else. Wow I am glad to be here what a great channel.
I am in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks in advance for your help.
Child of the 80/90s growing up with CD Radios. Our antenna reached 70 miles on a good day. Amazing memories! Now I carry Uniden BC125at and looking to upgrade to Digital P25 Phase 2 Scanners. Thanks so much for the amazing video breaking it down "Barney Style" for us Special ED Heads!!
Excellent video and advice, like to see more like this
Well done, informative, thank you for posting.
I agree. Been into radio over 5 decades. The way I see how all those frequencies are encrypted, there’s always air traffic control to tune into, which justifies not selling any of my receivers.
Great information
Aiken County, SC Thanks!
Great video. Much appreciated! I live in Kingsport, Tennessee (Sullivan county). Thank you!
I would like to thank you for this video. I had been out of the scanning hobby for some time. I recently became active in the hobby again and discovered my Pro-94 was no longer usrful in the area i live, much had moved to P25. I ended up getting a BCD325P2 and am back in business for everything i want to hear. Thanks again for this informative video!
SCANNER SCHOOL 🏫 HAVE A MARRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 😊 😀 ☺️
great video Phil, very helpful! I am in Pennsylvania on the Blair county - Centre county line (house in Centre and mailbox at the end of the lane in Blair).
thanks
Thank you so much for your informative video. I'm in Kings County, New York State. Thanks Again
Nice video! I needed this right now. Thanks
I'm in Nashville TN, Davidson county. great video
I prefer RSPduo 1 kHz to 2GHz 14 bit, it is more versatile and you can monitor 2 bands at the same time if you want, the DX version is mono receiver with HDR function on some bands for low frequency lovers
excellent informational video..... nice job
Just found your channel - great stuff!!!
thank you so much
Milwaukee WI thank you
I have a variety of scanners. From crystal scanners to analog. Quit buying them because the technology changed so often you would have to buy frequently to keep up. Also when agencies encrypted their frequencies , that eliminated the police band where all the action is! Was fun while it lasted but now even being in a large metropolitan area the communications are sparse and hard to follow. I live real close to a firehouse so when the trucks roll I listen to that.
Well Ron, I'm really out of practice in dxing. Its been along time since I even made a video. I'm glad to see you still enjoying the hobby. 73s Brian
Wow! How do you only have 10,700 subscribers? You should have 10x that many. You have a new sub my friend. I’ll be watching all your videos over the next few weeks. I’ve been scanning since the early 90’s.
I may very well be one of those scanner dorks...lol, I love my sds 200, but do not use all the features available. I know the radio is very expensive, but as you mentioned, it does way more than I currently need, so that leaves room for me to advance my knowledge. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for offering to help. I’m in Georgetown, Texas, which is in Williamson county.
Thanks in advance! I'm in Lake County IL... your help is much appreciated.
I just went to scanner college and it's interesting..Bronx,NY here..I had a friend whose father had a full rig with the huge antenna on top of the house...
Very useful! Thanks for putting this together!
Hi I am in Calgary Alberta Canada. Thank you.
Richmond County, Augusta GA and Burke County to the South
Undecided on hand held or mobile. Like mobile, but like being able to use when power is out.
Thanks so much for the video. I am looking for a couple suggestions on desktop but, more importantly a handheld. Most everything around here is phase 1. Pocatello/American falls Idaho area. Also are their upgrades antennas needed to reach further. Looking forward to your recommendations. thanks for your great work.
In the 1980s I had a Bearcat 210 scanner, loved it! It came in handy at times when I worked for Herndon Ambulance Co. in Orlando. Also, living only 30 miles from the Kennedy Space center at that time, I could even pick up the Space Shuttle crew to ground chatter before and during liftoff! Now I live and retired in Dover, N.H. and would like to get a scanner, mainly for Fire and EMS. What's confusing me at this time is the truncking thing, how can I find out if police, fire and EMS in my area use truncking and what freqs?
Need to find out if they are encrypted. If so, its a no go. Trunking is not a deal breaker, but encryption means you cant pick it up.
I live in Marshall Co., Illinois in the town of Henry, IL. I would like to listen to local police and County. I used to listen to them but they changed to digital or some other system. I would love to start hearing them again.
I'm in Indiana..Elkhart county....Thank you so much...oh city is Bristol Indiana
Wisconsin Marathon County City of Wausau now I'm happy you asked this question because well your results will speak for there self.
