Police Scanner Radius?

Question

I want a cheaper police scanner (under $200) that can get a city's frequency from about 20 miles away. I am aware I may have to but a booster, but can anyone suggest a good scanner with those capabilities?

Answer 1

Who are you trying to pick up, depending on the radio system, you should not have a too difficult time picking it up. If it is simplex, it could be tricky, if it is trunked - you should be able to receive it just fine, if it is digitally trunked (APCO25) , you will need a $500+ scanner. Contact me for more info.

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Jeff
KI6CYC
http://www.scannerprogrammer.com

Answer 2

To answer this its best to know the area your in and trying to monitor.

If your area is in an area using trunking then you have two issues that effect you:

1) Digital
2) Rebanding

If your area uses digital, it must be APCO-25 or P25 system to be able to monitor. If your area uses ProVoice or the older Aegis )AEGIS is digital and can be encrypted as well) or VSELP you will NOT be able to monitor your local agencies. Digital areas MUST use one of the following: Uniden 296, 796, or Radio Shack Pro-96 or 2096.

2) If your area is not using digital but is using Motorola type systems then an issue called REBANDING WILL EFFECT you and WHAT RADIO YOU purchase. Stick to picking a newer radio see: http://www.wpascanner.com/wiki/index.php/800Reband

If your area is not using a 800 trunking and not likely to upgrade in the near future, then you may be able to purchase different and less costly models.

One thing DONT SCRIMP on the Antenna or the cable.

Do NOT use cable from Radio Shack lableled as : RG58, RG59, RG8, or RG8X. Only purchase cable listed as Belden 9913 or TimesMirror LMR 400 or LMR600 or "compatible" cables.

Do NOT WASTE MONEY on discone atennas or "scantennas", they do not work much better than a piece of string.

You can use what your calling a "booster" or preamp in certain cases and ONLY WITH CARE. I would purchase a scanner compatible for your area, good cable and a good antenna and then go from there.

Answer 3

You can find a good selection of scanners at Radio Shack. You dion't need boosters (whatever they are), just a good antenna. Sounds like someone's trying to pull the wool over your eyes on that one. A magnetic mount antenna on a metal surface works good, but the internal telescopic antenna does pretty good for what it's worth. Current model scanners are pretty sensitive so there shouldn't be a problem hearing anything you want.