ZIP Code based scanning: How does it work?

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Rich Carlson

One question we get all the time here at ScannerMaster Intergalactic World Headquarters is “when I put my ZIP Code in my (HomePatrol, 436 or 536) scanner how do I hear something in the next ZIP Code over?” The answer is that you already are… Let me explain.

On the Uniden ZIP Code type scanners (Home Patrol, BCD436HP and BCD536HP) when using the ZIP Code method of scanning (versus using Favorites Lists) you enter your local ZIP Code into the “Location” menu. You then can set the range (in miles). The ZIP Code acts as a center point on a map. The range is how big a circle that is drawn around the center point of the ZIP Code. More miles equals a bigger circle; a bigger circle equals more stuff programmed into your radio.

So if you live in Mayberry and your ZIP Code is 27031 you would enter it in the scanner. You then set a range; let’s say 15 miles. Draw a circle 15 miles in any direction from the center point of the ZIP Code and that is your primary coverage area. When the radio loads up it will load all the channels that are in that area, based on the service codes you enabled. Simple, right? Well, not so much.

The way the HomePatrol Database is constructed is that each entry itself also has a geographic location assigned to it with a range. So the various entries in the database all have their own circles. If any of these circles touches or crosses your circle then they will be entered into your scanner. For this reason you may hear things that are actually outside your circle.

Let’s say that Mt. Pilot is 20 miles from Mayberry, where you are. If you set your range to 10 miles you may not expect to hear Mt. Pilot. In the database however the Mt. Pilot stations are set to a range of 15 miles. So the Mt. Pilot circle goes out 15 miles and crosses the 10-mile circle you set in Mayberry. Therefore you will have the Mt. Pilot channels in your scanner. Clear as mud, right? Well wait, it gets even weirder!

So, you see Mt. Pilot’s frequencies on your radio but you never hear them. Why is that? Your range is set to include them and they show up but the radio doesn’t stop on them. There are a couple possible answers:

The first reason may be that they are too far away. Just because they are within the range settings of the radio doesn’t mean your scanner will actually be able to hear them. Perhaps sometimes you can hear them and other times not. Radio signals are predictably unpredictable.

Systems are designed to reliably cover specific areas. When you are within those areas your scanner should be able to hear them all the time. When you are outside the main coverage area it all depends on things like elevation (yours and the transmitters), terrain, obstructions, distance and sometimes even the weather. If there is a mountain between you and them you may not hear them. If you cannot hear them you might want to try a taller antenna, but that is a post for a different day. A good rule of thumb is that if the agency’s radios work where you are your scanner should as well.

Another reason might include the database being wrong. The HomePatrol Database is derived from the database at RadioReference.com. This is maintained by scanner enthusiasts all around the world. Some areas are better covered than others. If there are a lot of dedicated scanner users in the area the database is liable to be more accurate.

Still another reason might be that your scanner is not capable of hearing the type of signals used.

Whistler ZIP Code scanners work differently. You select a location and the radio offers a set of systems and channels to enter into a ScanList. The same thing applies for distance however; you may not hear something that is closer than others due to obstructions, low antennas or power.

If this is all too confusing for you then have ScannerMaster perform its “Setup and Optimize” service on your scanner. We will set up Favorites Lists for your county or counties so you will only have the items programmed into your scanner that you really want!

Favorite Scanners: BCT15X

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Rich Carlson

This week’s Favorite Scanner is the Uniden Bearcat BCT15X. The BCT15X is the premier analog only scanner from Uniden. It replaced the similar BCT15 a few years back and added some refined features.

If you do not need digital for your monitoring then the BCT15X will likely fit your bill nicely. It handled Motorola, EDACS and LTR trunking as well as conventional modes. It is great for Fire Tone monitoring, aircraft and railroads as well as local police and fire in many areas.

The BCT15X also supports GPS control like it’s digital cousin (the BCD996P2). With it’s all steel dual shell it is well protected from outside interference and is of sturdy construction. At less than $200 it is an affordable yet capable scanner.

I have a half dozen BCT15X I use for Military Air and railroad monitoring, they work great for this!

If you do not need digital then the BCT15X may be perfect for you!

Favorite Scanners: The BC760XLT

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Rich Carlson

One of our favorite scanners of the past is the Bearcat 760XLT and its siblings. This was a desktop-mobile scanner family introduced in the late 1990’s. Built in a fairly small package, it fit almost anywhere.

