Best radio scanners according to redditors

You need to buy a GPS. Seriously. Or an Emergency Beacon

http://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-Personal-Locating-Beacon/dp/B005E1OU1A/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1341933376&sr=8-7&keywords=emergency+beacon

It’s not always the best strategy. this poor lady followed the ‘stay put’ advice and never moved for nearly a month while hiking the Appalachian trail, but ended up dying. She was one mile from the trail the whole time.

If you’re ever traveling somewhere and fear getting lost, it’d be a good idea to buy one of these GPS emergency beacon that can be located anywhere in the world.

That guy had a uniden bearcat bcd325p2 (a readily-available-to-consumers and totally legal scanner) and was listening to frequencies that anyone can listen to.

I use a Uniden BC125AT, others have mentioned it. I used it at the race track (Portland) with the stock antenna & the Koss QZ99 others have also mentioned.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000051SD1

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC125AT-Alpha-Tagged-channels-Lightweight/dp/B00772MR0K

I program the known scanner frequencies before I head to the racetrack from the spotter guide, using the free software scan125. (PC only unfortunately, I used parallels on my mac to get it to run.)

From what I can tell, the driver coms, race control & indycar radio network don't change much during a season.

The same is not true for tv, at least in my first two years of scanning the races. I use the racing scan mode to figure out the tv broadcast frequencies, there will be one "clear one" and the the others you find will be interrupted with comments such as camera direction, etc. With NBCGold this year, I was able to easily lock down the good frequency the first practice session to listen to the tv broadcast.

Indylights used the same frequencies as the main event, (TV/radio/race control) They had other frequencies for the drivers, but I didn't investigate if a list was available online somewhere. Other series I couldn't find any coms, but they may have not had radios.

I have some other thoughts. If you share the scanner with two people, you may find the volume is too low. I purchased an amplified splitter, but didn't need at the racetrack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EIWCFE

I would go with the 125 vs the cheaper model, due to being able to set an alphanumeric id instead of only looking at a frequency number on the scanner channel.

Like i mentioned before, I preprogrammed what I could before I arrived at the track on Friday, I then programmed the tv stations at the track, but it is a pain to label everything and get a logical order into the scanner banks that way. When I got home the first day I was able to use the scan125 software to "clean up" the order and get everything labeled properly, to make it easy to switch from tv/radio/pa & race control as I cared to.

I put a fresh set of AA batteries in the start of the weekend, and replaced the batteries again before the main race. I would carry at least 4 AA batteries to the track each day, just in case.

As /u/dewdue said, Canada uses the same VHF frequencies for weather radio as their NOAA counterpart in the US.

Most better CB radios will have a weather band feature...

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BEARCAT-Sideband-WeatherBand-980SSB/dp/B007B5ZAES

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-29-LX-40-Channel-Selectable/dp/B004RO3RBE

As for how active CB is in Canada, I have no idea. This being /r/amateurradio, we'll probably all going to tell you to get your license and buy a nice dual band ham radio for your car.

The most important things to carry are things that will keep you alive. WATER is the most important. You can live without food for weeks, you can't live without water for more than a few days. Don't eat anything you aren't sure of (being sick is worse than being hungry) and don't eat if you don't have lots of water (digestion uses up water). Next is clothing- carry a spare jacket or snowpants in your car and a good set of gloves. You may be dressed comfortably for inside or in a heated car, but that will be a problem if you lose your engine in the middle of nowhere at night. From there you might consider a sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
After that- LIGHT. If you are stuck somewhere at night, you will need as much light as you can get. Carry multiple flashlights, ideally one of which is a headlamp and one of which is indestructible, and carry spare batteries for each one. Chem-lights (Cyalume sticks) are also good to have but should be a backup to a real flashlight.

From there you might consider survival supplies- high calorie foodpacks, flares, signaling supplies, reflectors, fire starting equipment, knives, tools, etc. A simple Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife can be a big help in such a situation.

Carry some jumper cables and a pad of steel wool. Jumper cables have an obvious use (starting the car) and a few non-obvious uses (as rope or tools), but if you need to start a fire, use the jumper cables on the steel wool (few seconds at a time at most) and it will glow red hot.

Also, one of the simplest, stupidest things to carry is a cell phone charger. If you get stuck somewhere your cell phone could be out of juice even though your car battery has plenty of power. Don't get stuck by such a stupid problem.


If you're in backcountry places or go there during the winter (skiing etc) have at least one means to call for help that isn't a cell phone.

I heard about an accident that happened a few years back, a guy goes off the road during a snowstorm and his car disappears into the woods. Snowplow plows over the tracks so nobody can see where he went off the road, and he's pinned inside his car and can't move much. He sat there for almost 2 days before a passing trucker heard about the missing vehicle and happened to catch a glint of twilight off his side view mirror. If not for that, nobody'd have found him until spring, but he got lucky and was rescued.

The cell phone wasn't usable for this guy (either it was damaged in the crash or it had no service), if he'd had some other way of calling for help he'd have been rescued much sooner.

Your best bet is a 406MHz PLB, which is a satellite homing beacon (many models exist, some float and/or have a display). These cost a few hundred bucks, but have no subscription fees. (ACR offers an optional subscription service, but you don't need it). The battery is sealed in the unit and has to be serviced every few years, but you know it'll work because it has no useful function other than to call for help.

