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.
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!
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!!
Wish we still had a use for these gadgets in Europe. But over here everything that might be of interest is digital and encrypted, and has been for the past 30 years or so. Watching a video from the US is like travelling back in time. Yabba dabba doo!
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.
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!
Bu video gerçekten çok değerli. Bir öğretmenin ders anlatması gibi şok kıymetli. Özellikle evlerde yaşayan çocuklar için çok faydalı bir ders, umuyorum herkes bir gün Özgür olur , 🤟🇹🇷
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 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 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.
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!
Iowa county, Wisconsin. Prefer base unit, because I would like to input/upload to broadcastify. But also would like to get a handheld for the vehicle or during power outages. I live right in the corner of Dane county and Sauk county as well. So I wouldn’t mind picking up Dane and Sauk county Wisconsin as well.
I'm at my sister's ranch in Cassopolis MI for the summer I didn't bother to look at Radio Reference to see what's available yet? Just put in the S.A.M.E codes to monitor for tornados. And enter the zip code it loaded a lot of frequencies I won't want. I wish it was easier to program without using sentinel. Since I travel a lot.
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
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!
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.
Primary location is Vancouver Washington (Clark County) also Portland Oregon. I RV too. Looking for both a desktop and portable solution. Easy to program and use. Computer based solutions also considered. Cost not too much concerned if functional and ease of use feàtured.
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 🦃
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.
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
Phil. Weehawken NJ. The problem is, I am not sure if they changed their frequency recently because the scanner that I have now no longer seems to hear anything on the programming I have had for years. I would love to be pointed in the direction to a simple SDR that I could host for online listening setup. THANK YOU for all you do!
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.
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.
The SDS 100 on Amazon [as I write this on 6/4/24] is only $50 less than the SDS 200. I agree with all the cons as well, but, the SDS 200 can be portable also bc it’s a mobile scanner that can be used as a base as well. I have two Uniden Bearcat scanners (BC355N and BCT7) and both are nothing but paper weights now due to all services having gone to digital and encryption. So, now I listen to my county and city law enforcement on apps…not near as fun but it works and doesn’t cost me $700 like the SDS 200 would. Good video! ~Jim~ 😮
Marietta Georgia. I prefer hand held but I could get in to desk tops. Not sure if we're encrypted or not here with police and fire signals. Looking for ems too. Heck I'd like to listen to alot more. Can't find any signal here wonder if we're being jammed..
Galveston County and Harris County Texas I just moved here and the scanner i have no longer works for the PD Sheriff fire coast guard and ports. I live in League City and work in Kemah and Houston. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much love your videos
Since 2009, I have been residing in Central Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. All you need here is any decent analog VHF transceiver (if you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator) or receiver if you can only listen. There is no 220 or UHF band here, and no digital other than Cellphone spectrum. Around $35 and you can hear everything,,,,
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.
Wow you are amazing, thank you for all of the info. I’m in Hillsborough county FL. Mainly wanting to scan EDACS most look to be analog. I’m thinking one of the HH units is what I’m after. Narrowed down to these Whistler WS1040, Uniden BCD325P2, Uniden BCD436HP. Any input would be great. Glad to see you are doing well.
Please recommend desk unit for Canyon County Idaho. Need LE, Fire, State Police and County entties. Live rural and want to be informed. Have Extra license for Amateur radio, so knowledge base is there. Thanks 73
This video was GREAT. Thank you for making it! Also... maybe you can give me some advice. My wife and I used to love to listen to our old scanner -- we enjoyed listening to the POLICE channels in the Los Angeles area (this was around 15 years ago). Now, I hear that the police channels are mostly encrypted... and getting MORE encrypted every day. We want to get back into scanning... but with the police channels being blocked, I worry that there won't be enough exciting stuff to listen to. What do you think? I'm happy to spend $$$! I just don't know what to get that will allow us to hear the most "exciting" stuff. I'd appreciate any advice you could give us. And THANKS AGAIN for this great video!!!
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.
Hey that was a awesome video, I learned alot. I live in Massachusetts around the Boston area, Suffolk County. I used to love listening to police calls around the area. But now all I get is about 80% nose. Feed back. Static noise. Signals have seem to be scrambled or they changed to digital. What are my options, and what can I get to go back to listening to police calls in my area. I miss my hobby, I used to listen for hours. Hope you can help! Thank you again for info ..