This was one of a series of scanners in the same style case sold under the Bearcat, Regency and Cobra nameplates. Other models, like the BC950XLT, BC580XLT, BC590XLT and others shared the same case style. The 950 and 760 versions handle 800 MHz, the others do not. They were all analog-only and did not have trunktacking capabilities.

There were two optional boards for these radios. One was an internal pre-amp that could amplify the signal strength. While this was not available on the 760 and 950 versions (an 800 MHz. converter was installed in the same slot on these) an external preamp was available for these.

The most interesting thing with these scanners however was the introduction of a PL board. This was the first scanner to have the PL function, a revolutionary thing back in 1998! A pair of switches on the bottom of the radio under the bail controlled these options.

These scanners came in 2 generations. The first had an older style Motorola antenna jack and the newer ones changed to a BNC. The newer versions also allowed one to use the PL on some channels and not others while on the older ones the PL board was either on or off for the whole radio.

These radios were quite sensitive and were well known as great “Skip” receivers on low-band. They were also quite popular as the core of specialty devices like wireless mic receivers in mobile video systems, the radio portion of fire station alerting receivers and other uses due to the low cost, high sensitivity and a design that made it easy to adapt for these uses.

They were replaced by the famous BC780XLT but there are still many of these around.

ProVoice: What is it and do I need to update my scanner for it?

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Rich Carlson

Recently Uniden announced an update for its BCD436HP and BCD536HP scanners to allow them to monitor ProVoice digital radio systems. This has led to a lot of questions that we will try to answer here.

What is ProVoice?

ProVoice is a form of digital modulation used on some EDACS trunking systems, somewhat similar to APCO P25. Most digital scanners cannot hear it but Uniden has found a way to make it work on their 436 and 536 scanners.

Do I need the upgrade?

If you want to hear a ProVoice system then yes you do. There are several large wide-area systems using ProVoice, Uniden has produced a map showing most known systems. See http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/ProVoice for a map.

Why are they charging for it? It should be free!

Uniden has to pay the license holders a fee for every radio they sell that has this technology. They also have to pay for all the research and development costs.

How do I update my radio?

If you buy the radio from us we can install the ProVoice update for you before we send the radio to you. If you want to update a radio you already have go to http://my.uniden.com to buy the upgrade.

I have a different scanner; will it work with ProVoice?

At this time only updated 436 and 536 scanners will work with ProVoice.

Scanner Tip of the Week: Plural Radios, Single Antenna

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Rich Carlson

So you really got bit by the scanner bug and have several scanners to really keep tabs on the action. You really want to have a better antenna for them all but don’t want an antenna farm growing on your roof or your attic. What to do?

There are several good ways to share one antenna with 2 or more radios. There are also several bad ways. The bad ways might work good enough to hear some local stuff but that is about it.

The best way to share an antenna with multiple radios is by use of a Multicoupler. A Multicoupler has a connector for the antenna and 2, 4 8 or more ports for radios.Multicouplers allow signals from the antenna to pass thru it to multiple radios and prevents interference between them. “Active Multicouplers” have low power pre-amps in them to overcome the connector loss present whenever you put something between the radio and its antenna. “Passive Multicouplers” do not have the amplifier and will degrade the signal a bit.

Stridsberg makes several models of Multicouplers tailor made for scanners. Stridsberg is the most respected name in scanner multicouplers and ScannerMaster is proud to carry them. Up to 8 scanners can be connected to a single scanner antenna without loss. Check these out at https://www.scannermaster.com/Multicouplers_for_Police_Scanner_Radios_s/43.htm

If your needs are less stringent then you could use a splitter. Splitters are different in that they merely provide a way to share an antenna with two or more radios. These do not have the circuitry to reduce or overcome signal loss. Splitters can usually be used in the reverse way, to allow 2 antennas to feed a single radio, something that multicouplers usually cannot do.

One could just use coax “T” or “Y” adaptors but these provide no protection against interference or signal loss and are not recommended.

Regardless of the methods use there is no substitute for quality cables. Using high-quality coax, both for the downlink from the antenna and for the jumpers to the radios will reduce the loss and increase the signal strength. Don’t forget to use quality connectors if you make the patch cables yourself. Avoid the use of adapters as much as you can, everyone adds a little more loss to the line.