The cheap version of that is the Spot Satellite Messenger, which does much the same thing just with a less powerful radio and a commercial satellite phone network. Not quite as reliable as a real PLB, and needs a yearly subscription fee, but has other functions (you can have it check in every 15min and show your course on a map, or a newer one can be used to update your Facebook status, ugh). Spot takes AAA or AA batteries, so carry spares. Spot makes a few versions of this, and there's now a variant from DeLorme that works with Android phones.

You should also consider a good set of two way radios. Ignore the '50 mile range' type crap, its all bullshit (the ones linked above have better range than most with a full 5watt transmitter, but it's no 50 miles). Leave these in the charger, and leave the charger plugged into your car's trunk outlet. If you are doing a multi-car trip, put one in each car- that way if there's a problem you can easily signal the other car (if there's no cell service, you might run into a situation where one car has a problem and the other car doesn't see them stop for a while). They're also a lot of fun on road trips and great for skiing. The units linked above can also run on AA batteries instead of the rechargeable pack, so keep spare batteries around.

You might also look into CB Radios (many models available). A CB is usually mobile, not portable (ie it plugs into lighter socket with antenna on the roof) but CBs have the advantage that all the truckers use CB radios. Truckers will tell you about road hazards like accidents, dangerous conditions, and speed traps; and will often have different routes to suggest. Be warned that truckers have their own CB lingo so it takes some practice to figure them out.

Uniden BC75XLT: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1VSO9M/

Short of an analyser, I would go for the Surecom vhf/uhf meter here: Gam3Gear Surecom SW-102 Digital VHF UHF 125-525Mhz Power & SWR Meter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D86IKIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Ror6AbF42F4YD
I have one and love it. Good luck, and 73!

Yeah, I read your other link. She was an experienced through-hiker, so she had to have probably had the Ten Essentials, including map and compass? A little GPS like I linked weighs about 5 oz. Through hikers are famous for stripping their gear down gram by gram. Probably couldn't justify the weight even if it was about equal to her cell phone, which she did have.

Well-monied but weight-conscious through hikers should probably start leaving their cell phones at home, in favor of something like an inReach to stay in touch with family back home. 6.7 oz. That's what the local Forest Service volunteer society here recommends. I have a PLB, but they told us those are less useful to SAR because you can't tell them whether you have a broken leg or hypothermia or heart attack etc., just "here I am, help!"

[Yes.] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xFBXAb36JX3WZ) They get more expensive if you want more programming features.

A simple radio scanner would be your best option. SDR is a bit advanced for just getting started.

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-300-Channel-Handheld-Emergency/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540419650&sr=8-2&keywords=race+scanner

A google search for your local airports frequencies will give you what you need to program into the scanner.

If you are planning to attend races even semi regularly, consider buying a scanner and programming it yourself. I now own a BC125AT for $93. Works flawlessly.

My area is up two 4-6 hour wait times for assault and about 30 minute - 1 hour wait times for armed robbery.

Useful skills/Tips for Public Safety.

• Get First Aid Training,Basic Life Support,CPR and AED-Defibrillator Training.
  
  
• Learn to use Naloxone, You might find yourself in a situation where you may have to administer the drug to someone that potential overdosed.
  
  
• Get a Public Safety Scanner or Police Scanner.
  
  
• Keep a EMS grade/large first aid kit in your vehicle/home.
  
  
• Keep a safety helmet or hard hat in your vehicle/home.
  
  
• Keep a seat-belt cutter on your person/vehicle.
  
  
• Help clean up your local parks or recreational areas with a sharps container.
  
  Feel free to add to this list. :)

I've always loved aviation, airports, airport operations and all that. So many cool things going on.

This was taken to the next level as I started taking pilot lessons. Man nothing and I do mean nothing instills that sense of freedom better than climbing into a small airplane and taking off. You quite literally feel that there is no place you can't go. So awesome.

We have a small airport in OKC that actually has a restaurant that overlooks the runway. You can watch all kinds of small and medium sized aircraft take off and land. It's so cool.

Also if you're into plane watching, you should look into buying a small hand held scanner and look for your airport's frequencies. It's quite interesting even if it takes awhile to understand what they're saying.

Here is a kit of everything including pi and sdr:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXL7O3M/?coliid=I3J3BGNG2NFG0O&colid=3QDV8SN8Z0IMJ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I carry an ACR ResQLink PLB with me when I go wilderness camping (solo) in case anything happens. When you get the device, you register its serial number and attach some contact info so if you ever need to use it, they know who needs help. In an emergency, you pop up an antenna, give it line of sight to the sky, and activate it. It'll alert search and rescue and also act as a beacon for search crews who respond to the general area to locate you quicker.

I prefer this type of thing to the alternatives because I don't want to have to actively let people know I'm okay rather than actively requesting help. There's the off chance that something so bad could happen that I'd be unable to activate the unit, but I leave detailed plans with people before I leave as a backup safety plan.

