About Jonathan Higgins

Jonathan joined Scanner Master in May 2008. Along with being a scanner expert Jonathan handles all of the digital content; websites, point of sale management, social media, blogs, e-newsletters, phone system, and photography. Before working at Scanner Master Jonathan was in Radio as an on air personality and producer, in both the Boston and Providence Markets. Jonathan has been interested in scanners and two-way radios for over 25 years When not at work Jonathan loves to spend time with his wife Jodie and daughter Kortnie and there dogs Abbie, Daisy and Watson. He loves to go bike riding and camping with his family. He has an interest in trains and railroad history, check out his personal blog "Train Aficionado" about everything that rides on rails!

Limited Stock on GRE PSR-400 Analog Trunking Scanner

If you haven’t heard already, GRE shut-down it’s manufacturing operation last September (2012) due to financial constraints. GRE America will continue to support and warranty these products.

GRE PSR-400 Analog Trunking Scanner

How do we still have them?
We had set aside some time ago 10 brand-spanking new PSR-400 analog trunking desktop scanners. These are the very easy to program models which GRE discontinued over a year ago and replaced them with the PSR-410’s which used object oriented programming. Now all the 410’s are gone but we are selling off these 10 PSR-400s for $299.95 each. There isn’t even anything comparable to them in the Uniden line. First come, first served on these 10.

Not sure if this scanner will work in your area?  E-mail us!

Feature Highlights
1000 channel analog trunking base/mobile police scanner packed with great features. Great for the home or car in non digital areas.

  • Triple Trunking Desktop/Mobile Scanner
  • Motorola Analog, EDACS, LTR
  • 1,000 CH / 1,500 TGID
  • CTCSS / DCS
  • 20dB attenuator
  • SAME (FIPS) / Weather alert
  • Skywarn
  • Spectrum Sweeper
  • 4×16 Alphanumeric Display
  • Signal strength meter
  • Backlit Keypad and Display
  • PC Programmable
  • Field Upgradeable Firmware

Read more about this scanner

Product Test – 824-960, 13dBi, Terrawave Yagi Base Antenna

Customer Scott Fleming wrote us a short e-mail about the 824-960, 13dBi, Terrawave Yagi Base Antenna

Written By Scott Fleming, KG4PBD   

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and Scanner Master for your help in resolving my reception issues.

As you may recall, I purchased an HP-1 from Scanner Master and quickly discovered that the local P25 simulcast system was virtually un-monitorable from my home, due to severe multipath distortion. My location is mid-way between two simulcast sites for the Charlotte Mecklenburg P25 system. I ordered your 13dbi, Terrawave yagi antenna, along with 50′ of LMR-400 coax. My plan was to aim the yagi at the closest site (Matthews), and see if that eliminated the multipath distortion.

My preference was to install the antenna in the attic. I found a good location near a gable-end facing the direction of the tower, and mounted the antenna on a short mast. I tested the coiled coax at the antenna location prior to installing the coax, and immediately saw a huge improvement.

Now that the installation is complete I have almost 100% consistent decode on the system, with very few distortion issues. Overall, it sounds great and I’m very pleased! Check out two pics showing the installation bellow.

Thank you for your time in helping me. I look forward to my next purchase from Scanner Master!

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!

New Product – Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT

By Richard Barnett

Product:  Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT
Price: $99.95

All-New Low Cost Bearcat Scanner

The Bearcat BC75XLT is a brand new low-cost scanner from Uniden. This radio is compact, easy-to-program with solid audio and a big bright numeric display. At $99.95 it’s a great entry-level portable scanner but it will not work with 800 MHz, trunking and digital systems which are used in many areas of the country. This radio is perfect though for monitoring public safety agencies which use conventional analog radios as well as railroads, marine, auto racing and civilian and commercial aviation (not military). To find out if this scanner will work in your area contact us by E-Mail or check out policescanners.net.

This scanner also includes Uniden’s incredible Close Call technology for rapidly finding active channels, service searches, priority and more. It operates on two AA batteries and can be powered and re-charged using USB cords (adapters available). The radio comes with a rubber-duck antenna, belt clip, charging cable and manual. It’s an all-around great basic scanner and for the sophisticated hobbyist it’s really useful as a backup or Close-Call only radio to have in your car or at-the-ready for emergency weather monitoring at home.

Frequency Coverage:
25-54MHz, 108-174MHz, and 406-512MHz
(Compatible with Narrowband VHF/UHF Systems)

In the Box:
BC75XLT, Wideband rubber antenna with BNC, USB Cable, and printed materials.