Hello, thank you for this video! I’m in Lake County Florida, Tavares, Leesburg area and I’ve been trying for months to figure out first, if listing to EMS, Fire rescue is even available. I’ve been told it’s not for public listeners. But if you can find out if it is available, what kind of device would I need. I would prefer a handheld if possible. Looking forward to your response 🥰
Michael, Los Gatos CA. next to San Jose Cal, like to listen to police and Fire. thank you for your help in finding one.
GREAT Video !! This popped up on my YT feed, and I am so glad that it did. I'm going to take you up on your offer. There are currently three places that I would like to scan. I live in Columbia County Georgia, which I know has things encrypted. How do I get past this ? Also, Forsyth County Georgia which actually runs over the Cobb County system, and is not encrypted. Lastly would be Bradenton/Sarasota Florida. Would like to b able to take it in the Edge, and use while we are in each area. Probably Base/Mobile. Thank You !! Subscribed as well.
I live in NW Al. Not far from Tn. And not far from Ms. I have found out that our local sheriff and police departments have recently switched over to digital frequencies. I like to listen to our local LEO departments. I also live in the city of Russellville, Al . I enjoyed your video about the different types scanners. I would greatly appreciate your input on what would be my best option on a scanner. I’m pretty sure my local departments are encrypted, so I’m sure there’s no way around that . Thank you for your service and video.
I'm from Lake Charles, Louisiana I sit in the house all day because my mom is sickly this seems to be something I can get into while I'm sitting here with my mom thanks for the help 7:14
I live in Buffalo, Ny. Right now I own a Uniden Home Patrol II. I do a lot of Twitter posts for my area for EMS/PD/ Fire calls. I also work as a Dispatcher for website. I want a new base & handheld.
Thanks so much for offering to help. My interests are law enforcement, fire and rescue (ems) dispatch and talk groups. I live in Alachua County, Fl, often travel through Putnam, St. John’s, Flagler and Volusia Counties. All the various digital options are confusing. Would the SDS100 be a good option, do I need digital keys? Which ones?
Which is the better option, the SDS 100 or SDS200?
Retired LEO, still enjoy listening to the services. Appreciate your help so much. I am really confused with all the options and am concerned about buying a scanner that doesn’t work.
Thanks again.
I appreciate your video, very helpful. I live in Santa Maria, Ca Santa Barbara county. I like the uniden 4, not sure if it is a good choice. Thanks.
Kinney County, TX
It’s a very rural county on the border, and we have constant high speed chases (100mph+, several times per day) with human smuggling and LE. Lots of swerving at oncoming drivers to get LE to back off. Myself and family members have been involved in multiple. Wife even had her car spiked because the smuggler was so close to her. We’d like to avoid these chases and just be off the road when they get close.
Good video keep up the good work, may I just say your video was helpful to me, however living on an island with 1 channel for the sheriff and its analog, doesn't justify some people to switching from analog trunking to digital, lol I use a radio shack pro 97 however I wanted to listen to the sheriff on a conventional non trunking scanner but it doesn't work so I am looking at an analog trunk tracker 3 bct15x, lol
I have a Unication G5 and Its great
Your videos are a huge help! I’m in Lynchburg, Va and they use a P-25 Simulcast system (D mode). I’m looking to get a decent scanner that’s capable of navigating this system. I’d love to hear your recommendations if you have time. Thanks again your videos, they’re very helpful!
I have been into scanners a long time, have had some awesome scanners for different reasons. A pro-39 in the early 90s, picked up cell phone calls coming in extremely good. Before then a bearcat 210xw. It picked up a lot of police, sheriff, fire and other things very good. Fast forward to now, the SDS200. It picks up signals extremely well, police, sheriff, fire, chp, ham radio, ambulance, weather and many other things. And most of the time it shows what outfit is transmitting. The only downside to this scanner is the current price of $700. But for anybody into scanners that can afford it, it is worth every penny. Also from my understanding the sds100 is equally as good. It is a "handheld"
Can you go over the difference between a higher end desktop scanner and an entry level communications receiver ( such as an Icom R8600) ? Thank you.
Have had my Home Patrol II for about four years, I've found it the most versatile scanner I've owned since getting into the hobby in the early 70's. I update the database weekly, takes only two-three minutes at the most. Wish the audio were a little louder (solved that problem by using an auxiliary power speaker). And for what the radio costs, the upgrade should be available without the additional charge. For that single reason, I've opted to forgo it.