Like you noted, there's no subscription plan, but the battery isn't user serviceable. I've read that you can send it in at the end of its life and pay for a replacement battery to be installed, but mine hasn't reached the end of its life yet so I haven't had to do this.

Also, consider where you carry something like this. I keep mine in a little scout bag (Arc'teryx Maka 2) when backpacking so if I ever ended up separated from my backpack in a river-crossing-gone-wrong or similar event, I'd have the PLB on me still.

While there are online resources for listening to police radio frequencies, you can pick up public safety wideband scanners for pretty cheap, and if you flip through your local channels when you hear the helicopter or sirens, you can usually get the scoop before the media finds out.

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Bearcat-Channel-Numeric-BC125AT/dp/B00772MR0K/

The Uniden and RadioShack Branded PRO model scanners can be fetched on Ebay for cheap as well.

Here are your local frequencies:

http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=225

I looked into those and may invest in one soon. However, they have drawbacks (namely it is impossible to communicate anything besides "HELP COME GET ME"). I'd like to have some other options for communication.

In case anyone comes searching in the future locators don't necessarily require a monthly fee. Seems like the most common solution is a unit by ACR, "ResQlink." (The "plus" version is floating; in other regards AFAIK they are identical.) These seem to be the power player in the PLB (personal locator beacon) market. There are other solutions for maritime use etc.; Wikipedia has good info.

Was once lost in the backcountry (poor planning, stupid mistake). Used a cell phone to let others know "hey, I'm lost, here's about where I am, I can keep walking, but wanted to advise someone of my predicament." A radio would allow me to do the same if I am ever in a similarly bad position. Given what I've learned from other commenters here, it seems like the most foolproof combo would be a combo of a VHF/UHF handheld and a PLB for worst-case scenarios.

Thank you for the thoughts!

Na but this can at less than half the price. https://www.amazon.com/ACR-ResQlink-Non-Buoyant-PLB-Registration/dp/B005E1OU1A

Also having a radio and alerting park rangers of your plan and knowing their freqs can be helpfull. Most importantly simply not getting into dangerous situations is the best defense

Link for the lazy. I have never had to use my ResQlink so I can't say personally how good it is, but all the reviews that I have read say it is the best you can get for SOS beacons.

LiveATC is a great source. Here is JFK's Tower right now.

If you are around an airport, you can listen with a scanner (here is a Uniden handheld).

Thanks for the reply. I checked that site out earlier and unfortunately they do not cover the airport I am stationed at.
I found this one on Amazon and it looks like it should do the trick. Opinions?

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Bearcat-Channel-Numeric-BC125AT/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408849864&sr=8-1&keywords=aviation+scanner#cm_cr_dpwidget

Standard PLBs like this one (which I own) have no service charge, but you have to actually activate them in an emergency. So they're only useful if you're conscious and you didn't lose it in your crash.

I got mine for hiking, but it's nice to have for biking, too. On the plus side, their signal is a lot stronger than a Spot's, and you don't need to worry about battery recharge/replacement for 5 years.

If you have a backup two-way already and want something to keep/throw in the car and not your flight bag, this receiver is $85:

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Handheld-Scanner-Black-BC75XLT/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473644638&sr=8-1&keywords=uniden+bearcat+75

How many races do you go to a year?

Do a bit of math, it might make more sense to buy one.

Just for this year, you're looking at $75 in rental fees. Or you could buy this one for $5 more and use it for years, maybe decades...

80 bucks for a low-end portable scanner will do this without tying up your computer.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-300-Channel-Handheld-Emergency/dp/B00A1VSO9M?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00A1VSO9M

​

Small enough to take with you. Runs on AC or batteries so you can still hear when the power goes out.

Not sure if you consider this a spy kit, but you could use a RF detector.


They go for about $60 on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDH2DP6/


Also your front facing camera can pick up infrared in the dark.


Another thing to do is to check all the outlets for anything plugged in. Although not all camera's need to be plugged in.

You would have to look up the laws in your area/country. Though I have never really though about the legality of it in other states etc. We have a few scanners and run a piaware adsb feeder. Most scanners are fine for picking up air traffic.
I have one of these bc125AT that we use out on the road. Is quite small and works great. have probably had it over 10 years. Fairly cheap for a analog scanner. Most important is the antenna. Here we have a large 30 foot antenna but in our old apartment we used to use a glass mount on the window. Scanning is a huge hobby and can be as cheap or expensive as you want.
Let me know if you need more info.

Surprised no one has answered this already.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-29-LX-40-Channel-Selectable/dp/B004RO3RBE

Loved mine, worked great and has lots of nice features.

That being said...

Perhaps I am reading too much into your post, but I think you might be overestimating the capabilities of a CB. I get the sense you aren't very experienced and you're going out into the wilderness alone/with a small group and therefore want emergency communications. If I am correct, CB isn't gonna cut it.

Your typical CB/Antenna setup is going to net you a mile, maybe two at best. And that's assuming flat/open terrain, exactly where you won't be going. In hills and woods you are probably looking closer to 1/2 mile. CB's are pretty much used for vehicle to vehicle communication when convoying down the trails when you almost always have line of sight.

You can mod a CB to increase its power, but keep in mind that these mods are technically illegal by the FCC. Even then you're probably talking 20-40 miles on flat/open terrain.

