Author Archives: Rich Carlson

About Rich Carlson

June 12, 2015 - Scanner Master is extremely proud to announce that Rich Carlson, past-president of the Chicago Area Radio Monitors Association (CARMA) and one of the nation's leading scanner experts, is now part of our team. Rich recently retired as a Sergeant for the Winnetka, Illinois, Police Department and is now assisting Scanner Master customers in choosing the right scanner for their area, answering technical questions and helping us to develop new products and services. Rich is a highly respected member of the monitoring community who has decades of experience with all types of scanners and communications receivers, antennas, software and accessories. He has a great knowledge of the radio systems that we all monitor as he himself helped to institute and manage many in his time. We couldn't be more excited to have Rich on board. Rich Carlson, N9JIG, has been a railfan since the late 1970's and a radio listener since the 1960's. He has written several scanner guides, including the Scanner Master Illinois Communications Guides. He was a Director of the Chicago Area Radio Monitoring Association, the largest scanner club in the USA and edits the renown CARMA Profiles. He has written several articles for Monitoring Times and other publications. He also owns the Illinois Highways Page at www.n9jig.com. He has a collection of over 25 scanners and dozens of transceivers and specialized receivers. Professionally, he was a Sergeant with an Illinois police department, in was charge of 9-1-1, Communications and Records. He is happily married with a grown son.

Drivers? What are they and why do I need them?

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If you have a scanner and a computer you will most likely want to use one with the other. Computer programs (like ARC products) are great for programming and controlling scanners.

Windows however tries to make life difficult for us and requires almost everything we connect to a computer to have “drivers”. Drivers are basically small programs that allow the computer and device to talk to each other, kind of like an interpreter.

If the stars are all aligned and all is well with the world the device driver will load automatically when you plug in the device. If not then you will have to install a driver to make it work.

We have a link here that helps scanner users get drivers and load them. This page also links to download pages for the drivers needed by many scanners.

Depending on the scanner you have the driver might be connected to the radio or to a separate cable. If your scanner has a standard USB port on it (such as a HomePatrol, a BCD996P2, BCD325P2 or some of the other newer model Uniden and Whistler scanners) then the driver goes to the radio itself.

If you have an older radio with a USB-serial adaptor cable, such as a BCD996XT, BCD396XT, PRO106, a PSR 500/600 etc. then the driver is matched to the cable (like the Uniden USB-1, or the blue, orange or black RadioShack/GRE/Whistler cables). Once the cable has the proper driver installed and a serial port (Comm-X) number assigned it can be used for any compatible radio with no further issues.

Some radios use an old fashioned serial port with a DB-9 connection, either on the radio or it’s programming cable. These require a serial port on the computer itself or the use of an USB-Serial adaptor. If you use a USB-Serial adaptor then the drivers connect to the adaptor.

The common denominator for all this is that the radio gets a “Com Port” number assigned. This will show up as “COM1” , “COM36” etc. Once this number is displayed in the Device Manager use that number in your programming software so the radio and program can communicate. This is kind of like a channel number, if the radio and computer are both set to the same Com Port number they can talk.

Com Port and communication issues are the biggest problem faced with users of software and scanners. Once you get the drivers loaded and the program set to the right com port then you can read and write to the radio all you want.

Some older USB-Serial adapters and cables will not work with some newer versions of Windows, or with 64-bit versions of Windows. Others require newer drivers to be downloaded and installed. Once installed the drivers should automatically be loaded each time you plug in the cable but sometimes Windows may change the com port number so if you have problems check the Device Manager to make sure.

Scanner Tip: Why doesn’t a charger come with my scanner?

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Until recently most handheld scanners came with an AC wall charger/power supply and some even came with mobile power cords for the car. Newer models these days often do not. Why is that? Is Uniden or the others trying to save a buck here and there? Is there a conspiracy to sell more chargers?

Well, the answer is complicated and there are a couple reasons involved. The most important is that the various manufacturers are switching many portable devices, including scanners, to charge off of common USB devices. Since many different devices are going this route, like cell phones, headsets and others, scanner manufacturers are following suit. This lets consumers use a single charger with many devices. This is a good thing! Sure, scanner makers might save a buck or two here but so will you.

Another reason is regulatory. Some states have set up rules to govern consumer electronic devices including scanners and cell phones; USB charging is one way to comply with these rules.

By using USB to charge or power your scanner you can use any of the several chargers you likely already have at home. If you are reading this you almost certainly already have a USB charger. Don’t think so? How about the computer? If it has a USB port chances are it will charge your scanner just fine. Got a cell phone or tablet? Chances are it comes with a USB charger. The cable may be different but the USB charger will probably work with the scanner.