Exactly what I was looking for in a knowledgeable expert as a beginner, thank you! I'm in Nassau County (Long Island) NY looking to listen to police, fire, aviation and railroad, first with a portable and maybe a base in the future. Any ideas as to what radios I should be looking at would be greatly appreciated if your offer is still open to recommend something. Peace!
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.
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...
I bought a Sony ICF-PRO-80 scanner Radio. Is it any good? I live in Minnesota & in Ottertail County. I bought all the Optional Accessories also. I was able to find a Mint Condition one. I got also all the Original Factory Accessories also. I also bought a brand new Sony ICF-6800W Orange 2nd Edition Model. It is a Worldwide Voltage. It has a total of 31 Channels which includes AM/FM Shortwave, Ham. I also bought a Mint Panasonic DR-49 AM/FM Shortwave-Ham-Worldwide Voltage it was released in the United Kingdom under this Model Number.
My 76 year old father in law lives in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He wants a scanner which will allow him to listen to the police and the fire department. Our budget is just under $400.00, could you recommend a scanner fairly simple to use for a senior citizen?
RTL-SDR (2 for best coverage), a usb port adapter, and SDR-Trunk. TOTAL COST under $100.00 Plug in the RTL dongles via the port adapter, plug into your computer and add the FREE software!! If you pay the small price for Radio Reference subscription, you IMPORT your local area, and you're done. FULL Trunking, monitor MULTIPLE channels simultaneously. Now as a disclaimer, it DOES take some computing power, so if you CAN, use an older pc you aren't using so you can run it independently, otherwise everything else you do will be a bit slow. Even if you don't have a spare lying around, get a micro pc, and you'll STILL come out cheaper than almost every "scanner" on the market. P.S. and with other FREE software, you can listen to Short Wave, Amateur, and even Weather Satellites and the ISS!! There's even FREE software that lets you track AIRPLANES in the area ON SCREEN.... A *_>>MUCH
How are you Sir? I'm in Maine , Androscoggin county. I want a REALLY good base station. No budget , but would be fine up to 800 dollars. I'm completely off grid so power is no issue.
This for the video, It was very hekpful. What unit (mobile or hand-held) woiuld you suggest for Loganville, GA 30052? I know much of Walton and Gwinnett counites are encrypted but Dekalb, Dekalb-Stone Mountain park, Clark Athens, Rockdale, and Newton Counties would all be good listinging. I also listen to Aircraft. I have an external Diamond Discone at 50' slso
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!
Yeah I really found out how phony and two faced my one neighbor was
One night I heard my neighbor talk dirty to her bf. I never looked at her the same after that..😂
I have to say you are very dedicated to helping people understand the scanning hobby, thank you for that
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 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!!
Wish we still had a use for these gadgets in Europe.
But over here everything that might be of interest is digital and encrypted, and has been for the past 30 years or so.
Watching a video from the US is like travelling back in time. Yabba dabba doo!
SCANNER SCHOOL 🏫 HAVE A MARRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 😊 😀 ☺️
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.
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!
Bu video gerçekten çok değerli. Bir öğretmenin ders anlatması gibi şok kıymetli. Özellikle evlerde yaşayan çocuklar için çok faydalı bir ders, umuyorum herkes bir gün Özgür olur , 🤟🇹🇷
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'm in Indiana..Elkhart county....Thank you so much...oh city is Bristol Indiana
I'm in Gallatin, TN. Like to listen to police, fire, and aviation. Thanks!
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.
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.
I found this channel while searching for something else. Wow I am glad to be here what a great channel.
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.
I cannot tell you how helpful this video was. EXACTLY what I was looking for.
I live in Euclid, Ohio. I live in Cuyahoga county, what do you suggest i need in my area and what channels?
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.
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.
Missouri, Phelps County, Rolla and Newburg
Virginia, Campbell county and Lynchburg city. I purchased a Uniden BCD436HP handheld. Having trouble picking up channels.
Michael, Los Gatos CA. next to San Jose Cal, like to listen to police and Fire. thank you for your help in finding one.
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.
Wisconsin Marathon County City of Wausau now I'm happy you asked this question because well your results will speak for there self.
Phil, awesome job on this video! So informative. Thanks
Excellent video and advice, like to see more like this
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
Thanks for offering to help. I’m in Georgetown, Texas, which is in Williamson county.
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
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.
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 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.
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!
Living the UK Nottingham which is the best and no radio or bass radio scanner for me
Iowa county, Wisconsin. Prefer base unit, because I would like to input/upload to broadcastify. But also would like to get a handheld for the vehicle or during power outages. I live right in the corner of Dane county and Sauk county as well. So I wouldn’t mind picking up Dane and Sauk county Wisconsin as well.