You could go for HAM instead, but you're gonna need to get licensed first and the setups are expensive and complicated. Even then you are severely limited by the terrain and weather.

And something to think about is that no matter what radio you go with, the person you're talking to needs to have a setup powerful enough to reach you, otherwise you aren't going to hear their replies.

The only thing that's going to accomplish what you want is a Sat Phone, but they are expensive.

Honestly, you're best bet is to learn how to recover your vehicle and keep a good first aid kit.

EDIT: That isn't to say you shouldn't get a CB or HAM. Definitely get a CB, I just would hate for you to run out into the woods thinking you're good to go with your new CB only to find out it doesn't quite work like you think it does.

Nope. That scanner will not do APCO-25 which Suffolk uses.

You would need a digital scanner capable of APCO-25 such as:

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BearTracker-Tracking-Scanner-Support/dp/B00HZOW5K2/

There are several different kinds of beacons that serve different purposes. I was carrying one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Access-Tracker-Beacon-B-30000/dp/B00G7IUO9Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1521136945&sr=8-5&keywords=avalanche+beacon

It gives off a signal, and if you're buried in an avalanche, another person with a similar beacon can use theirs to find out where you're buried. They work, but the survival rate is low, because an avalanche that completely buries your will suffocate you in a matter of minutes. The signal can only be picked up at close range (~100 feet). They're mainly for one partner to rescue another, which assumes they don't both get buried.

There's also personal locator beacons:

https://www.amazon.com/ACR-ResQlink-Non-Buoyant-PLB-Registration/dp/B005E1OU1A/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1521137134&sr=1-2&keywords=rescue+beacon

These send a (long distance) signal to search and rescue services, indicating that you need help. They work, but in my opinion, wouldn't have helped in this situation.

Forgive me if I'm over explaining but it sounds like you're not familiar with scanners. You can buy a police scanner. The police use radios, similar to a walkie-talkie or a CB radio that truckers use. The police radios are on a special frequency and it is illegal to broadcast on that frequency, but anybody can buy a radio that listens to the emergency frequencies.

Just like an FM radio has many stations, and a CB radio has many channels, the police also use several different channels for communicating. If you were manually picking the station, you might be on channel A while the police are talking on channel B. A 'scanner' gets its name from scanning through all the police channels really fast and then stopping on a channel as soon as someone is talking on it.

More recently, people have combined radio scanners with internet streaming. So one can also listen to police from the comfort of a computer.

Or, because Amazon entirely ignores the first section of the URL...

https://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Windup-Albatross-with-glowing-LED-eyes/dp/B00772MR0K/

So, while Goshen PD is on FM Narrow, the rest of the law enforcement appears to be on the P25 Phase I unencrypted. Unfortunately this means unless you want to listen to just Goshen and the airport, you'll need a more expensive receiver.

​

I'm a big fan of this one as it has programming software that is super easy to get through (and everything is done for you, no manually programming - just select what you want and go).

These are the earmuffs I use:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-WorkTunes-Protector-Compatible-90541-4DC/dp/B0013092CS

My scanner is a Uniden BearCat BC125AT:

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Bearcat-Channel-Numeric-BC125AT/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484609834&sr=8-1&keywords=BC125AT

The earmuffs have an aux in and the scanner has a headphone jack, so they work well together. In addition to 454.000 for the race call, with a little Googling you can also find the IMSA race control frequency and plug that in, and also some of the team radio channels. I know you can find the Corvette channels on the Corvette Racing Fans Facebook page before every race.

Interesting side note, IndyCar also had their commentary broadcast on 454.000 at Watkins Glen last year.

Uniden 800 MHz 300-Channel Base Mobile Scanner, $99.99, free shipping

Uniden BC75XLT. You can probably score a used one for ~$50 on eBay/craigslist/ham swap meet.

Rough dipole lengths:

• 80m = 125'
  
• 40m = 65'
  
• 20m = 33'
  
• 10m = 16'
  
  So lets call it 245-250' of wire to be safe. 14 AWG flexweave is $0.25 per foot so ...
  
  
• wire: ~$60
  
• ceramic insulators: ~$10
  
• center insulator: $15
  
  So about $85 of components. If you are gonna build it, you need an analyzer - a cheap .5-60mhz analyzer is $190.
  
  So as a first time HF operator, its cheaper to just buy it pre-made, but in the long run its definitely cheaper to buy an analyzer and build one yourself. For a person getting on HF for the first time - I personally think it's worth the cost to have it work out of the box (with your radio's built in ATU). Again, just my $0.02

How long ago are you asking about?

It's hard to say without knowing the exact model of walkie-talkie you saw used. Some of the old CB walkie-talkies from the 60s-70s had extended AM mode that could pick up some aircraft traffic that was in the AM band. Most aircraft now that are talking to an airport or control center are using FM band. Getting more into the 90s and later, very few FRS or GMRS radios had the ability to monitor air band and weather radio frequencies.

What you may be remembering as a walkie-talkie might actually have just been a scanner. Something that looks a lot like a walkie-talkie but can't transmit to anyone, only listen (Amazon example) if you were around people that liked listening to that kind of stuff, thats the more likely answer.

