TOP PICKS
SaleBestseller No. 1 −6%
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED, this sophisticated scanner has 500 alpha-tagged channels in a convenient compact design with loads of features. Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Do Not Disturb Mode prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.
- Please note model BC125AT is NOT a Digital Scanner and is not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring, (e.g. Project 25, DMR, NXDN). Some Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking systems. If you live in an area where Trunking or Digital Radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (“D” stands for Digital), such as models SDS150, SDS100, SDS200, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.
- SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY with 500 Alpha-Tagged Channels finding the channel you want to listen to is easy, with 500 channels divided into 10 storage banks. Organize your channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other way you prefer. Alpha Tagging lets you assign names to your channels, so you can keep track of who you are listening to.
- LIGHTWIEGHT PORTABLE DESIGN, take this Bearcat handheld radio scanner with you on the road, or on outings. It packs plenty of features, the orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions.
- GET STARTED LISTENING RIGHT AWAY with convenient Pre-sets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten separate Non -Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Ham, Marine, Railroad, Civil Air, Military Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS/MURS, and Racing search bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
Bestseller No. 2
Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC programable, NASCAR, Racing, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED! The Uniden Bearcat SR30C is a very affordable 500 channel hand-held scanner with loads of features in a convenient compact design.
- LISTEN TO OVER 32,000 FREQUENCIES: Get started listening right away with convenient pre-sets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten service banks, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, NOAA Weather reports, Marine, Racing, Civil Aircraft, Ham Radio, Railroad, CB Radio, and other bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
- PC PROGRAMING lets you program your scanner using your PC. Close call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Priority Scan function Scans the channels you have designated as priority channels. Memory backup keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time if the scanner loses power
- DELAY FUNCTION helps prevent missed replies during two-way conversations. Other features include keypad entry, Earphone Jack, key lock, battery low alert, battery save. The triple-conversion design ensures excellent Performance.
- THREE POWER OPTIONS: #1- The included USB cable will power your SR30C from your PC or other USB power source, such as a smart phone USB charger (not included). #2 - Two AA alkaline batteries (not included). #3 - Two AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (not included). You can also charge rechargeable Ni-MH batteries in the unit using the USB cable.
SaleBestseller No. 4 −32%
Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-Band Reception, and Search Features to Detect Signals Faster Than Ever
- The Uniden BCD160DN sets the standard for performance, features, and innovation. Exclusive Features like Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-band Reception, and a complete suite of search features help you detect those elusive signals faster than ever. Uniden Digital Scanners offer you more than ever before.
- DCS/CTCSS RAPID DECODE - Instantly detects and displays the sub audible tone so you can quickly determine the system settings. DMR - Included. NXDN - Included. 1,000 Channels. 'Trunking and APCO P25 not supported'.
- PRELOADED DMR/NXDN - The scanner comes preloaded with DMR and NXDN so you can start using your scanner as soon as you take it out of the box.
- CUSTOM SEARCH - Allows you to start searching at the displayed frequency or enter a frequency and start searching.
- PC PROGRAMMING - Use free available to download Uniden software to manage your scanner’s Profiles, Favorites Lists, Databases, and firmware updates.
SaleBestseller No. 5 −5%
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, Covers USA and Canada
- The BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes put the most advanced scanner features ever right in the palm of your hand.
- Simple to operate, no programming needed. Simply turn it on, enter your zip code, and TrunkTracker V does the rest.
- This user-friendly digital scanner will immediately begin receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more.Scan Speed - 85 channels per second
- This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.
- Whether it is across town or across the street, the BCD436HP keeps you informed. Now with the largest display on the market and more advanced features, the BCD436HP makes a superior unit for the scanner enthusiast..Instant Replay – Plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions..Custom Alerts – You can program your scanner to alert when you receive, a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.
Bestseller No. 6
Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner – P25 Phase I, Trunking, Same Weather Alerts, Multi-System Support, Programmable, PC Interface, LED & Audio Alerts
- Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner
- Scan List functionality allows you to arrange group and scan objects according to your preference
- Free Form Memory Organization Allocation of memory dynamically and efficiently as it is needed This differs from low cost and older scanners that had memory organized in rigid and wasteful memory banks
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks
- Digital AGC Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems Installation Troubleshooting If Windows does not detect the cable when plugged in try using any other USB port if availableIf the installation fails remove the cable and reboot your computer and perform the installation again
Bestseller No. 7
Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
- The BCD325P2 comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. It also includes support for the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.