I live in Oakland County in S.E. Michigan I have a Uniden XL 125 AT scanner, interested in Railroad scanning, Emergency Channels.
Thank you so much for posting this. My fam and I live just outside of a small city in a rural area. When suspects flee the city from committing a violent crime, they tend to travel through our “neck of the woods”, and in one case, they shot and killed several people. We are also currently at high risk for wildfires/fire storms. These two factors made me want to get a scanner. Due to ease of use and capabilities, and ability to travel with easily, I was thinking I should just splurge on the Home Patrol II. That said, I came across some info that looked like they may have some issues with a strong signal. Any advice for my situation and product choice? Thank you to anyone that can give me any additional advice
Great videos as always, you offered and I accept, I live in Cranford township, Union NJ, what scanner can I use to monitor? I was looking at the SDS100. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
excellent info
OHIO, Warren County.
thx!
My name is Frank, I live in south Louisiana, Terrebonne Parish. I enjoy listening to Fire and Police first of all. I would appreciate your help and guidance. Good video too!
Great video Phil 😊 I'm interested in finding out information on Gulfport Mississippi, Harrison County. Also the 2 other costal counties of Jackson and Hancock. I'm thinking about a Whistler WS 1065.
I am in Christian County Hopkinsville Ky but am very close to Todd County,Elkton Ky and close to Montgomery County Clarksville Tn.Thanks.I live in the country.
Looking to purchase the 996P2, 536 HP or SDS 200 based on your recommendation. Upstate NY, saratoga area. Great informative video. Thank you.
I'm thinking about getting back into scanners after about 30 years away. Very daunting the various types out there now. I live in east central Florida (Brevard County) in close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base. I'd greatly appreciate suggestions on what would be the best type of scanner for my geographic location.
Thanks!
Great video Phil. I'm in Sussex County, NJ and I'd be interested in your recommendations.
I have a Uniden BCD536HP that I was able to listen to CT State Police on and recently it stopped picking up CSP. Called few radio/scanner shops around and none are familiar with this unit or don't know why it's not picking up CSP. So I now have a paper weight on my desk.
Great video, Phil! What is your gut feeling about Uniden? Do you feel we have pretty much seen the last of them? Very sadly, I feel like we have, but I hope I am wrong.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’m from Del Rio Tx. I’m big on aviation but also wanted to have something for hearing fire and police but didn’t know what to get that would work for Del Rio? I feel like I need a digital around here but didn’t want to spend crazy amounts.
I'm in Gallatin, TN. Like to listen to police, fire, and aviation. Thanks!
Enjoy your videos. Disabled and I don’t get out much and besides amateur radio. Was thinking about picking up a scanner. Something for home use. North central Pennsylvania area. Bradford county. Sayre PA. Any help would be deeply appreciated in looking at scanners. And your videos are super informative as well. Thanks 👍🏻📻
Great video. Just found the channel. I'm in Ohio, Lorain County. The city is Lorain. I've tried looking before if anything works here on a different site, but was lost. I used to just listen to my grandmother's old Bearcat back when I was younger back in the 80's. I actually found it the other day, but knew it wouldn't work. I know laws have changed since those days, but wouldn't mind having a desktop version just to listen to again. My budget is $700 and under if that helps and doable. Need your help and thanks if you do. New sub here.
Thanks so much for this video full of information. I live in North Carolina in Caldwell county in Lenoir and would like to know what you recommend. Thanks again.
I live in Euclid, Ohio. I live in Cuyahoga county, what do you suggest i need in my area and what channels?
nice tube!
Just bought a SDS100. Read where the scanner had to be off to charge it. B.S. Go to setting then battery control. You can change a setting there that allows you to charge the scanner while using.
Hi I am a Firefighter Paramedic outside of Cleveland, OH and new to the radio world. I am looking to listen to local and surrounding police and fire when I'm off work. We are on P25 phase 2 system using in the 850's mhz. This video was very helpful, thank you. I just don't think I'm ready to drop $350 into this yet. Will an SDR work for me? I have just started to research them and some say I will need 2 SDR's? How is that setup? Thanks for any info you can give me!!