You could always try calling the owner of the airport (should be public information) to see if they can pass the information along.

Alternately, you could buy a hand-held aviation radio and tune it to the CTAF (common traffic advisory frequency) for the airport. Most pilots will announce on the radio what they are doing at a uncontrolled airport. They are not required to, but it is safer to. This would potentially give you more warning about activity in the area allowing you to get your kite down before it is an issue. You can find the CTAF by looking up the airport in the AF/D (airport facility directory). Lookup the airport and it should have it listed.

Currently I only listen. I want to hook up with some of the local ham guys but I can't remember how to find them. I commented on one of their youtube pages 2 years ago and no way I could find it again.

If I could find a legit setup for a reasonable cost I'd bite the bullet and give it a go.

Spez - here is the one I own. Its just a portable Uniden but it has served me well. It actually spent the winter under snow in the backyard. My daughter took it out last fall and lost it. Still works like a charm though I did take it apart and dry it out. I see they have a used option for $56.26 with free shipping

Yes, but they are not cheap. The comment below using SDR would be much less expensive, but I don't know a lot about digital trunking with an SDR unit.

Here is a standalone portable unit: https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BCD436HP-HomePatrol-TrunkTracker-Programming/dp/B00I33XDAK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549520011&sr=8-1&keywords=digital+trunking+scanner+p25

It's about $50 cheaper if you get a base unit, but still crazy expensive. If you do happen to invest in one, there is software to program it easily using data from radio-reference.com. It's called freescan.

• https://www.amazon.com.au/UNIDEN-UBC126AT-ANALOGUE-HANDHELD-AMBULANCE/dp/B0777BZW8N/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549229649&sr=8-1&keywords=police+scanner
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com.au/UNIDEN-EZI30XLT-EMERGENCY-AMBULANCE-HANDHELD/dp/B0777BZVL5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549229649&sr=8-3&keywords=police+scanner
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com.au/Uniden-BCD436HP-HomePatrol-Digital-Handheld/dp/B00I33XDAK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1549229649&sr=8-8&keywords=police+scanner
  

OS is Raspian; Documentation can be found all over the place for installing.

Software used for tracking trunks in the Baltimore Co MD, Carroll Co MD, York PA area is called OP25

Method of configuration that I used can be found here (Big shout out to Johns tech blog) This guide is amazing.

https://www.hagensieker.com/wordpress/2018/07/17/op25-for-dummies/

8 Inch monitor can be found here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FP2F9XY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The antenna used can be found here in which I retrofitted with a camera tripod

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075QCJM6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

rtl-sdr dongle used can be found here

https://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Blog-RTL2832U-Software-Defined/dp/B0129EBDS2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3RE7FZK09J0QX&keywords=rtl-sdr.com&qid=1558445253&s=electronics&sprefix=rtl-sdr%2Celectronics%2C124&sr=1-2-spons&psc=1

​

The case that I am using for this Raspberry Pi B+ can be found here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G1LMFRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The speaker that I wound up using and not in this pic is an Anker Soundcore boost, but I also use headphones when I take this to the office.

All radio system-specific information can be found at radioreference.com.

Getting the true control channel can be challenging sometimes as the db on radio reference is not always correct, at least for my area. Also, trial an error I was able to determine that the offset for my dongles is -1.

No subscription needed, no service plan. You buy it, you get in trouble, you push a button, rescuers come looking for you.

https://smile.amazon.com/acr-2880-ResQlink-Non-Buoyant-PLB/dp/B005E1OU1A/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=plb&qid=1558019720&s=gateway&sr=8-3

You can get them off Amazon, even Radio Shacks use to sell them. Some areas the police have gone encrypted, no way to hear them, which is bullshit. Also you'd probably want one that is digital, not sure how many departments still use analog. I have this one. https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-SDS100-Performance-Weak-Signal-Construction/dp/B07DK26FDN

The real LPT is always in the comments.

Get yourself a ResQLink. It's a button that calls emergency search and rescue, anywhere in the world, as long as you have line of sight to space.

And of course, always have a few basic emergency supplies in your car. A good blanket, a little food and water, a source of heat, fire extinguisher, etc. Basically a full bug-out bag.

I got curious myself and dug a bit to find it. I first saw it from this product, which is able to track the repeaters in police cars. I'm sure it's discontinued now and Uniden has released something better.

> Here's a good one

/r/funbob has it. The key words to use while searching or shopping are going to be "Analog/Conventional". Here's another one. You can find complete lists of area frequencies (air band or otherwise) at RadioReference.com.

If you need to monitor multiple channels and you don't need to transmit, then what you're looking for is a scanner.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1VSO9M/

"A scanner (also referred to a police scanner, police scanner radio or radio scanner) is a radio receiver that can automatically tune, or scan, two or more discrete frequencies, stopping when it finds a signal on one of them and then continuing to scan other frequencies when the initial transmission ceases. The terms radio scanner or police scanner generally refer to a communications receiver that is primarily intended for monitoring VHF and UHF landmobile radio systems, as opposed to, for instance, a receiver used to monitor international shortwave transmissions."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_scanner

Example: Bearcat Handheld Scanner

A key difference is that scanners are receive-only, where other types of radios can receive and transmit on public safety frequencies. And other types, like the cheap Baofengs, can receive but not transmit on public safety frequencies, even though they can transmit on amateur radio frequencies.