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

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Rich Carlson

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.

Selecting Your First Radio Scanner

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Scanner Master

Buying your first radio scanner requires understanding the differences between radio systems and scanner frequencies. While you do not need to know exactly how each radio system works, you do need to know which ones are used in your area. It is never safe to assume, just because you live in a small town, your needs will be met with a basic analog scanner. You would be surprised by how many smaller communities have state-of-the-art radio systems, requiring either trunking or digital scanners to listen to two-way radio communications.

Find out what radio systems are used in your town. The first step to selecting a radio scanner is to conduct a little research and find out what radio systems fire, police, and other agencies use for communications. The easiest way to do this is to use our free scanner comparison tool. All you have to do is choose your desired listening range and enter in your zip code. Next, select the counties you want to monitor on your new police scanner to see important information about the radio systems used.
Compare scanner radios based compatible with your location. Our scanner comparison tool also shows you several different models of hand-held portable, mobile, and desktop scanners that will pick up scanner frequencies in your location. The key thing to remember is that it is not what features and options are on the scanner, but the type of radio systems used in your area. Every location is different, and the police scanner has to be matched to the radio systems.
Consider what agencies you want to monitor. Most people buy a scanner to listen to fire, police, and emergency medical responder transmissions. A small percentage of people also use their scanner radios to listen to other government agencies, railroad communications, campus police, and racer/pit crew communications at live NASCAR racing events. Choose a scanner based on the scanner frequencies you want to hear.
Radio systems used in your town can change. Police, fire, emergency responders, and other agencies do upgrade radio systems from time to time. Keep this in mind when selecting a compatible scanner. For instance, if your city currently uses a basic analog radio system, they might decide to upgrade it to a trunking system in the future. Unless you have a scanner capable of picking up both analog and trunking communications, you would no longer be able to monitor any frequencies moved to the new system. You may want to check with your city or county planning commission to find out if there are any plans for upgrading the radio system in the near future before purchasing your new police scanner.
Support options for the scanner. If you know you are going to need help programming and updating the scanners firmware, it is recommended you look at models that can be plugged into a computer. This way, in most cases, you are able to receive remote desktop scanner support without having to send in your scanner any time you need help.

For more information about police scanner radios or friendly assistance from one of our scanner experts, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

10 Uses for Your Police Scanner

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Scanner Master

People use police scanner radios for a variety of different purposes and reasons to monitor communications in their area over public radio broadcasts. The types of transmissions they are able to listen to does depend on the make and model of the scanner radio, as transmissions may be communicated over an analog trunking system, conventional analog system, or digital system.

Crimes: People can discover what current criminal activity is going on in their neighborhood or city. Do keep in mind, initial communications about a crime in progress do not necessarily mean there is an actual crime until the police investigate a call.
Fire: Listening to scanner radios alerts you to fires in your town. You are able to use this information to determine whether you need to evacuate your home and be prepared, should the fire department ask you to leave.
Weather: People use police radio scanners to monitor communications about severe weather in their location. Many scanner radios operate off of batteries and allow you to continue monitoring weather updates, even in the event you lose power.
Traffic Information: Use your radio scanner to find out where there is heavy traffic congestion, accidents, and other delays in your city.
FRS/GMRS Transmissions: Listen in on both of these public broadcast systems and pick up communications over walkie-talkies and other short range devices.
NASCAR Racing: Hear what your favorite drivers are communicating with their pit crews during live NASCAR racing events with a scanner radio from your seat in the stands.
Over the Road Truck Drivers and RVers: Always be in the know of what is going on as you travel from one location to the next with scanner radios. Police scanners can be programmed with your favorite scanner radio codes for those locations you travel through or visit on a regular basis.
Homemakers: Homemakers can have peace of mind and know whenever there is a possible break-in or other crime occurring in their neighborhood, as well as have inside information about their neighbors any time police, EMTs, or fire fighters show up at their homes.
Neighborhood Watches: Portable models allow you to utilize scanner transmissions into your neighborhood watch program and make your neighborhood better prepared against potential crimes.
Up to Date Information: Scanner radios provide current information so you are always in the know about what is going on in your community.

When selecting a police scanner, remember to verify what types of systems are used in your area. If you intend to use the scanner radio in multiple locations, it is highly recommended you look at digital makes and models. Digital police scanners are capable of picking up all three public radio systems and the scanner frequencies used on each one.

