New to Scanning in California

[earthqu8kes]

Hi i am new to scanning (I've had a scanner for about 3 months) and live near Scaramento, CA. i was wondering a few things such as some of the Words like HAM, TRS, Truking etc. What is that all?

As i said before, I've had a scanner for a while. I listen to mostly aircraft as aviation is my main hobby, and i am hoping to get a pilots liscense when i am older. I can listen to the frequencies near m house but they are not very clear. I have a RS pro-82 with just the antenna that comes with it. i am planning on getting a better antenna but im not sure what to get.

Another thing is i was wondering how to change your signature. I am used to Phpbb forums.

I would greatly apprecate some guidance into scanning.

 

[scannerboy02]

HAM – Also known as Amateur Radio, you need a license from the FCC to operate on HAM radio frequencies but other than that they are frequencies that are used by licensed members of the public for radio communication.

TRS – Trunked Radio System

Truking - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunked_radio_system has a good explanation.

 

[Sac916]

Hi i am new to scanning (I've had a scanner for about 3 months) and live near Scaramento, CA.

Greeetings!
Lucky for you, there are several sacramentans on this website. You can search the California forums for several topics about Sacramento area monitoring.

i was wondering a few things such as some of the Words like HAM, TRS, Truking etc. What is that all?

Check the Radio Reference Wiki - It will explain a lot of the terminology such as " trunking "
"Trunking" is probably the first thing you will need to educate yourself about, since 90% of the law enforcement and fire/ems depts in Sacramento Co. are on a "trunked" radio system. Unfortunately, your scanner is not a Trunked capable scanner.

http://radioreference.com/wiki

I have a RS pro-82 with just the antenna that comes with it. i am planning on getting a better antenna but im not sure what to get.

If you want to monitor trunked radio systems you will need a newer scanner.

Another thing is i was wondering how to change your signature. I am used to Phpbb
forums.

Make sure you are " logged in " and then go to USER CP

http://radioreference.com/forums/usercp.php

 

[scannerboy02]

Also to edit your signature click on "Your Account" then click on "Forums Profile" then click on "Edit Signature".

Most stuff in Sacramento is trunked so you will need a trunking scanner to listen as far as police, fire and local Government stuff goes.

I was a member of the Yolo County Sheriff Aero Squadron http://www.yolosheriffsaerosquadron.com for a while so I also am interested in aviation, I have one of my scanners dedicated to air frequencies from all over the area and I also have a big aviation map on my wall.

 

[earthqu8kes]

thank you guys for the quick reply!

I have searched the California forums before and i noticed that there were alot of people from our area on the site.

I am fine with not having a trunked radio (or whatever it is called), i dont listen to police or fire much. I am really into aircraft and railroads.

what is a good scanner that is not too expensive($150 or lower) that is trunked and of good quality?

 

[scannerboy02]

I have an RS Pro 95 that I would sell for about $100, I will even keep the programing in it if you want. PM me if you are interested.

 

[earthqu8kes]

I'll think about it...thanks for the offfer.

 

[earthqu8kes]

Another question, what is Repeated, base, mobile, and Fixed something? i've noticed these around the forums.

 

[RolnCode3]

Check the wiki (link along the top). Lots of good articles in there.

For $150, I would look for a Radioshack Pro-97. Better off than a Pro-95 at this point (IMO).

 

[74596]

earthqu8kes, Davis PD has gone mostly digital, according to the database: http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=3469
so you may consider that if you ever want to listen to your local PD...

Welcome to RR!

 

[mkewman]

howdy earthquakes!

as it was mentioned above, DavisPD is digital. This unfortunately means you'll have to get a digital scanner (which range around 500 bucks.) ~BUT~

i swear to god they're worth the cost!

in the meantime, you can still listen to lots of fire and law enforcement activity in yolo county while you save up for that digital scanner.

feel free to PM me or anyone else on here with questions. we're very friendly, and we won't bite. a few guys on here actually use these radio systems on a daily basis here so they know the innerworkings pretty well.

 

[gmclam]

I suggest the PRO-95

HAM – Also known as Amateur Radio, you need a license from the FCC to operate on HAM radio frequencies but other than that they are frequencies that are used by licensed members of the public for radio communication.

I'd like to clarify what was written above... you only need a license to TRANSMIT on (most) amateur radio frequencies. Listening does not require a license.

As far as scanners go, my favorite is the PRO-95. Unfortunately they are no longer available new; but they are widely available used at places like eBay. Some people consider the PRO-97 to be an "upgrade" of the PRO-95, I do not (I have several of each). The PRO-97 routinely sells at Radio Shack new for $150, or on eBay for under $120 new. Typically, the PRO-95 sells for about $100 on eBay, which amazes me. I've usually paid about $60 for mine.

Welcome to RR.