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![[Upgraded] AURSINC NanoVNA-H Vector Network Analyzer 10KHz -1.5GHz Latest HW Version 3.6 | HF VHF UHF Antenna Analyzer Measuring S Parameters, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, Phase, Delay, Smith Chart](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TpAW13prL._SL500_.jpg)
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Scanner Radio and Scanner Radio Pro are my go to.
Have been using the pro version for some years now, and love how easy it is to setup alerts and other settings.
Yes! I just got the same scanner. First thing you want to do is go to Radioreference.com and check the database for your area. The 15X is analog only so that may limit what you can listen to. I still have a lot of Fire and EMS using analog in my area.
Programming:
OK, assuming you have a Windows PC or laptop, you'll need the Uniden programming cable from Amazon:
Uniden USB-1 Scanner Radio PC Interface Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT346I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_gYseEbK9G34ZV
Once you have the cable, download Freescan. It made it very easy to program the groups, systems and channels in my area.
There are some great YouTube tutorials on how to use it. You can actually cut and paste right from radio reference using the ezgrab feature.
https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1JI8SOUX6ASE5&keywords=baofeng&nav_sdd=aps&qid=1670878376&refinements=p_36%3A1253503011&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sprefix=baofeng&sr=1-2 So using this what could it get me? I live on a coast with frequent ships going through, so what would I be able to hear?
It's not as good as my RigExpert but it's also a fraction of the cost and it's what I used to tune my HF vertical after I installed it. It definitely gets the job done. These can be a pretty useful tool and can measure a lot more than just SWR so they're handy to have around. The range on that one is wide enough that it'll do almost everything you need.
Watch some videos on youtube on how to use a NanoVNA. There is a bit of a learning curve and a calibration process to go through. When you start investigating that antenna you can sweep a fairly wide bandwidth to see where the SWR dips and then narrow it down from there. These only measure something like one or two hundred points per sweep so you'll want to narrow your sweep range as you start to zero in on where the antenna is resonant to give you the best resolution.
The Unication is the best bet, the model will depend on what you want to scan. If you want to scan more than just one or two bands though, you could try an SDS-100 with something like this https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-Portable-Rechargeable/dp/B083J98ZFX/ref=asc_df_B083J98ZFX? Although that may come with some interference issues.
That does help! So, what I need to specifically look for is a P25 "phase 2" system (could be phase 1, but sounds like it'll be easier to find a phase 2 nowadays).
I dug around a little bit with that information, and I see some folks talking about RTL-SDR USB dongles that are a cheap way to get in...but that rabbit hole leads me to a whole bunch more acronyms that I have no idea what to do with, LOL. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/NooElec-NESDR-Smart-Enclosure-R820T2-Based/dp/B01HA642SW/ref=sr_1_50?crid=2N39F7EJI3HKI&keywords=p25+scanner&qid=1653693780&sprefix=p25+scanne%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-50
I don't mind hooking the 996P2 up to my computer, it'll sit right there next to it, so it'll work really well for me to play around with it and program it. The only thing I hate is the price, do you know of any less expensive options?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006H4FVM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have this installed in my attic and it works incredibly well. Just get a small piece of pipe and some clamps and you're all set. I do use low loss LMR400 for all my coax runs as well. Its expensive but at least you'll know you're getting the best signal for your radio.
If you are getting along fine with the UV 5R you could just get a different antenna setup. Below is a link to the ABREE folding antenna. They fold down from like 40 inches long into three overlapping segments for travel. Think like a long measuring tape that can fold over on itself and then fold back over on itself to be more compact. There are other antennas out there as well. You might want to try posting on the han radio subreddit which gets a lot more traffic and ask how to improve your reception. I'm not an expert at this.
42.5-inch ABBREE 144/222/435Mhz Tactical Antenna for Baofeng BF-R3 UV-82T Baofeng x Radioddity UV-5RX3 UV-82X3 BTECH UV-5X3 Abbree AR-F3 Tri-Band Radio Two Way Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X2X79B4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FQWC0NH06WH8AWSXW91B
/r/amateurradio
I'll pass too.
I love the SDS100, but sad that there are so many bugs (first review on Amazon sums it up) and there isn't a successor, so won't be getting it either.
For what it's worth I've just run magnetic mount antennas most of the past decade, it's easier to get ideal positioning to use the roof as a ground plane if needed and I don't have to put any holes in the car. I currently use a Tram 1089 most of the time.
If you don't even have the scanner yet, it might be worth trying something like that out first before you commit to the body-mount whacker antenna farm
Oh yeah running a wire is the way. You can find a magnetic mount base that also has a BNC connector on the roof mounted part, but you probably don’t want to leave the standard antenna on the roof- it’s too inflexible in 60mph wind.
I think the bcd996xt has the “BNC” connector type that comes off with a quarter turn. So this antenna is worth a try: https://www.amazon.com/1185-BNC-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna-144-148/dp/B01B5ABXSG
It has a BNC connector and the magnet will stick to your roof or hood/fender. You can close the passenger door on the wire without damaging it. It says it’ll cover the 130-170 MHz band but it’ll work pretty well for receiving the 750-850 MHz signals as well, certainly better than anything inside the cab.
Freescan is the easiest option, even though it may not be the prettiest option. Amazon sells a offbrand USB-1 cable which will be better then buying the actual uniden cable. I use a BCT15X daily for a broadcastify feed and use the cord to program and send metadata with the feed hasnt let me down yet.
