Any non-technical information about scanners?

cwktrains Nov 25, 2010

  1. cwktrains

    cwktrains TrainBoard Member

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    I am sure this is in the wrong place but I have no idea where it should go.

    Anyway, I am possibly interested in getting a scanner but I have some questions.

    1. What brands are good?
    2. How do they work?
    3. How do I know what frequencies to tune to?
    4. Is there anyplace I can get an overview that is not completely technical and confusing?
    5. How much do they cost
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 25, 2010
  2. Seated Viper

    Seated Viper TrainBoard Member

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    It depends very much on what you're wanting to do. The machine I use is an Epson Photo RX585 combined printer, photocopier and scanner. Maximum size of what you're copying or scanning is A4 in Eurospeak. Say about 12 by 8 inches. Cost about a year ago when I bought it was 100GBP. It uses ordinary typing paper or Kodak photgraphic paper and I rate it at around 4 out of 5, rather higher than the HP unit I had before, which kept telling me lies!

    What frequencies? You just plug it into the computer to load things into the magic box. You can photocopy without having the computer switched on, though the program will need you to have the computer on for scanning, as there is a zoom facility.

    A good overview would probably be in a consumer magazine. Over here is WHICH?, but have a word with staff in your local photographic shop.

    Or were you after listening in to train radio, an entirely different form of scanner - like listening in at your local airport?

    EDIT: I've been aware of people using scanners at and near the local airport. I'm told that the YUPITERU is the best, and that most come with a booklet of fields and their frequencies. You might get this in the box, you might have to buy it separately. One where you punch in the numbers, like a calculator, is reckoned to be far better than those with a dial. In some places use of these things is illegal . . .

    I do hope this starts to help you!

    Regards,

    Pete Davies
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 26, 2010
  3. cwktrains

    cwktrains TrainBoard Member

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    xD yes I was referring to radio scanners. :lol:
     
  4. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    I guess it is like all other hobbies, the sky is the limit.

    If you are just getting into scanners, you will probably be satisfied with a small handheld. In fact I have a small, older Radio Shack 100 channel scanner that I need to part with that I never use any more. It has all of the AAR (railroad) channels programmed into it.

    Besides the quality of the scanner itself, the antenna can make a big difference. For railfanning, I have a magnet mount antenna I throw on top of the car that I have tuned to the RR bands. It allows me to pick up more trains and distance than the "rubber ducky" antenna on the unit.

    If you are looking at specific railroads, you need to make sure they are operating within the frequency range of your scanner.
     
  5. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    The Uniden/Bearcat line has always been good.

    Is there a ham radio shop in your area? If so, you might stop there. Those guys often sell such items as scanners. They are fairly well tuned into which radios have the best durability and ears.

    Boxcab E50
     
  6. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    Actually, I am currently using an Icon V-85 (2 meter ham handheld) as a scanner. It has excellent range and sensitivity on VHF low bands.
     
  7. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Harold-

    Is that Icon, or Icom?

    Boxcab E50
     
  8. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    You got me... typing too fast. It is an IcoM. I like it because it has a Lithium Ion battery with extremely long life (on scanning).

    Harold
     
  9. Burlington Northern Fan

    Burlington Northern Fan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Scanners

    I am with Boxcab on this one. Uniden/Bearcat is the way to go. I also have a hard mount antenna on my truck that is just for the scanner(makes for the best for reception). But now you have to get or will have to get a(digital) scanner. The FCC is making the railroads go digital. Which they are significantly more expensive. I will have to get a new scanner before my next outting since my last Bearcat just died(it was a peaceful ceremony),But it was like 15-16 years old. and bounced around the cab of my truck for that long. Right now I cheat, I use my portable radio from work. It has ALL the RR Channels in it locomotives, Mras, and the weather(I have not figured that one out either).
     

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