I'm at my sister's ranch in Cassopolis MI for the summer I didn't bother to look at Radio Reference to see what's available yet? Just put in the S.A.M.E codes to monitor for tornados. And enter the zip code it loaded a lot of frequencies I won't want. I wish it was easier to program without using sentinel. Since I travel a lot.
I am looking at the SDS200 and live in Tompkins County, NY.
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
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!
Louisville, Ky & Southern Indiana - was listening to metro police but it encrypted with 15 min delay on broadcastify app only used Motorola P25
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.
Primary location is Vancouver Washington (Clark County) also Portland Oregon. I RV too. Looking for both a desktop and portable solution. Easy to program and use. Computer based solutions also considered. Cost not too much concerned if functional and ease of use feàtured.
nicely done, am still figuring out if/when to by next scanner, dealing with simulcast system in central Ohio. Keep up the good work.
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 🦃
You opened Pandora's box...Ionia, MI. 48846. I have the Pro651, looking at the SDS200.
I’m in gogama Ontario Canada what would be the best scanner and radio for me
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.
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
Thanks for all your info. Am going to purchase a scanner soon. Lots of things to listen to besides police.. gotta hav A HOBBY. THANKS AGAIN
I live in Harris County, Texas... look forward to your recommendation
Phil. Weehawken NJ. The problem is, I am not sure if they changed their frequency recently because the scanner that I have now no longer seems to hear anything on the programming I have had for years. I would love to be pointed in the direction to a simple SDR that I could host for online listening setup. THANK YOU for all you do!
Most places I have heard of are switching to encryption so no one unless you have there radio can hear any thing any more
My BCD996p2 the record jack quit working, so now I'm using the headphone jack. A bit irritating considering the price w/extras.
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.
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.
The SDS 100 on Amazon [as I write this on 6/4/24] is only $50 less than the SDS 200. I agree with all the cons as well, but, the SDS 200 can be portable also bc it’s a mobile scanner that can be used as a base as well. I have two Uniden Bearcat scanners (BC355N and BCT7) and both are nothing but paper weights now due to all services having gone to digital and encryption. So, now I listen to my county and city law enforcement on apps…not near as fun but it works and doesn’t cost me $700 like the SDS 200 would. Good video! ~Jim~ 😮
Marietta Georgia. I prefer hand held but I could get in to desk tops. Not sure if we're encrypted or not here with police and fire signals. Looking for ems too. Heck I'd like to listen to alot more. Can't find any signal here wonder if we're being jammed..
Need recommendations for BOTH Handheld & Base
SWFL (Naples FL 34119 specifically)
Budget not an issue for this purchase.
Quality IS Most Important!!
Michigan. Livingston/ oakland county brand new to this hobby starting from scratch
South lyon michigan
Trousdale county TN surrounding counties Wilson, Sumner, Macon, Smith.
Hi I am in Calgary Alberta Canada. Thank you.
Galveston County and Harris County Texas I just moved here and the scanner i have no longer works for the PD Sheriff fire coast guard and ports. I live in League City and work in Kemah and Houston. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much love your videos
I live in Hays County Texas. Would appreciate your recommendation. Great video!
Looking to purchase the 996P2, 536 HP or SDS 200 based on your recommendation. Upstate NY, saratoga area. Great informative video. Thank you.
Great information
Since 2009, I have been residing in Central Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. All you need here is any decent analog VHF transceiver (if you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator) or receiver if you can only listen. There is no 220 or UHF band here, and no digital other than Cellphone spectrum. Around $35 and you can hear everything,,,,
I live in Marquette County, Michigan. I would appreciate your help getting the correct scanner. Thank you
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.
Wow you are amazing, thank you for all of the info. I’m in Hillsborough county FL. Mainly wanting to scan EDACS most look to be analog. I’m thinking one of the HH units is what I’m after. Narrowed down to these Whistler WS1040, Uniden BCD325P2, Uniden BCD436HP. Any input would be great. Glad to see you are doing well.
Just found your channel - great stuff!!!
Michigan, washtenaw county, Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor. looks like most stuff is gone digital? (well police )
Meridian, ms lauderdale county
Whats the best handheld radio for me
Please recommend desk unit for Canyon County Idaho. Need LE, Fire, State Police and County entties. Live rural and want to be informed. Have Extra license for Amateur radio, so knowledge base is there. Thanks 73
This video was GREAT. Thank you for making it! Also... maybe you can give me some advice. My wife and I used to love to listen to our old scanner -- we enjoyed listening to the POLICE channels in the Los Angeles area (this was around 15 years ago).