Newer scanners with USB usually come with the USB cable. This is used for both programming and charging. Older Uniden scanners, like the BCD396XT, have serial ports instead of USB and have non-USB charging ports. GRE & Whistler built scanners have either a direct USB port (like on the WS-1095) or serial ports (such as the older PSR500/PSR600)

The USB cable that comes with most scanners is called the “USB-Mini”, most newer non-Apple cell phones and cell phone accessories use the “USB-Micro”. You can usually use any USB-Mini cable for the scanner so there is a good chance you already have some lying around. Leave one in the glove box to charge the scanner in the car and another in the camera bag. ScannerMaster sells replacement cables as well.

Another thing to remember is that handheld scanners will generally NOT charge the battery while the radio is turned on. USB has limits as to the power available so if you need to charge the batteries turn the radio off. USB will power the radio if the batteries are dead or missing but it cannot power and charge at the same time.

If you don’t already have a spare USB charger and cable or two lying around ScannerMaster sells them for both the house and the car. You can also use external battery chargers; these tend to charge faster than charging in the radio. (AC Adaptors)  (Mobile Adaptors)

Also remember that while most handheld scanners these days use AA batteries you cannot charge Alkaline cells. Do not try to charge alakalines. They tend to leak, burn or do other nasty things that can destroy your radio and melt your brain if you try to charge them.

One more note to remember: Base/mobile scanners that have USB ports but that do NOT run on batteries (like the BCD996P2 or BCD536HP) cannot be powered by USB, they need their included AC adaptor or some other source of 12 volts DC. These scanners use the USB port for computer access only.

Scanner Tip: Antenna Matters or Antennas Matter!

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If you have a scanner then you have an antenna, they don’t work well without them! Scanners will usually work better with better antennas. Makes sense, right?

So the next question is: What is the best antenna for me? The answer that age-old question is: “it depends”…

For many people using handheld scanners the antenna that came with it will often work just fine. If you are listening to local stuff then it probably is just fine. There are aftermarket antennas that will often work better for you, increasing the distance you can hear signals from or the strength of the signals you do hear. (Handheld Scanner Antennas)

All antennas are compromises. You have to balance size, construction and cost with the need for frequency range and portability. As a rule larger antennas usually work better than smaller ones, but that is not a golden rule.

Handheld scanners usually come with a “rubber ducky” style antenna. If you were to x-ray one or take it apart you will see that it is a coil of wire that looks like a spring, wrapped in rubber. This makes it flexible (so it doesn’t break) and allows more apparent length in a smaller package. These usually work pretty well for the most popular scanner bands (VHF-Hi and UHF) but not so good for VHF-Lo and 700-900 MHz.

You can buy a band-specific antenna, such as one made just for 800 MHz. While these will still work on other bands they will work best on the band they were designed for. If you use your scanner only for a specific band then consider an antenna for that frequency range for best performance.

If you use a scanner in the car or truck then some sort of outside or window antenna is almost always required. Remember that you are driving what is essentially a Faraday Cage, a metal cased vehicle that may also have metallic linings in the windshield. Unless you are listening to VERY local communications then you will likely need some sort of mobile antenna. These range from simple and inexpensive to complicated and expensive. (Mobile Scanner Antennas)

ScannerMaster makes several inexpensive and easy to install antennas for the car that will really work well for most casual scanner listeners. We have an antenna that looks like the cellular window mount antennas and another that mounts inside the windshield or back window. Another choice might be an outside magnetic mount antenna.

If you have a more professional need for a mobile antenna then we have several trunk-lip or hole mount antennas to choose from. These require installation by either a professional installer or someone who knows how to drill holes in a vehicle and route wires.

For reception in a home, office or other building the biggest advantage is elevation. The higher you go the better your reception in most cases. The best place for an antenna is the roof, preferably at the highest point. The next best is in an attic. Remember that any exterior antenna requires proper grounding and lightening protection! (Home/Office Scanner Antennas)

If you cannot install an antenna on the roof or in the attic then consider one of our inside antennas. These can be placed in a corner near an outside wall or window or even on a balcony. If you have a window air conditioner then maybe a magnet mount mobile antenna will work for you. Live in a high-rise? Try one of the inside mobile window mount antennas.

When buying a base station antenna to mount outside remember that some do not include coax and other necessities.(Antenna Coax) Remember that you need a place to mount it, like a TV antenna mast or vent pipe. Make sure you also account for the connectors, if your scanner has a BNC make sure you have the proper connector or adaptor. (Antenna Connectors)

In future Scanner Tips we will discuss antenna connectors, keep watching for that!

Scanner Tip:  Aircraft Listening with the Air Scanner Package

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One of the favorite uses of scanners is for aircraft. It is exciting to listen to control towers, air to air, air shows and other aviation communications.

Some airports have viewing areas that allow you to watch aircraft operations. A scanner will allow you to listen to the operations and know what is coming along next. For the aviation photographer a scanner is essential!Uniden BC125AT Air Scanning Package

One of the best aviation scanners is the Uniden BC125AT due to its compact size, easy operations, low price and great features. We put together an Air Scanner Package based on the BC125AT specifically for the aviation fan, this include the W901 Airband antenna, leather carry case, AC and DC power adaptors and a Starter Aviation Frequency list. This package gets you up and running quickly!