Please use clean amazon links. https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC125AT-Alpha-Tagged-channels-Lightweight/dp/B00772MR0K/

When the Radio Shack near me closed, I got one of these for $45.00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D86IKIQ/ref=psdc_172530_t1_B00GNVJ8IU

Unfortunately I don't know of any major race tracks that broadcast FM anymore. Even IMS used to until last year. And IndyCar radio doesn't seem to have FM affiliates in southern California.

http://indymotorspeedway.com/500broadcast.html

You can check if it updates by the end of the week.

http://indycarradio.com/index.php/fans/local-stations/

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Your best bet is to rent a Racing Electronics scanner, or buy a UHF scanner and program yourself like a Uniden or Baofeng.

https://racingelectronics.com/collections/rentals/products/long-beach-indycar

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-300-Channel-Handheld-Emergency/dp/B00A1VSO9M/

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A

IMS Radio is usually 454.0000 most anywhere, Except Toronto which was 454.1000 last year.

I have an older version of this. https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-Public-Scanner-Channels/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526171697&sr=8-1&keywords=nascar+scanner&refinements=p_89%3AUniden

Buying the next step down - about $400 (plus for AC adapter cable etc.) without the cool color display but also the easy setup. Hopefully a lot easier than my ancient Radio Shack handheld that doesn't hear anything any more as everyone's gone trunking here (some encrypted, so Broadcastify will still be needed).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I33XDAK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is exactly what I used for a long time. The only hiccup is that Baofeng can be complicated to program if you're not used to ham radios or scanners.

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Now I use a Uniden Bearcat125AT. I like it because it's easy to program either manually or via your computer, it has alpha tags and there's a weather (WRX) pre-programmed that is always useful to have when the gray clouds are looming.

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https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC125AT-Alpha-Tagged-Emergency-Lightweight/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3DGMTQC0YES0L&keywords=uniden+bearcat+scanner&qid=1563205158&s=gateway&sprefix=uniden+bearcat%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-3

this is so very helpful thank you very much for your detailed answer. i guess i mispoke, to clarify, i want to listen to the entire san gabriel valley dispatch (going from pasadena to duarte). i live in pasadena specifically. so to simplify all this in my mind, i can buy:

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Bearcat-Channel-Numeric-BC125AT/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465509830&sr=8-1&keywords=Uniden+BC125AT

Which is the Uniden BC125AT.

and listen to both pasadena and los angeles county police stations? i'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this. once again thanks

That information in the link says p25 phase 1. So that scanner wont work.
You would need https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IID3OLI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_dufIxb3SPET9Z

This https://www.amazon.ca/Uniden-Handheld-Scanner-Black-BC75XLT/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ but I don't see why it would work. It doesn't scan every frequency

It scans slower than a dedicated scanner does, but it's reasonably fast. I haven't been in the scanner market for awhile now, so I don't have any suggestions based on personal use, but here are a few from some quick searching:

Uniden BC75XLT will do VHF/UHF and airband, Uniden Bearcat 500 does the same plus military aircraft, and the Uniden BD396XT does the same, plus trunk tracking.

1. I was always in to "preparedness". I studied amateur radio for a number of years, always saying that "someday" would be the time for me to actually get licensed. Finally, I saw a ham fest within 70 miles of where I live and decided that it was the time. I studied for my Technician and General over about a month and passed both exams when I went to the ham fest. Now I knew, with practice and good equipment/antennas, that I'd be able to communicate outside of the phone/internet systems if I ever had to.
   
   
2. Depends on the band. With the 2 meter/70cm band, usually there is a repeater, which is a device stationed in a good location that helps people talk over radio. If you want to talk on the repeater, just hit the transmit button on your transmitter and state your call sign and that you are listening. If anyone else has their radio ready, they might talk to you. On HF, you pick a frequency in the band you are interested in talking on (sometimes dictated by what kind of antenna you have), make sure no one is using the frequency, then call "CQ". CQ (pronounced seek you) is a standard that people use when they're looking for someone to talk to. Something like "CQ CQ this is <your call sign> <your call sign in the NATO phonetic alphabet>". If anyone is scanning around or hears you looking for a contact they might talk to you.
   
   
3. A standard communication would include your name, city and state (also called QTH for short), a signal report, and your call sign. This is the most basic communication you can have, and is usually used for contests. The conversation can go as deep as you want - if you find you have something in common you can talk as long as you want. But, a basic communication may go something like "My name is Dave, QTH is Los Angeles, CA, your signal is 599 W1AW". 599 is a signal report, and 599 means that you can hear the other party clearly. This message can be abbreviated somewhat if you are using Morse code, just to save time. W1AW would be the call sign (this is the ARRL main station, so just an example). The other party will send the same thing back to you basically. If you are looking for a particular person, you would use "DE" as a short code with their call sign at the end - such as "W1AW DE G5RV" which would let the other person know you want to talk to them.
   