Now, I hear that the police channels are mostly encrypted... and getting MORE encrypted every day.
We want to get back into scanning... but with the police channels being blocked, I worry that there won't be enough exciting stuff to listen to.
What do you think? I'm happy to spend $$$! I just don't know what to get that will allow us to hear the most "exciting" stuff.
I'd appreciate any advice you could give us.
And THANKS AGAIN for this great video!!!
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.
Pennsylvania; Montgomery and Chester counties. Handheld units preferred.
Aiken County, SC Thanks!
Hey that was a awesome video, I learned alot. I live in Massachusetts around the Boston area, Suffolk County. I used to love listening to police calls around the area. But now all I get is about 80% nose. Feed back. Static noise. Signals have seem to be scrambled or they changed to digital. What are my options, and what can I get to go back to listening to police calls in my area. I miss my hobby, I used to listen for hours. Hope you can help! Thank you again for info ..
Exactly what I was looking for in a knowledgeable expert as a beginner, thank you! I'm in Nassau County (Long Island) NY looking to listen to police, fire, aviation and railroad, first with a portable and maybe a base in the future. Any ideas as to what radios I should be looking at would be greatly appreciated if your offer is still open to recommend something. Peace!
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 for making your videos. I live in Mentor,Ohio. Lake county and can use help in choosing a radio.
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...
I bought a Sony ICF-PRO-80 scanner Radio. Is it any good?
I live in Minnesota & in Ottertail County.
I bought all the Optional Accessories also. I was able to find a Mint Condition one. I got also all the Original Factory Accessories also.
I also bought a brand new Sony ICF-6800W Orange 2nd Edition
Model. It is a Worldwide Voltage. It has a total of 31 Channels which includes AM/FM Shortwave, Ham.
I also bought a Mint Panasonic DR-49 AM/FM Shortwave-Ham-Worldwide Voltage it was released in the United Kingdom under this Model Number.
Hey man ! This is exactly what I’m looking for I’m in Edmonton Alberta Canada just wondering what you’d recommend
Great vid. Suggestions for San Diego (specifically Lemon Grove) CA please and thank you. 👍
What scanner should get SDS200 0r home patrol ,I'm in Essex county. Swampscott, Masaachussets. Thank You
Thank you so much for your informative video. I'm in Kings County, New York State. Thanks Again
Can you make a recommendation for a scanner to hear fire, police and sheriff for Teller and El Paso counties in Colorado? Thank you.
My 76 year old father in law lives in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He wants a scanner which will allow him to listen to the police and the fire department. Our budget is just under $400.00, could you recommend a scanner fairly simple to use for a senior citizen?
Dakota county in minnesota has gone encrypted.😢
All the departments in my area have been Encrypted for at least two and a half years. That includes all of the fire departments as well
Well done, informative, thank you for posting.
I am in northern Hennepin/southern Ramsey county (Champlin, MN). I want to get a scanner and was leaning towards a sds100 or an sds200.
Thanks!
RTL-SDR (2 for best coverage), a usb port adapter, and SDR-Trunk. TOTAL COST under $100.00
Plug in the RTL dongles via the port adapter, plug into your computer and add the FREE software!!
If you pay the small price for Radio Reference subscription, you IMPORT your local area, and you're done.
FULL Trunking, monitor MULTIPLE channels simultaneously.
Now as a disclaimer, it DOES take some computing power, so if you CAN, use an older pc you aren't using so you can run it independently, otherwise everything else you do will be a bit slow. Even if you don't have a spare lying around, get a micro pc, and you'll STILL come out cheaper than almost every "scanner" on the market.
P.S. and with other FREE software, you can listen to Short Wave, Amateur, and even Weather Satellites and the ISS!!
There's even FREE software that lets you track AIRPLANES in the area ON SCREEN....
A *_>>MUCH
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.
How are you Sir? I'm in Maine , Androscoggin county. I want a REALLY good base station. No budget , but would be fine up to 800 dollars. I'm completely off grid so power is no issue.
Milwaukee WI thank you
This for the video, It was very hekpful. What unit (mobile or hand-held) woiuld you suggest for Loganville, GA 30052? I know much of Walton and Gwinnett counites are encrypted but Dekalb, Dekalb-Stone Mountain park, Clark Athens, Rockdale, and Newton Counties would all be good listinging. I also listen to Aircraft. I have an external Diamond Discone at 50' slso