Need some tech answers

[SRoger]

I'm wanting to buy a scanner to use for tracking dog collars in NC. Some of the guys are using the Yaesu vr500 but it is to pricey for me. I was looking at the Pro 164 from Radio Shack and it has what I'm looking for......signal meter, attenuator and the ability to name your frequency. What I'm wondering is, is there a tech data or spec that tells the ability of the scanner to pick up the signal so I can compare the two scanners. The frequencies will be between 216.000 and 222.000. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[AlabamaRS]

hmm, check under the specification( sensitivity etc) in the downloadable manual or maybe on the RS web site listing for that radio. I believe tho you will find most scanners to be in the same general specs

[gmclam]

Originally Posted by SRoger

What I'm wondering is, is there a tech data or spec that tells the ability of the scanner to pick up the signal so I can compare the two scanners. The frequencies will be between 216.000 and 222.000. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

From the user's manual: 216.0025 -224.975MHz .................................................. ................ 0.5 uV

Another point about using the PRO-164 is the "Signal Stalker" feature. This only works with signals which are very close and/or strong. So once you get to 5 bars on the S meter, you might be able to switch to this mode. Also, I'd suggest getting an antenna designed for those specific frequenices. The antenna that comes with the scanner is pretty much a 'barn door' and lets everything in. If you can narrow down what the scanner is "seeing", it should also be able to increase that signal over what the stock antenna provides.

[SRoger]

Thanks for the help guys. I went to RS and bought the Pro 164 and tried it out. I have one of the antennas for those frequencies but it just didnt work well for what I needed it for.......I returned it. I have a Pro 94 and it picks up the signals probably a third farther away than the 164. With dog collars they beep every so often and the signal meter wasn't much help.......the attenuator worked well. I guess I'm going to have to get off the wallet and buy one that is for that purpose. Alot of guys are using those Yaesu VR 500........anyone know any good deals on them out there?

[fineshot1]

You will need one of these directional 220mhz antennas also

USED Yagi 3-element antenna w/ Coax(216-220 MHz)wingnut - eBay (item 200390258654 end time Oct-09-09 09:37:38 PDT)