   
4. You transmit a signal by using a transmitter or transceiver. These are electronic devices that send radio signals. Usually, it is called "keying up". You can send a signal using a number of different formats depending on what your particular device supports - some examples would be phone (when you talk in to a microphone), Morse code, or digital methods such as JT65 or Packet. Examples of things that influence range and clarity would be your antenna type and efficiency, the solar/space weather conditions, the amount of power your transmitter can deliver to the antenna, and how far away you are from the person you're trying to talk to. The clarity and range topic has a huge number of variables that probably can't be summed up too easily in a short post. If you have questions, let us know.
   
   
5. Don't use a frequency if anyone else is using it, don't use offensive language, etc. Basically, don't be a dick. You'll see these rules being broken more often on certain frequencies and repeaters.
   
   
6. I currently have a Yaesu VX-6R for local communication and an Elecraft KX3 for HF. I have a Buddistick antenna that I use sometimes with the KX3, and a home-built wire antenna that gets switched out with that. The VX-6R has a HT 55 antenna which I'd like to replace, but whatever. I power the KX3 with either a Astron RS-35A or a BatPac Solar depending on whether or not I'm at home. I don't use the Astron because the radio needs that much power, I'm just trying to plan ahead a bit. The BatPac is charged by either a Renogy 20w solar panel or a NOCO G750 if the battery is staying at home. I also have some scanners - a Uniden BCD396XT which is handheld, and a Uniden BCD996P2 which is stationary. Scanners allow you to hear other radios when they transmit, and also allow you to listen to public safety traffic, such as police, ambulance, and fire. Another item I have is a shortwave radio, the Tecsun PL-880 which allows me to hear shortwave (also known as HF) broadcasts and other amateur radio operators without having to use my KX3.
   
   If you have any questions about this info please let me know and I'll try to answer. The other subscribers are probably much more knowledgeable than I am, so let them help you as well.
   
   Good luck with your book!
   
   EDIT: Added scanner and shortwave info.

That's the standard MSRP. When I got it there was a mail in rebate for 50 bucks, but they don't really get that much of a discount often. I've never really seen them on sale at any retailer.

Note though, the one you linked is the floating version is a a bit bulkier. If you're not going to be around water often it might be best to get the normal version. You can always tether a float to it if you're going on a rafting trip or something.

This is the non-floating version:
http://smile.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-Personal-Locating-Beacon/dp/B005E1OU1A/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1464290136&sr=8-4&keywords=resqlink%2B

You can read about it here. It is between 108 and 137 MHz and is AM modulated. Like 2gigch1 said, you need a good antenna. Here is an homemade antenna that works great for me. If it's for plane spotting you can buy an handheld like the Uniden BC75XLT. The better the line of sight, the better the signal will be. If you go the SDR route, there is an awesome project: rtl_airband (works great on raspberry pi). Have fun!

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Handheld-Scanner-Black-BC75XLT/dp/B00A1VSO9M

I didn't realize how much having a scanner adds to my kit, it's way more convenient to see who is on the air at any given moment, especially when you are unsure of the repeaters that are in range.

My police scanner is actually an all channel scanner, I could listen to HAM with the scanner Bearcat 15XL

I like the Flashlight idea, also the gun idea..... state laws?

Alright so I consulted other people, obviously I wasn't 100% correct. The link listed is primarily Travis County Sheriff traffic. There is some APD but they are primarily on their own P25 system. Only SWAT and NARCO are encrypted, the others are not but you need special equipment like this to listen to it. Even then you will only hear traffic in the talk group you have dialed up, not the entirety of APD.

Scrolled through the replies, so I won't repeat what everybody else has said as they are all correct. But I didn't see anybody mention getting a Weather Radio. Here's the one I have (non-affiliate link, and not promoting anything):


https://www.amazon.com/Midland-WR300-MIDLAND-Weather-Radio/dp/B00009V2YV


You can set the alerts to cover not only your county, but those near you. I have mine set to alert on the counties to the southwest, west, and northwest of my county so that as storms develop I know what's coming. (Storms always track from West to East. And NORMALLY track Southwest to Northeast, but sometimes track from Northwest to Southeast.) When the radio alerts on a county that is west of us, I flip on the TV and start monitoring radar. The radio has a LOUD alarm so it will wake you up in the middle of the night if there is sever weather when you're sleeping.

TV channels to watch, 4, 5, or 9. Each one has pros and cons, so pick the person who is the least annoying to you. I flip between all three as their storm trackers are scattered all over the state during severe weather.

Also, if your the technical kind of person, get a scanner and monitor the Amateur (Ham) Radio repeaters. The storm chasers will use ham radio to report back to the National Weather Center in Norman. These folks are on the ground and will know what's going on before anybody else. You can normally find out about a tornado on the ground about 90 seconds earlier than they report on the news channels. Here's a good handheld scanner:


https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-300-Channel-Handheld-Emergency/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ref=zg_bs_172530_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4X5AMGKE7X3W7Z5NRNE3


The frequency to monitor with your scanner is 145.41. This is the WX5OKC repeater and is connected to a network of radio towers all over the state. This is the repeater that the Weather Center in Norman will monitor for updates from storm chasers, so it's usually pretty quiet except during severe weather. As an added bonus, the scanner will also pick up the different weather radio frequencies (pre-programmed), which can give you an update on warnings and watches.