- Scan and search 25,000 channels. With Close Call RF capture technology, this scanner will automatically tune to the signals nearest you, so you can keep track of what's going on in your area.
- Quick-Key System Access (100 Keys), allows you to quickly access the systems you us the most often. Uniden Police Scanners feature simple to set up keys to the systems you want to hear. Press them to enable or disable the system.
- GPS Location-Based Scanning, connect this scanner to an optional GPS receiver and it will automatically select programmed systems based on your exact location. You'll save time by scanning only the local signals.
- S.A.M.E. Weather Alert, supports Specific Area Message Encoding weather alerts. During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.
SaleBestseller No. 8 −28%
Whistler WS1010 Analog Handheld Scanner – 400 Channels, Skywarn, Same Weather Alerts, Spectrum Sweeper, PC Programmable, Service Banks for Police, Fire, Marine, Air & Ham – Black
- 400 Channel Memory: Allows storage of up to 400 frequencies in 10 separate memory banks.
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality: Provides instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks.
- SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting: Displays weather events and sounds alerts for specific counties.
- Spectrum Sweeper: Quickly sweeps frequency ranges for transmissions from nearby sources.
- PC Programmable: Enables backup, database updates, and direct programming from a PC (PCIF cable and third-party software required).
BUYING GUIDE
Navigating the world of radio communications can be intriguing, offering you a window into various frequencies used by emergency services, aircraft, marine, and ham radio enthusiasts. Handheld radio scanners, once the domain of professionals, are now easily accessible to the general public. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking to monitor various channels or someone requiring it for professional reasons, picking the right handheld radio scanner is essential. Let’s dive deep into the features and considerations to keep in mind when buying one.
1. Frequency Coverage:
Handheld scanners come with varied frequency ranges. Ensure the scanner you choose covers the bands you’re interested in, such as VHF, UHF, and more.
2. Digital vs. Analog:
While many older transmissions are analog, many modern services have transitioned to digital. A digital scanner can pick up both digital and analog signals, but an analog scanner is limited to analog signals only.
3. Trunking:
Modern radio systems often use trunked networks, where multiple users share a set of frequencies. Ensure your scanner can handle trunked systems if you plan to monitor such channels.
4. Memory Channels:
More memory channels allow you to store and quickly access a variety of frequencies. Depending on your needs, you may require a scanner with hundreds or even thousands of channels.
5. Close Call/Signal Stalker:
This feature allows the scanner to automatically detect and tune into nearby transmissions without needing to know the frequency. It’s useful for discovering new channels.
6. GPS Compatibility:
Some advanced scanners can connect to a GPS receiver. This feature allows the scanner to automatically adjust its settings based on your location, ensuring you’re always tuned into local channels.
7. Alpha Tags:
Alpha tags are custom labels you can assign to channels, making it easier to identify and remember them. For example, you could label a frequency as “Local Police” rather than remembering it as “155.450 MHz.”
8. Weather Alerts:
Many scanners come with NOAA weather channels and can alert you to severe weather warnings in your area.
9. PC Programming:
This feature allows you to use a computer to program frequencies and settings, making the process more manageable than manual programming, especially for many channels.
10. Battery Life & Power Options:
Consider the scanner’s battery life and whether it operates on standard or proprietary batteries. Some models also allow for charging or operation via USB.
11. Clarity & Sound Quality:
Good sound quality ensures you can clearly understand transmissions. Some scanners offer features like noise reduction for enhanced clarity.
12. Upgradability:
Technology and communication protocols can evolve. Some handheld scanners allow for firmware upgrades to adapt to new systems and standards.
13. Durability & Design:
A rugged design is essential, especially if you plan to use the scanner in challenging environments. Look for features like water resistance or rubberized grips.
In conclusion, the right handheld radio scanner can open up a world of communication, keeping you informed and connected. Whether you’re a hobbyist, professional, or someone in between, understanding the features and capabilities of these devices will ensure you invest in a scanner that meets your needs and provides endless hours of discovery and monitoring.
