Why People Use Police Scanners

scannerPolice scanners allow people to listen to communications of local police, fire, public works, and other agencies in their communities. The scanner is similar to a radio receiver, as it scans multiple frequencies and finds transmissions as they occur. Keep in mind, the radio scanner is a one-way receiver for monitoring two-way radio traffic, and it does not transmit. For example, your local dispatcher sends a communication to the fire department. Your fire scanner picks up the transmission and allows you to hear what the dispatcher is saying. When the fire department responds again, the scanner allows you to hear the response.

People use police scanners for various reasons. Some people are radio enthusiasts and enjoy listening to their scanners to find out what is going on within the local community. Off duty police officers, volunteer and off duty full time fire fighters, EMTs, and other professionals use scanners to be alerted to events going on locally, as well as in nearby communities. News agencies also use scanners to find out if there are any interesting activities going on which should be reported to the general public on the evening news broadcast or in the morning newspaper.

Why People Are Choosing Police Scanners over Police Scanner Apps

There are numerous police scanning apps for mobile devices and smart phones. However, the use of these apps may be illegal in many states whenever they are used outside of the home. On the other hand, it is perfectly legal to purchase, own, and operate police scanners inside your home. There are a few exceptions you should be aware of, depending on where you live. It is your responsibility to review your state’s laws in regards to scanner usage. For example, in certain states it is against the law to use a scanner in your vehicle. In most states it is illegal to use a scanner or scanner app while committing a crime.

Another reason people prefer scanners over apps is because they monitor a wider range of frequencies, including older analog transmissions. Many of the free apps you find online only monitor specific channel frequencies and digital transmissions, so you may only hear chatter from your local police department, but not pick up any traffic from fire departments, emergency responders, and other agencies in your location. If you want to know why the fire truck just drove past your home with its lights on, you need to use a real scanner instead of a mobile app.

One key benefit of using scanners is they operate independently and can be left on for as long as you want to listen. With a mobile app, you have to open the right one in order to monitor communications. If you receive a phone call, text message, or want to use a different app, you have to close the scanning app. Additionally, if your battery goes dead or you lose cellular service, the app stops working.

For more information about police scanners or assistance in choosing a model, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

Shopping for a Police Scanner Made Simple!

By Jonathan Higgins – The Scanner Expert

It’s that time of the year again finding the right gift for that special loved one. How about a scanner? Here are 4 things you should keep in mind when buying a scanner.

1. What type of scanner is needed for the area in which the person lives?

There are three types of scanners:

  • Analog Conventional
  • Analog Trunking 
  • Digital

The scanner you pick is determined by the type of communication systems in use in the area.  You can find out the best scanner by  E-Mail us, giving us a call at 1-800-SCANNER (722-6637), or using our search tool!

Pre-programmed options:
Digital and analog areas – GRE PSR-800, Uniden HomePatrol
Analog areas only – GRE PSR-700

Both scanners are pre-programmed for the nation although we still recommend our Set-up and Optimize service. See these radios on our web site for details.

2. Deciding Base/mobile vs Portable?
Base/Mobile Scanners are normally kept in one location, either in the car or home. Desktop scanners are for home or office use only.

Portable Scanners are great for someone that wants to use the scanner everywhere they go (out and about or from room to room in the home, etc.).

New for 2012!
We also have holiday packages too – Check them out!

3. Scanner programming options:
We strongly recommend our software or our HomeTown Programming option when you buy a scanner. (For the HomePatrol, PSR-800 and PSR-700 it’s called “Set-Up and Optimize”). With these services the scanner will be ready to use right out of the box! Programming typically takes 5 to 10 business days and possibly more as it gets closer to the holidays.

4. Accessories
Make sure they have everything they might need or want when they receive their new scanner! A carry case, computer cable, software, mobile antenna and so on. With each scanner on our website you can make your own package and when you buy accessories with the scanner there are added discounts.

Remember!
We are available online by E-mail and only a call a-way at 1-800-722-6637!

HomeTown Programming Services

As scanner technology and memory management advances to keep up with advanced communications systems, scanners have become increasingly complex to set-up and program. Scanner Master is the nation’s leader in scanner programming, relying on our nearly 30 years of experience.

We Program the following scanners:

Uniden:

BCD996T/XT, BCD396T/XT, BCT15/X, BC346XT, BC246T
GRE:
PSR-300, PSR-310, PSR-400, PSR-410, PSR-500, PSR-600
Radio Shack:
PRO-163, PRO-164, PRO-106, PRO-197
….as well as many older model scanners

Programming made as easy as 1,2,3!
Step 1 – Download Our Programming Order Form [PDF file]
Step 2 – Fill out order form
Step 3 – Pack up your scanner and ship it to us

Ship Scanners to:
Scanner Master Corp
ATTN: Programming Department
260 Hopping Brook Road
Holliston, MA 01746

Generally we program Police/Sheriff/Highway Patrol, Fire and EMS unless otherwise requested. Programming generally takes one to two weeks as we often have many radios to program at one time. Special requests may incur an additional fee.