The BC125AT handles the civilian VHF aircraft band (108-137) and the Military UHF Aircraft band (225-380) as well as other analog communications like railroads, some police, fire, EMS and business traffic. This is an easy to program and use scanner at a great price. For serious photographers we suggest keeping a scanner in the camera bag as well, at this price it is very affordable and the size is small enough to leave plenty of room for lenses and camera bodies.

Check out the BC125AT Air Scanning Package!

 

Scanner Tip: Care and feeding of scanner batteries

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If you use handheld scanners then you have to manage batteries. Most scanners come with or use rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride cells, often abbreviated to Ni-MH. There are still some older Nickel Cadmium (“Ni-Cad”) cells still around. There is also a newer technology called Lithium Ion (“LI”). If you still use one of the older scanners with composite battery packs (like the BC250D or BC296D) these likely use or NiMH battery packs.

Current scanners almost always use “AA” sized batteries. AA Ni-MH batteries are very common these days and can be found almost anywhere and are also used in a wide variety of different applications. LI batteries are more expensive but are lighter in weight and provide longer life in many instances.

If you charge your batteries in the radio then remember that it is likely set up for Ni-MH. If you use Ni-Cad or LI cells then the charge times will be different. If your radio supports altering charge times then you could change it to match.

Whatever you do make sure that ALL the cells in the radio are the same! Do not mix different types of cells. Also make sure that you do not try to charge alkaline cells like Duracell or Ray-O-Vac’s! This is an easy way to blow things up and make nasty things happen. If you do this warranty will not cover you and the repairs are on you.

If you want to use rechargeable batteries that are different than the ones that came with the radio then consider a separate charger. This would allow you to manage 2 or 3 sets, one for current use and another for standby when the current ones are depleted and a third set in the charger. Make sure the charger you use is appropriate for the batteries you use.

What about Alkalines? Alkaline batteries, such as Duracell’s, Energizer or Ray-O-Vac brands, are great for scanners. You do need to make sure that you do not try to charge them. On many Uniden scanners there is a tiny switch inside the battery compartment that you can select Alkaline or Ni-MH. If you select Alkaline the radio will not attempt to charge batteries in the radio. If you have a RadioShack, GRE or Whistler handheld scanner then the yellow battery holder will charge your batteries when the radio is plugged into an outside power source, so do not use the yellow holder for alkalines. The black battery holder is used for alkaline batteries.

One other thing to consider is that rechargeable batteries produce a slightly lower voltage than alkaline ones do. Typically rechargeable cells produce 1.2 to 1.25 volts compared to 1.5 volts for alkalines at full charge. Usually this is not a problem; the extra quarter-volt per cell is not going to burn up your radio. Using higher voltage alkaline cells will allow the radio to run a bit longer before the battery warning starts.

Here is a little hint for users of later Uniden scanners: You can see how many volts your battery has at any time by pressing the rotary knob down while scanning. Make note of the voltage with fresh cells and the voltage when the battery warning starts. This will give you a good idea of when to expect the need to change or charge the batteries.

I always try to keep an extra set of batteries handy when I am out and about. Save those little battery boxes or use something to keep the batteries from shorting and bouncing around. I use a prescription bottle; larger ones are perfect for 3 or 4 AA’s! I can then toss that in the glove box. Just remember to take off the label so the world doesn’t find out what meds you take. Do they make a pill that will cure a scanner addiction?

Scanner Tip of the Day: Search, Search, Search!

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Most scanners these days have Search functions. These can be “Service Search”, “Range Search” and some sort of near-field search. Each works differently but provides a similar result: New stuff to listen to.

Service Search allows you to root out users of specific services, like aircraft, marine, railroads etc. Select the service you want from your scanner’s controls and the radio will go thru frequencies used by that service and stop on active traffic. Like to listen to planes, trains or boats but don’t know what channels they use in your area? Use Service Search and find out.

Range Search allows you to set up a pair of frequencies (or several pairs on some radios) and search from one end to the other over and over, stopping on active frequencies. This is handy if you know about where they operate or want to search out and find new stuff in a specific frequency range.

Near Field reception (called CloseCall by Uniden, Spectrum Sweeper on GRE and Whistler radios etc.) is a fascinating way to find operations where you least expect it. CloseCall and it’s brethren allows you to find a nearby transmission so you can listen to very local operations. While it works a little differently behind the scenes, the results are very similar with GRE/RadioShack and Whistler radios.

On a mobile scanner in a vehicle using an outside antenna you may well hear base station traffic within a few miles or so and mobile radios within a few blocks. Using a handheld scanner your range will be less but then likely you will want to hear stuff closer to you anyway.

Next time you are at the mall take your handheld scanner with a set of earbuds and walk around a bit. You will be amazed at the amount of radio traffic you can hear. The largest department stores to the little boutiques all use radios these days. It isn’t just the security and maintenance guys either.

Some radios also let you store hits from the various Searches. Then you can go back and review them to figure out who or what they are.