HAM radio as a limited scanner?

[Rekd]

For a couple years I've been thinking about getting my amateur radio operators license (HAM) to use in the desert. I'll be getting a mobile station for the sand rail and a base for the trailer.

More recently I've been considering purchasing a police scanner for my home. (I live on a very accident prone road in an area where fires are often a problem) I'm interested in the local Sherrif (San Diego County) and fire mostly (CAL Fire).

Unfortunately, I'm finding out it's likely going to cost me upwards of $500.00 for the equipment to scan the Sheriffs (digital, trunking) and I'm not willing to part with that much money. I can justify a couple hundred for a scanner, but that's it.

So I got to thinking; since I am going to get my HAM license anyway, is it possible to use HAM equipment to capture the sherrif and fire activity? Or are they completely different beasts?

TYIA

 

[Rekd]

As I found in this thread, my post is redundant at best.

However, my problem of receiving the sherrif xmissions still remains. I'm not willing to spend that kind of money, so I'm asking for suggestions on getting something else that will suffice. Again, my focus is on the San Diego County Sherrif and Cal Fire in the San Diego area.

Thanks.

 

[W6KRU]

The only way to get the sheriffs department is with the expensive digital scanner.

When I go to the desert I have a handheld on my belt and a mobile in my bronco. You will need to have someone at the trailer with a license for this to work. Your other option is a couple of race radios. PM me if you want information on race radios.

The CALfire stuff is still on VHF and you can hear that on a ham radio if it is a wide-banded receiver.

 

[trace1]

Conventional (non-trunked) VHF/UHF radio traffic should be able to be monitored by many, if not most, Amateur radios.

I use mine sometimes to monitor some of those type of transmissions, but if your area uses digital and trunking then yes you're going to need one of those $500 scanners.

Good luck on getting your license! It'll open a whole new world to you.

 

[Rekd]

Thanks Dan, I was afraid of that. I heard that the BC 898T (Uniden) would pick them up, but I don't think it's digital. Too bad cuz I found them for a bit over 200.

 

[iMONITOR]

Check with scanner users in your area. If your area isn't affected by rebanding or using the newer 700MHz systems, then you should be able to use any of the earlier generation digital scanners, which are selling for as little as $225.00. Some examples would be the Uniden BC296D, BC796D, or Radio Shack PRO-96, an PRO-2096.

 

[SigIntel8600]

As I found in this thread, my post is redundant at best.

However, my problem of receiving the sherrif xmissions still remains. I'm not willing to spend that kind of money, so I'm asking for suggestions on getting something else that will suffice. Again, my focus is on the San Diego County Sherrif and Cal Fire in the San Diego area.

Thanks.

Check the Radio shack scanner thread. There is a rumor that the PRO-106 will go on sale tomorrow for $299.00 (regular price $499.00) The price is good for thirty six hours.

 

[Rekd]

Check the Radio shack scanner thread. There is a rumor that the PRO-106 will go on sale tomorrow for $299.00 (regular price $499.00) The price is good for thirty six hours.

It took a few days to track down, but I found (the last) one just a few miles from my work. Picked it up yesterday. At 300.00 it was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I got a much better package and am pretty sure I'll be able to write it off on my taxes if I can use it even once while researching a story. (I'm a freelance writer part time and have been able to write off some pretty cool (and often expensive) trips/equipment that way.)

Thanks for the help! I'm sure I'll be back with some ?'s and !'s after I've figured out how to get started with this.

 

[Mike_G_D]

Pm

Rekd,

I sent you a PM - welcome to scanning in San Diego, CA! And welcome to amateur radio!

Anyway, read the PM and let me know if your interested in those files.

-Mike

 

[SigIntel8600]

It took a few days to track down, but I found (the last) one just a few miles from my work. Picked it up yesterday. At 300.00 it was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I got a much better package and am pretty sure I'll be able to write it off on my taxes if I can use it even once while researching a story. (I'm a freelance writer part time and have been able to write off some pretty cool (and often expensive) trips/equipment that way.)

Thanks for the help! I'm sure I'll be back with some ?'s and !'s after I've figured out how to get started with this.

If you can squeek a little more out of your budget, get the programming software. It will really save you time and banging your head against the wall trying to program the thing.

Also, if you have the time, try to get the Amateur Tech Ticket, I don't know about Cali, but in some states, scanners are illegal in vehicles unless you are a peace officer or have a ham ticket.

Good luck

 

[jonny290]

If you can squeek a little more out of your budget, get the programming software. It will really save you time and banging your head against the wall trying to program the thing.

Also, if you have the time, try to get the Amateur Tech Ticket, I don't know about Cali, but in some states, scanners are illegal in vehicles unless you are a peace officer or have a ham ticket.

Good luck

It sounds like he is in media, press usually gets a free pass also.

 

[Rekd]

Mike, email sent. Thanx.

I do have various forms of media credentials. I had planned on getting my ametuer radio license sooner or later, this situation means it'll likely be sooner than later. I studied for the test last year and passed a couple of practice tests so it wont be hard to get back up to speed.