Yep. Well, in any case, whatever it is, that connector is not going to be happy if you remove/replace antennas on it. Best to get a new one with SMA like the actual thing.

Buy a scanner on Amazon and bring headphones. The Racing Radios kiosks have handouts on frequencies, or you can commonly find them online.

This is the one I took to Talladega last year and it worked great.

http://www.amazon.com/Uniden-Bearcat-Channel-Numeric-BC125AT/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457803937&sr=8-2&keywords=bearcat+scanner

It should change power automatically per the channel list but I'm not 100% sure.

For an SWR meter I have one of these and it seems to work pretty well.

I took my first backpacking trip solo. Consider dropping money on a personal locator beacon--they're expensive, but you may find a bargain on eBay. I use a Res-Q-Link:

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https://www.amazon.com/acr-2880-ResQlink-Non-Buoyant-PLB/dp/B005E1OU1A

Uniden BC75XLT

I'm looking at this one here, Worth buying?

Uniden's scanners have a cheaper street price, and more features.

So I found out that Amazon allows sorting their car electronics by input options and features, so that might be a good place to start. I doubt I'll find something with AM/FM and CB, though, as they require such different hardware antennas (...is that right?) Also doubt I'll find a police scanner, ha...

I'm wondering how important/nice bluetooth would be. Anybody have comments in that regard?

EDIT: the Pioneer FH-X700BT seems like a good place to start.

Also found the Uniden BearTracker, which appears to fit in a standard car stereo slot (1 DIN?)

I may end up going for a simple AM/FM/CD/USB/AUX 1DIN stereo, with a Uniden police scanner or a CB radio in the other slot. Uniden's Bearcat seems cool, but it's expensive... And I'm also reconsidering why the fuck I need a police scanner... Especially at these prices. It was a cool idea, but I don't think I exactly need it right now, so...

What about operation of websites? Can I host a website that advocates a specific candidate? What if there are no web servers that cost less than 50 dollars? Does that mean I have to use a third party to host my site instead of hosting it myself?

What about the operation of a CB radio? Those don't cost anything except electricity and the radio itself. If I buy this radio could I only spend $10 dollars in electricity for it? If I buy this radio does that mean I can't use it that year for candidate advocacy?

What about buying a printer to print my fliers? Do I have to limit my spending to printers under $50?

Its not an app or service but one option is to carry something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ACR-PLB-375-Personal-Locating-Beacon/dp/B005E1OU1A

I carry one when touring in case I ever wind up in a ditch but am still able to move enough to activate it.

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC125AT-Military-Aircraft-Channels/dp/B00772MR0K/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503030699&sr=1-5&keywords=police+scanner

This is the particular one I have. They're quite fun if you're frequently bored.

Will I have success with the 60 dollar ones or will I end up returning it to get a more expensive one?

To me 60 bucks isn't all that bad when you are used to seeing 200-400 for them.

I was thinking something like this Amazon

Currently on the market:

https://www.amazon.com/Whistler-TRX-1-Handheld-Digital-Scanner/dp/B01H3XYNUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525894827&sr=8-1&keywords=whistler+trx-1

or...

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BCD436HP-HomePatrol-Digital-Handheld/dp/B00I33XDAK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525894827&sr=8-2&keywords=whistler+trx-1

Both of these are nearly-do-it-all scanners. Expensive, but will give you the capability to listen to just about anything that's not encrypted. There are minor differences between them, so I would recommend doing research or asking further questions.

If you do consider the Uniden they are about to release their SDS100 scanner which will become their flagship. Which may also drop pricing on the 436.

If you still desire something that is capable, but easier to use take a look at the remainder of the Uniden Home Patrol line. Specifically the Home Patrol 2.

If you are looking for full size, you can get a cobra 29 for about that price. This is the model I’m running. With a Firestik antenna.

THIS is my scanner. It has a dedicated WX button just for the NOAA weather broadcasts. I have local police/fire/delta ambulance/special emergency programmed in. A very eventful night on the scanner to say the least.

Yup its the curt rack w/ extension... front piece of plastic broke off.

CB: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RO3RBE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

PA: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D0LMG2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Unless you're above ground in the outer boroughs, I don't think it would be reliable for live audio. You will either have dropouts between stations, or high latency. Or both. Try an inexpensive scanner.

Here is the mobile version of your link

I just picked this guy from amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E1OU1A/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Its the a good size. I am flying across Lake Michigan and Erie these days so I thought I better have one. What life raft did you pick up.

I got one off of Ebay for 200 bucks. It was as 10 years old looked like total crap. I thought no way am I betting my life on this. So I was going to toss it in the trash. But before I got rid of it I pulled the cord. Dammit it work perfectly.

Nothing fancy, I think its the NASCAR edition: http://amzn.com/B00972M9VK

But its cool when local shit hits the fan around here, which isn't very often.

$20 blue FA stick


Or the $10 AirNav stick AirNAv is selling at a loss to grow thier feeder base so they can sell your data to the hedge fund industry.

https://www.amazon.com/AirNav-RadarBox-FlightStick-Advanced-Receiver/dp/B07K47P7XD/

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