Powered by:
2 AA Batteries, (not included). Use 2300mAh Hi-MH or alkaline batteries.
Optional AC USB and DC USB adapters available.

Firmware Alert – GRE PSR-800

By Jonathan Higgins

Product: GRE PSR-800
Firmware Update: U 1.7

What included in the update?

  • This experimental beta CPU software adds APCO Project 25 Phase 2 functionality to the PSR-800 and must only be used in conjunction with the companion beta DSP version U1.2 included in this upgrade.
  • More details

How to update your GRE PSR-800?

  1. Download Firmware File
  2. Connect your PSR-800 to your PC via the Programming cable/Power Cable.
  3. Follow detailed (PDF File) instructions on how to update your PSR-800

Promote your Organization – DFW Scanner (Blog)


Non Profit Organization 
DFW Scanner

My name is John Burgdorf and I started Dallas/Fort Worth Police Scanner, commonly referred to as DFW Scanner, back in October of 2010 as a social media page to inform north Texans of breaking fire, police, and EMS incidents. To date, we have over 34,000 followers on both Facebook (DFW Scanner) and Twitter (@DFWScanner) along with a #1 rated mobile app for Apple and Android products. The DFW Scanner team includes several hard working volunteers who monitor scanners during their free time and post major incidents to the various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, app). We’ve posted thousands of incidents, ranging from major structure fires to multiple patient shootings and all in between. In fact, we have even gained a reputation within the media community as the main source for information regarding fire, police, and EMS incidents. September 4, 2012, the day our app was launched, we were ranked #1 on Paid News apps for several hours, beating the Drudge Report and Craigslist. We continue to maintain high rankings in the Apple marketplace. While we use scanners to monitor incidents, we have also established something we call ‘citizen reports’, where residents can send in incident tips by text and/or email. When we receive a citizen report, we confirm the incident through scanners and publish the status of the incident. It’s great to get our audience involved!

Enough of my blabbering – if you’d like to know more, you can visit our blog: www.DFWScanner.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DFWScanner
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DFWScanner
Instagram: dfwscanner
YouTube: DFWPoliceScanner

If you’d like to see some of our incidents pictures, feel free to visit our Facebook page. If one of the team members responds to an incident (we sometimes respond to major incidents), we will post an album on Facebook with the pictures. Check them out!

Also, one of our Incident Contributors has a few Radio Reference feeds for a county here in north Texas, and shares the links when major incidents are ongoing so folks can listen in.

Quint 582 Working a 4 Alarm Fire in Keller, TX on August 9, 2012
(Taken by DFW Scanner Incident Contributor Jeff Hooper)

Apartment Structure Fire in Dalworthington Gardens, TX (Arlington) on January 2, 2012
(Taken by DFW Scanner Lead Operator John Burgdorf)

Dallas Fire-Rescue Fire Fighters at a 2 Alarm Fire in Dallas, TX on September 6, 2012 
(Taken by DFW Scanner Incident Contributor David Reimer)

Arlington Fire-Rescue and Officials Working a Train Derailment in Arlington, TX on February 17, 2012
(Taken by DFW Scanner Incident Contributor David Reimer)

Mansfield FD Fighting a House Structure Fire in Mansfield, TX on December 25, 2011 
(Taken by DFW Scanner Incident Contributor John Burgdorf)

Learn how to promote your scanner related organization!

Promote your Organization – Signal 51 Group

Non-profit OriginationSignal 51 Group

My name is Cody Daniels. I volunteer for Signal 51 Group. Our group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fire buff organization in Shreveport, LA.

The Signal 51 Group was formed in 1969 by five local Fire Buffs whose objective was to serve the Fire Department of the City of Shreveport in any way we could as private citizens. In 2011 we celebrated our 42nd year of operation. Our organization is a member of the International Fire Buff Associates, Inc. (IFBA). The IFBA has over eighty five Fire Buff Groups in the United States, Canada and England that joined together to further their ideals, on a common ground in promoting the general welfare of the Fire Service and allied emergency services.

Our mission to serve our fire department from the beginning was twofold:

  • Support and maintain the Shreveport Firefighters Museum.
  • Assist with re-hab by supplying refreshments and when necessary snacks and food at second or greater alarm fires.

*Rehab was a term that was not heard of when we first started. It was just — Bring the drinks and food if necessary to the fire.

At our very first major multiple alarm fire we did not hand out refreshment. A large warehouses at Slack Industrial Park was on fire from one end to the other. When Signal 51 members arrived, Chief Greene asked us to get a 2 ½ inch hose line off of Engine 8 and help fight the fire.