Are you wanting to keep it at home only, or do you want something that's portable?
If you said at home only, stay cheap - get 2 RTL- SDRs (costs about 80$) and get you any number of free programs to decode stuff for free(windows or linux both have programs).
If you said portable, get a https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I33XDAK - retails on amazon for less than 500$US
Or https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BCD325P2-TrunkTracker-Dynamically-Location-Based/dp/B00V91IN62 - retails for about 400 on amazon. Honestly, if you can't go for this one, go the SDR route until you can save up for this one or the sds100/200.
I just seen that pd/fire/ems is encrypted, I don't think having a top notch scanner to track p25 p2 or dmr..etc
You should safely be able to go with the 325 and not have any issues. No scanner to my knowledge can decode terrestrial BUT an sdr and the correct program can - more than likely linux.
Yes. You won't find a scanner on the market that will decrypt.
Another option you might want to consider (it is a lot more time-consuming but could be cheaper) is to use SDR, or Software-Defined Radio.. You would need two SDR receivers, which are about $25 each on Amazon, a computer to connect them both to, and time to learn how to use them.
A little over your price range.
The battery life isn't great (I use rechargeable AA's) but if you're near an outlet or car adapter, you should be fine.
Would something like this work, how much would it increase the range by https://www.amazon.com/Tram-1410-Discone-Scanner-Antenna/dp/B00QVPGKHU?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00QVPGKHU
/u/naturalorange has you on the right track.
Here is the link to the firmware update and instructions for the scanner: http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD536HPFirmwareUpdate
What area of the country are you in and what type of things do you like to listen to? The type of radio systems in your area will give us a better idea of the best type of antenna to use. A discone is the best type to cover everything reasonably well, but you can think of it like a crossover car. Not very good at being a car, truck or van, but just ok. If your area only has 800MHz digital radio systems, a discone won't be your best choice.
The 536 doesn't have an internal battery, but because it runs on 12v DC you can wire it directly to a car battery. It can be permanently installed in a car, or you could power it during a power outage or emergency that way. Another option is a DC battery booster like a car jump pack. The 536 draws between a half and 3/4amp normally when on, so a small emergency battery pack like this will power the scanner for about 2 days before needing to be recharged.
https://smile.amazon.com/100-Watt-Portable-Generator-Inverter-Emergency/dp/B01M3S00H0/
Hey quick question for you.
So I was looking at this scanner, and I want to know if it will do the following:
Basically the scanner I have now, I set to 46.26Mhz (60-control, aka Westchester Fire dispatch), and all I hear is their actual dispatching, since all the actual responses (i.e. chief says "responding," etc..) are done through trunking I believe, so it's trunked channels.
To clarify, currently, I CANNOT hear the responses, and only hear the initial dispatching (working with an old-ass analog scanner from the 80s lol).
If I buy the above-linked scanner, which says it does trunking, would I also be able to hear the responses by the chiefs/responders on the different trunked/battalions?
If so, do I have to program it any differently than just putting in 46.26Mhz (i.e. figure out different frequencies for the trunked channels), or would it automatically pick up the trunked channels?
Thanks so much for any help!!
Hey quick question for you.
So I was looking at this scanner, and I want to know if it will do the following:
Basically the scanner I have now, I set to 46.26Mhz (60-control, aka Westchester Fire dispatch), and all I hear is their actual dispatching, since all the actual responses (i.e. chief says "responding," etc..) are done through trunking I believe, so it's trunked channels.
To clarify, currently, I CANNOT hear the responses, and only hear the initial dispatching (working with an old-ass analog scanner from the 80s lol).
If I buy the above-linked scanner, which says it does trunking, would I also be able to hear the responses by the chiefs/responders on the different trunked/battalions?
If so, do I have to program it any differently than just putting in 46.26Mhz (i.e. figure out different frequencies for the trunked channels), or would it automatically pick up the trunked channels?
Thanks so much for any help!!
I know this is kind of old, but did you find a scanner? I've been playing around with RTL SDR dongles and I've seen a huge performance increase. Take a look at this page.
RTL SDR dongles are muuuuuuch cheaper than a new scanner. I have two of the NooElec dongles and they are about $20 from Amazon.
I provide the scanner feed for my area and I had been using a Bearcat to receive on. A friend of a friend got me started with SDR and I've seen a HUGE improvement. I live on the south side of town but I'm getting a great signal from all over.
You need two of the SDR dongles (they are cheap on Amazon) and just follow this guide.
I bought one of these a couple years ago
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009U7WZCA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and got the SDR# software
but I never managed to get it working properly so I kinda gave up and ended up buying a uniden bearcat police scanner
actually to make my question easier, can i just buy this one:
first off, can this radio device find and listen to both analog and digital scanner frequencies? and secondly, will this radio scanner i linked pick up san gabriel valley and los angeles county police radio talk? thank you very much
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:
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
Another note here, just don't bother using the built in Uniden chargers, use them as a fail safe if no other method is handy. They are not smart chargers and they will just kill batteries if you are not diligent at estimating how long the charge should be for and when to do it.
The ideal alternate is the Maha Wizard charger, totally worth the money for heavy users of AA and AAA batteries. It is a smart charger, allows variable charge rates based on differing battery capacities, and turns off automatically when a battery is fully charged (it monitors the charge progress)
It is much faster and far better on the batteries as well.