Scanner Radio

A scanner radio allows users to listen to tune in to any transmission from ambulances, fire fighters, coast guard, race car drivers, police, paramedics, choppers, the FBI, and just about any radio frequency that is allowed by the FCC for such devices. Here are a few things you should know about radio scanners.

Legal Issues

This might be the first thing on your mind since scanner radios can tune into transmissions from various agencies of the government. It is important that you should note that these devices are allowed by the FCC for sale within the United States. Of course, there are certain rules by which you can use them.

You can buy and use scanner radios anywhere in the United States as long as you intend to use it at home. However, once you make it mobile, which means if you make it a part of your car’s system then you’ll be subject to regulations. Some states allow the use of mobile scanners while others prohibit their use. Be sure to check with your state whether mobile scanners are legal in your area.

Another bit of regulation you should be aware of is that scanner radios aren’t allowed to listen in to frequencies allotted to cellular radio service both digital and analog. This law also states that you cannot modify your scanner radio or program it to tune in to these frequencies. In consequence, some radio scanners already have these frequencies blocked. It is illegal to import versions of this device that have these signals unblocked.

Basic Modes

There are three basic modes that all scanners run on. They are search, scan, and manual scan. What each mode means is relatively easy to understand. Search mode basically makes your scanner look for signals that you might not know. Scan mode makes the scanner switch from one active frequency to another automatically. Manual scan mode basically means you get to switch from one frequency to another manually.

Programming Your Scanner Radio

Before you can use a brand new radio scanner you should be able to program it first. The menu or controls on the device are pretty much easy to understand. The first step is to set your controls to “Program Radio”. Some radio scanners have a “Program” button while others have a “Menu” button. Consult the operation manual if you can’t seem to find these options.

Now you can scan through various frequencies. Be sure to take note of the frequencies that interest you. Take note that you might have to choose from as much as 200 frequencies. When you find a frequency you like coordinate that frequency with one of the available channels on your device. Consult the user’s manual regarding how to do this since each radio scanner will have a different way of assigning frequencies to channels.

Keep assigning frequencies to various channels until you have all the channels you like covered. You then press the “Menu” button to save and exit your programming. Now you can use your radio scanner.

Newbie Reminders

If this is your first time to use scanners or you’re just out to buy your first scanner then you should consider a few things before paying for the device you see on display. You should stick a basic scanner that doesn’t have the advanced fancy features. You want to work with a simple and easy to understand menu at first.

Be sure to ask for a demonstration on how to use a particular model. If things look too complicated get another model. You should also check how well a particular scanner receives weak signals. Sometimes all you need to replace is the antenna in order to catch weaker signals. So if you find a scanner model you like that has a short five inch antenna then you should ask for the antenna be replaced with one that is longer.