For more information or further assistance in selecting the best scanner radio to fit your needs and requirements, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637). We offer the option of preprogramming your scanner for you before it is shipped.

Limited Stock on GRE PSR-800 Digital Police Scanner

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Jonathan Higgins

By Jonathan Higgins

If you haven’t heard already, GRE shut-down it’s manufacturing operation last September (2012) due to financial constraints. GRE America will continue to support and warranty these products. We have limited stock of GRE PSR-800 Digital Pre-Programmed Digital Police Scanner What different about this scanner? The PSR-800 is only scanner on the market right now that follows Project 25 Phase 2 TDMA Systems. Here are a handful of Phase 2 system online today:

Prince George’s County MD Project 25 System
Loudoun County VA Project 25 System
Apopka County FL Project 25 System
King County WA Metro Transit Project 25 System

The popularity of this system type is growing, with more Phase 2 systems coming online this year! Not sure if your area is switching to a Project 25 Phase 2 TDMA system? E-mail us! GRE PSR-800 Basics Programming This pre-progammed digital scanner has the Radio Reference national database for the U.S. and Canada. You can program the scanner by going into the national database and selecting the agencies you want to monitor. For simple and quick programming you can enter your zip code and the scanner will program agencies for your local area. We strongly recommend our Set-up and Optimize service for those who are not experienced scanner users or techies. This service is very affordable at $29.95 and covers the following:

Setting up a local favorites list/Scan List for your hometown
Updating the national pre-programmed database to the current date
Updating the radio’s firmware (operating system) to the latest version

Once our Set-up and Optimized Service is done, your scanner will be ready to go out of the box! Highlights

Easy to understand Media Player User Interface – The simplified keypad and display with familiar Play, Pause and Navigation controls make EZ Scan Digital intuitive to use.
Complete USA Database on a MicroSD Card – The entire USA database is stored on a MicroSD Card included with the EZ Scan Digital, giving the user the most comprehensive radio data available…all without connecting EZ Scan Digital to a computer or Internet a GRE First!
Upgradeable CPU Firmware and Library – Keep EZ Scan Digital current with the enhancements and updates as they become available through provided PC Software Application
Powerful PC Software Application – Modify or add your own Scanlist with the easy to us EZ Scan Digital software application.
SKYWARN Store Spotter Functionality – Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. Monitor storm conditions as they occur, and learn about dangerous conditions before the media or emergency management officials announce them to the general public.
SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting -EZ Scan Digital features a Dedicated SAME Weather Alert Receiver mode, alerting users to severe weather and other hazards in the specific area(s) that they select. EZ Scan Digital can check local NOAA weather frequencies periodically, even while scanning, and provide an alert when an All Hazards alert occurs.
Multi-System Digital and Analog Trunking – Scans digital and analog trunked radio system signaling formats, including Project-25, Motorola Type I/II/Hybrid, EDACS, and LTR systems.
Powerful Spectrum Sweeper – Quickly sweeps EZ Scan Digital’s frequency ranges for transmissions from nearby sources. When a nearby transmission is found, EZ Scan Digital automatically tunes to that frequency and receives the transmission.
Built-in Service Searches – Predefined service search ranges makes it easy to fine activity in your area.
Audible alarms – Programmable alarms can be configured to sound when certain frequencies are active.
Signal Strength Meter – Shows relative strength of received signals
Slim, compact case design with larger speaker – Designed for one-handed operation and portability.

For more info about this product.

Get your Police Scanner for a Snow Storm

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Jonathan Higgins

By Jonathan Higgins

Stay ahead of the storm with a police scanner.

Before you head out and on the road!

Keep update on traffic accidents.
Keep a pulse on traffic delays and backups.
What roads are treated and plowed.
Up-to-minute Weather updates from NOAA Weather Radio.

Looking to get into the hobby:
I would recommend a portable unit because you have may power options, such as rechargeable/alkaline, AC and DC Power. Portables are compact and easy to take everywhere with you. We can program the scanner for you or you can program it with computer software, USB cable, and Radio Reference subscription. Not sure what police scanner to get? Drop us a e-mail!

Already own a scanner? Here are some programming tips…
In addition to programming your local Fire EMS and state/local police you may want to program some storm related departments such as: