CB/MURS/GMRS/FRS scanner

topgun1986 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 6:54 PM

Is there an analog scanner on the market to handle the CB/MURS/GMRS/FRS bands, all in one? Preferably a mobile unit. Capability to do alpha tags would be a plus.

I've tried searching online, but just get confused with all the extra "bells & whistles" of scanners that come close.

RonnieUSA · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 6:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun1986

Is there an analog scanner on the market to handle the CB/MURS/GMRS/FRS bands, all in one? Preferably a mobile unit. Capability to do alpha tags would be a plus.

I've tried searching online, but just get confused with all the extra "bells & whistles" of scanners that come close.

Sure all of the newer handheld can.

KE5TLF · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:06 PM

A list of ones that don't would be a lot shorter...hehe

Though the alpha tagging would make that short list a bit longer.

topgun1986 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:11 PM

Thanks for replies, but I'm honestly looking for exact models (with a good review is a plus).. The ones I've seen only go down to 29 MHz.

aeneimia · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:22 PM

The Pro-96 has those frequencies pre programmed in for these bands just need to select those to band scan.. can also use the vscanner technology to load different setups for analog.. does not support external alpha tagging but does display tags. Its analog and digi but the price is getting more affordable..

KE5TLF · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun1986

Thanks for replies, but I'm honestly looking for exact models (with a good review is a plus).. The ones I've seen only go down to 29 MHz.

Hmm yeah I see a bit of what you mean. Never really payed much attention to the low end of things. sorry

I imagine you've looked at the lists in the wiki, which by no means are all inclusive, but here they are just in case.

Category:Radio Models - The RadioReference Wiki

gewecke · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun1986

Thanks for replies, but I'm honestly looking for exact models (with a good review is a plus).. The ones I've seen only go down to 29 MHz.

Then you must be looking at lower end priced scanners, because most of the popular scanners in the market are continuous coverage starting at 25 mhz. on up with the exception of cellular coverage. As mentioned, most of these models have a service search which includes the ranges you indicated.

73,
n9zas

topgun1986 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gewecke

Then you must be looking at lower end priced scanners, because most of the popular scanners in the market are continuous coverage starting at 25 mhz. on up with the exception of cellular coverage. As mentioned, most of these models have a service search which includes the ranges you indicated.

73,
n9zas

Yes, I am looking at lower end scanners ($75 or less). Just a basic scanner to handle these bands. I am trying to dedicate certain scanners in my "shack" to certain bands. Text tags (alpha tags) are just a plus, but not a necessity.

lowboy654 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 7:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun1986

Is there an analog scanner on the market to handle the CB/MURS/GMRS/FRS bands, all in one? Preferably a mobile unit. Capability to do alpha tags would be a plus.

I've tried searching online, but just get confused with all the extra "bells & whistles" of scanners that come close.

As far as I know all new scanners can do that just about any of them built in the last 10 years, well do so with a few click of the buttons on the faceplate.

N8IAA · #10 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 9:04 PM

The best way to monitor CB is with an inexpensive CB. Even though the scanners have that frequency, it's just not going to work well. But, any analog scanner will work. Such as the BC355N, or Pro-163. The Uniden doesn't have trunking or alphatags, while the 163 does trunking and has alphatags.
HTH,
Larry

topgun1986 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 9:36 PM

(Misquote)

topgun1986 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 9:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8IAA

The best way to monitor CB is with an inexpensive CB. Even though the scanners have that frequency, it's just not going to work well. But, any analog scanner will work. Such as the BC355N, or Pro-163. The Uniden doesn't have trunking or alphatags, while the 163 does trunking and has alphatags.
HTH,
Larry

So why will it not work well?

Spitfire8520 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 9:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun1986

So why will it not work well?

Most scanners are generally designed for VHF/UHF with limited emphasis on CB reception. Unless you have a great external antenna, you probably can't expect to hear too much CB activity from more than a couple of miles away.

robertmac · #14 (**permalink**) 12-12-2012, 11:33 PM

The 2 scanners I use, I have locked out CB/MURS/GMRS/FRS bands. Just nothing worthwhile listening to even if someone is close. Then CB with the odd skip isn't worth wasting time on, especially when other frequencies are a lot more entertaining.

topgun1986 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-13-2012, 8:17 AM

So far, the BC355N is looking pretty good. Will do more "research."

Redneck0410 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-13-2012, 9:03 AM

I have a BCT15X that covers all that, and does Alpha Tagging.

ST-Bob · #17 (**permalink**) 12-16-2012, 9:25 PM

The problem is the CB band (27 MHz). The modulation type is AM or SSB and only a few scanner do AM in that frequency range and none do SSB. Also, antennas for the lower bands are quite large - not really scanner antennas. Scanner-specific antennas rarely perform well below 120 MHz and the rubber-ducks are even worse.

Bob - KB1VUA