Very informative. I already have several scanners, 2 TT3, 2 TT4, and 3 TT5 radios and just bought a multicoupler to feed them all. But I have a SDR play that isn't being used now. Can I set that up to actually scan and am I limited to just conventional frequencies? Thanks
Our main area of operation is Broward County, FL. We also respond to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Looking for a scanner that will primarily receive the city/county fire departments. The police dept's as well but it's a low priority. Either a handheld with external antenna option, field changeable or rechargeable battery or detachable face mount for my 4Runner. This is a great video thanks for sharing.
As a kid in the 60's I loved listening to Police and Fire with my Bearcat crystal controlled scanner. Thanks to Digital and in particular P25 plus encryption, the action isn't there
like it used to be. The price of a scanner is higher than some Amateur Radios. Hard to justify the cost with the limited number of non encrypted P25 transmissions in my area.
I tried SDR and it becomes complicated, a cluster of things going on at the same time and the audio of digital transmissions isn't as good as a scanner radio.
Very good information, thank you very much! I am still learning my SDS200 its a challenge compared to the Bearcat of the 70s.
Missouri, Phelps County, Rolla and Newburg
Good morning
Scanner School - What scanner do you recommend that covers all the channels including Air that would work great in Rock & Dane County Wisconsin. I live just outside Janesville WI. Doesn't matter if it is a Handheld or Desktop model but prefer Desktop model.
I live in the far east end of Kansas in Anderson County and I used to pick up transmissions from an area of approximately 200 miles in diameter before the days of encryption, there's so much that is available in that area but most is on frequencies/encryption that my dinosaur of a scanner can't pick up it would be great if you could make some recommendations for the best scanner to use in my area of reception. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Which scanner would you recommend for Oklahoma County, Oklahoma? Not needing city specific as I'm looking for something mobile that works well as I travel throughout the county
epic, just what I needed... What would you recommend for Tulsa County, Oklahoma and surrounding area?
I could use a recommendation. I have a BC125AT which I setup years ago. At the time, Dallas County which is adjacent to me, and the Dallas Police still used old school FM. I believe my local police and most public service are on a shared county trunk system. This would be Denton County, City=Highland Village, Texas. It would be nice if I could monitor the adjacent Dallas County, TX. At this point I have no idea what is encrypted or not. Was wondering if there are any good sources of used/refurbished scanners. Lok forward to your suggestions. Open to handheld or base but probably prefer handheld. Thanks! Ron
Im in Sullivan county Tennessee. Thank you
Need recommendations for BOTH Handheld & Base
SWFL (Naples FL 34119 specifically)
Budget not an issue for this purchase.
Quality IS Most Important!!
Hey. Great video. What would you suggest for a home scanner (not portable) for Oklahoma City, OK (Oklahoma County). Not too worried about the price. Also would you recommend an antenna say run to the attic? Thx.
Lots of choices that were great in the past, but I live in Worth County Iowa and work in Winnebago. Several of our departments use the ISICS (Iowa Statewide interoperable coms) any thoughts on area's that use these types of systems? Thanks
There are issues with encryption as is pointed out by other comments here, but there's a ton of "open" VHF/UHF stuff out there worth listening to. Amateur radio, ATC (air traffic control) for commercial and GA, marine band, and many others.
For example, I monitor several ham repeaters - both VHF and UHF - for traffic and it's easier to have the frequencies all in one machine than the other radio. I hear traffic I want to respond to, I merely turn on the appropriate radio and blaze away.
The good thing about this is that the scanner I use, while sophisticated, is "last generation" and therefore cheaper.
Without police and most fire channels its useless, it's the main reason anyone buys a scanner
i just bought a sds200..seems the best bet for a everything radio..i live south of boston and we still have plently unencrypted channels.
Enjoyed the video. I am in Omaha NE (Douglas County) I have 2 SDS 100 scanners. I keep one on police and one on fire. You mentioned using a radio that will pick up the pager tones. What scanner will work here for a dedicated fire only scanner so that I don’t tie up one of my SDS 100’s? Thank you, Todd
Virginia. Amelia County. I already have my location programmed into my scanners.
I have the Bearcat BCD396T. I also have a BCT 15X, a BC 895 XLT, and a Pro 97. I would like to get one that allows me to program P25 systems. I mostly listen to Aircraft - Civ and Mil.
Thanks for making your videos. I live in Mentor,Ohio. Lake county and can use help in choosing a radio.
Hi and thanks for this. What would you think would work in Polk County FL City of Winter Haven?
Hi I live in Southern AZ and travel practically the whole state so portable would probably work best for me. What would you suggest? Thanks for the help.