Over our long history we have had guys and gals that have taken it upon Firebuff Badgetheir selves to respond to any working fire where they thought refreshments might be needed. But because of having children and business commitments we did not always have the people that were able to do this. We still always responded to fires were a supply line is laid. We probably make 200 to 250 calls a year responding to fires.

Like other fire buff clubs we get a great deal of satisfaction out of assisting with re-hab at fires. At these emergencies Signal 51 members used to operate the local Salvation Army Canteen which supplies food and refreshments to all the emergency workers and displaced citizens. However now we use our personal cars to respond to and take supplies to the incident. The fire dept. sets up the rehab area near a medic unit on any significant event.

Most buffs generally are apparatus enthusiast and some members can even tell you the make, model and year of each Shreveport fire engine.

The picture at the above shows Signal 51 members, Jerry Hope and Karen Mackey at one of only a few light moments during the serving of refreshments at the tragedy of 6 young people drowning in the Red River on August 2, 2010. It was an extremely hot, humid evening and they were grimy and covered with sweat when Father Guido Verbeck snapped this photo. They had carried supplies back and forth over 250 yards of rough terrain to get much needed refreshments to the responders and recovery divers on that fateful night.

We act as a citizens’ public relations group for our Fire Department and combat unjust criticism or ridicule. Most of us have attended the Citizen’s Fire Academy which has given us an entirely new perspective and a deeper respect for what firefighters do. A few of our members belong to the Shreveport Fire Corp. One of our members is Chairman of the 9-1-1 Board, and other are on boards and committees related to the Fire Service. Another member has been president of the IFBA, and two others have been vice-presidents.

Every four years Signal 51 host a regional International Fire Buff Associates meeting in Shreveport to show off our Fire Department. The Fire Buffs who have attended from around the country have always been highly impressed by our firefighters’ knowledge of fire fighting, their friendliness, and the appearance of our equipment.

The group is always interested in obtaining Fire Dept. memorabilia and was instrumental in bringing the Shreveport Firefighters Museum into existence. We have taken photos and videos of most major fires over the years and try to keep track of the history of the S.F.D. With our combined YouTube channels we have well over 500 videos, nearly 3,000 subscribers, and 6.1 million video views. When we can we try to film the fires live so people can watch the fires as they happen.

We have a 1928 American LaFrance which is one of our museum pieces. In the 1980’s we American LaFrancehad a 1969 American LaFrance Pioneer I Pumper (ex-Engine 10) that we maintained and used in many parades, weddings, fire dept. funerals, and other events when requested by the Fire Chief. In 1997 we used a 1974 Pioneer II, in 2000 we used a 1983 American LaFrance. and now one of our members has several pumpers we can use, one of which is a 1969 American LaFrance Pioneer I (X-Engine 17). One of our members is known nationwide for his expertise in restoring antique fire apparatus and at one time had the largest and best private collections in the country.

When Shreveport Fire Chief, Brian Crawford became Chief the new fire department maintenance facility was opened on Mansfield Road. Since the building was at one time an automobile dealership it had a large showroom. Chief Crawford designated the showroom to be the location for the Shreveport Firefighters Museum. Dr. Harvey Carter, one of our members placed on permanent loan, a 1928 Seagrave pumper and his alarm console from old Fire Station 5, plus many other SFD historical items.

The 1928 American LaFrance that the members of Signal 51 had maintained for many years was also placed in the museum. Signal 51 members spent many hours refurbishing the alarm console and restoring the appearance of the antique fire engines that are now on display in the museum.

Members of the Signal 51 Group have radios, scanners and Fire Dept. pagers and are paged out when there is a need for our canteen service. A few years ago after units were dispatched to a fire at Libby Glass Manufacturing Company on a very hot summer evening a chief officer was heard on the fire radio frequency barking out to fire dispatch, “Give me a second alarm and tell the Signal 51 Group to setup on the east and south sides of the fire building!” As most of us were listening to our scanners that evening we did not wait for the pagers to go off for us that time.

We are very fortunate to have an outstanding fire department here in Shreveport. If you have ever watched Legendsthem at a fire emergency and paid attention to the organization and leadership that takes place you will notice the strategy and tactics that they use. Watch the aggressive interior attack that takes place, but when there is too much danger the commanders on the scene quickly have the firefighters removed from the structure and begin an exterior or defensive attack. It is a well orchestrated event in what appears to be a chaotic situation.