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Set-up and Optimize Service for Pre-Programmed Scanners

Uniden:

HomePatrol HP-1

GRE:
PSR-700, PSR-800
RadioShack:
PRO-107, PRO-18


This great service covers the following:

  • Setting up a local favorites list/Scan List for your hometown
  • Updating the national pre-programmed database to the current date
  • Updating the radio’s firmware (operating system) to the latest version

Set-up and Optimize made as easy as 1,2,3!
Step 1- Download our Setup and Optimize order form [PDF file]
Step 2 – Fill out order form
Step 3 – Pack up your scanner and ship it to us

Ship Scanners to:
Scanner Master Corp
ATTN: Programming Department
260 Hopping Brook Road
Holliston, MA 01746

New Product – Windshield Mounting Kit for HomePatrol

By Jonathan Higgins

New Product:
Windshield Mounting Kit for HomePatrol
Cost:
$39.95

What’s included with the Windshield Mounting Kit?

  • Heavy duty 3 ½ inches suction mount
  • Adjustable 7 inches arm
  • HomePatrol Mobile Mounting Bracket
  • Bracket mounting screws and nuts


Road Test

Over the past weekend, I was able to Road Test the new Uniden HomePatrol Windshield Mounting Kit.

During the road test I was very impressed with this product. It has heavy duty suction mount along with its 7 inch arm. The windshield mount holds the one pound HomePatrol without a problem. Well built, and suitable for most windshield mounting situations.

This product is made by Ram Mounts for the Uniden HomePatrol.

New Product – SpectrumForce Scanner Lapel Speaker with Antenna Mount


New Products
SpectrumForce Scanner Lapel Speaker with Antenna Mount:
With SMA Connection – $29.95
With BNC Connection – $29.95

In the photo on the left is the SpectrumForce Scanner Lapel Speaker with Antenna Mount (BNC Connection)

Puts scanner audio closer to your ear just like public safety two-way radios. Mounts a scanner antenna atop the speaker for improved reception.


• Works with Bearcat 330, 346 and 396 (X and XT) scanner models
• Audio Boost with volume control slider
• Swivel clip attaches to lapel
• Single straight cord, 3′ long, contains cabling for antenna coax and speaker wire

The SpectrumForce Scanner Lapel Speaker with Audio Boost & Antenna Mount is one of the coolest products we’ve ever developed. With a look similar to the speaker-microphones used by law enforcement, security, fire service and EMS officers, this speaker has multiple important functions: It brings your portable scanner audio up close to your ear (rather than down by your side on your belt), it provides a variable audio boost, and it puts the antenna up higher and away from your body — in a much more efficient location for better signal reception range and clarity.
(In the photo to the Right Greg Jolly with the SpectrumForce Scanner Lapel Speaker)

How did we boost the audio?
The audio boost on the lapel speaker works via a jumper cable that runs inside the speaker housing from the antenna jack ground lead to the speaker ground. This method cancels internal scanner audio resistance to the speaker jack which is used to protect your hearing when utilizing an earphone. However, with the lapel speaker, you will not be using an earphone running directly into your ear, but rather a speaker, to listen to the scanner audio. Thus, the volume will be similar to listening closely to the speaker on the scanner itself (as you normally would if you were holding the scanner in your hands) however the speaker will be on your lapel or shoulder when walking around or driving in a car, rather than on your belt as part of the scanner. An engineer has tested this construction method and confirms that it works well and has no negative impact on audio amplifiers (see below). The lapel speaker audio boost works with most, but not all, portable scanners.

Elevating the Antenna
You must utilize the antenna mount on the lapel speaker to take advantage of the audio boost. However, the added benefit is that by mounting the antenna on the lapel speaker you elevate the antenna for the radio (as compared to having it located on your belt) which will in general improve reception. Also, by having the antenna on the scanner on your belt, next to your body, you de-sensitize it. Mounting the antenna up and away from your body and on the lapel speaker you no longer de-sensitize the antenna. This is why many police, fire and EMS agencies use a speaker microphone with the antenna mounted on the speaker for their officers as well.

Specifications
• Speaker: 45mm
• Power: 1 Watt Max
• Frequency Range: 500-9000Hz
• Size: 68H x 58W x 22D (mm)
• Weight: 51 Grams
• Connector: Standard 3.5mm

Not a microphone – listen only.
Model # SLS-401A (SMA); SLS-401B (BNC)

New Product – GRE PSR-310

By Jonathan Higgins

The Product: GRE PSR-310 Analog Trunking Scanner
Price: $199.95

The GRE PSR-310 is a good looking unit out of the box, with its black exterior and buttons with white lettering. The case layout is just like the GRE-PSR 500 with the same placement of the speaker, screen, and keypad.

New features found on the GRE PSR-310


Memory System
Object Oriented – Very simple to use and to field program compared to other models. An object can be shared in more than one scan list. An object can be single frequency or talk group.

LCD Display
Much larger display over the GRE PSR-300, bring a great full dot matrix bitmap display with an white LED backlight.

Multi-System Analog Trunking
Works with the following trunking systems:
-Motorola
-EDACS Standard/Narrow
-LTR Trunking
Supports the new 700MHz and 380MHz bands also can follow multisite Motorola systems

Exclusive Alert LED
This can be configured to illuminate or flash when a certain object is active.
Example:
Holliston Police – LED Blue Flash
Holliston Fire – LED Red Flash
Holliston Highway – LED Yellow Flash

Color Options
1 – Red
2 – Yellow
3 – Green
4 – Light Blue
5 – Blue
6 – Purple
7 – White

In the Box
-Antenna
-Owner’s Manual
-Black non-chargeable battery holder (inside the scanner)
-Yellow rechargeable battery holder
-Belt clip (Attached to the scanner)

Programming Software
ARC310 – Available from BuTel Software soon!

-NOTE-
For some people this scanner will not work due to the radio systems in their area. How check if this scanner will work in their area? Visit our sister website http://www.policescanners.com.