While firefighting is a very rewarding job, it is an extremely dangerous one. Here in Shreveport where we have the long hot humid summers, and firefighters with their full firefighting protective clothing on take a beating. They are rotated out of the fire scene for rehabilitation at a set time interval. The SFD has an excellent rehab method setup for any incident, but in case of multiple alarm fires or major incidents the rehab area deserves all the help we can give them. In fact, Signal 51 members will, most often, respond to any fire where large diameter fire hose is laid to supply water to put the fire out. When this occurs it is a good indication that there is significant fire and the firefighters will be exerting a great deal of energy.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjU-eXdag3o]
Our Links:
Signal 51 Group Website
Signal 51 Group FaceBook Page

Learn how to promote your scanner related organization!

Riding the Rails – Conway Scenic Railroad

If you like trains and railroading, like I do, bring your scanner with you the next time you take a train trip. It will give you an exciting behindthescenes look at railroading!

Conway Scenic Railroad
North Conway, NH

Over Labor Day weekend, my family and I made the trip up to White Mountains of New Hampshire for some rest/relaxation, shopping and a train ride! The Conway Scenic Railroad is a must for any rail fan.

Conway offer many rail excursions:

The Valley Trains
Conway Excursion – 11 Miles, 55 minute round trip
Bartlett Excursion – 21 miles 1-3/4 hour round trip
Route maps – Train Schedules

The Notch Trains
Crawford Depot Excursion –  5 hour round trip
Fabyan State Excursion – 5 1/2 round trip
Route maps – Train Schedules

Saturday we made our way to North Conway Station. The station is very impressive with its Victorian-style construction and size. Behind the Station you will find the boarding platform and a small yard with an 85′ turntable and roundhouse. Due to time, we choose the shorter Conway Excursion.

Riding Conway Scenic Railroad
We boarded the open air coach #1557 formally from Boston & Maine Railroad. Pulling us south to Conway Station was #573 a GP-7 Diesel Electric Locomotive. Along our 55 minute roundtrip journey we passed breath taking views of Moat Mountain Range and cross the Saco and Swift Rivers. Once we reach Conway Station engine 573 made a run around move (uncoupling and passing us on the siding to couple onto the other end).

North Conway Model Railroad Club
I’m also a big fan of model trains as well, while there I was able to see North Conway Model Railroad Club (NCMRRC).  The club occupies  former Boston and Maine Freight House, located in the North Conway Rail Yard.  NCMRRC operates a 500 sq ft HO scale layout, features replicas of the North Conway Station, yard and Crawford Notch.

Engines 4266 and 252 in the yard behind North Conway Station
 Engine 252 on the turntable
View from open-air car 1557 of the Moat Mountain Range
Engine 573 making the run around at Conway Station
Engine 573 Passing us on the siding at Conway Station.

Scanning Conway Scenic Railroad
On the Conway Excursion communications took place on 160.2500 their main road channel.  Be sure to program 161.3250 and 160.4250 as well.

If you’re visiting the area for the weekend, you may want to bring a digital scanner since most of the law enforcement is operating on digital conventional VHF.

My Scanning Gear
Uniden BCD396XT with the stock antenna
Soft leather Case with Swivel

Promote your Organization – Code 3 Incident Page


Non Profit Organization 
Code 3 Incident Page

My Name is Andrew Tetreault from Long Island New York. I am the Owner of Code 3 Incident Page. C3IP is a Free Incident Notification group dedicated to keeping the public informed about all current Fire, Rescue, EMS, Police, Traffic & Weather Alerts. Our service relies on volunteers who monitor scanners to provide us with the utmost accurate information. We use a state of the art CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch System) with Google Map =integration to pinpoint incidents down to street level. The staff at Code 3 IP prides ourselves in providing timely and quality alerts to over 500 subscribers. Our Subscriber rate grows on a daily basis with exposure from our Facebook fan page & Twitter account.

Website:
http://www.code3ip.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Code3IP

Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/Code3IP

Learn how to promote your scanner related organization!

Show Off Your Shack – Jayson Wagner


Learn how to Show off your shack! – read more

Name: Jayson Wagner
City: Quakertown, PA
In this Hobby: 10 years
Like to listen:  Police, Fire, & EMS
Member of: http://alertpage.net/
In my shack: Five scanners: 2 Radio Shack PRO-2096, 1 Radio Shack PRO-106, 1 GRE PSR-800 and WBD-40 Discone Base Antenna.


Learn how to Show off your Shack! – read more