Handheld vs. Desktop Scanner -- What's the Difference???

[n5ims]

Both the Pro-106 (GRE PSR-500) and Pro-197 (GRE PSR-600) are the same radio inside, just mounted in different cases. Unless you're planning to use the portable functionality of the Pro-106 I'd recommend the Pro-197. The 197 is specifically made to be set in place and used so the connections are in the back (except for the headphone and programming jacks, which are on the front). This allows the connections to be more stable and eliminates or at least reduces them from interfering from using the controls or seeing the display.

The 106 used as a base (or mobile) can cause the radio to fall over due to the antenna connection on the top from pulling the radio down. An external speaker plugged into the headphone jack (to give you louder audio) can make it harder to use the volume and squelch controls. Also the 106's antenna connection is in plastic, while the 197 is on the metal back, which would help it be stronger.

While the 106 can run on batteries and the 197 requires external power, it isn't a good idea to run the 106 for any length of time on external power with batteries in the radio. Although you can do so, it also isn't recommended that you charge your batteries inside the radio. There are many reports of overheating and even serious melting from running a 106 on external power and/or charging batteries inside a 106. Although it should be OK if you use the black battery holder, the power pins can be bent and cause the protection it offers to be gotten around without the user being aware of the problem (http://forums.radioreference.com/gr...00-battery-charging-question.html#post1540250). I'd recommend that you never charge your batteries inside the radio, but use an external charger instead (the radio you save may be your own!).

Antenna connection issues:
* http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/215881-pro-106-antenna-issue.html
* http://forums.radioreference.com/gre-scanners/222314-psr-500-antenna-connection-issue.html

Battery overheat issues:
* http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/218491-pro-106-battery-charging.html
* http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/162387-how-charge-batteries-pro-106-a.html
* http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/181473-pro-106-charging-case.html
* http://forums.radioreference.com/gre-scanners/211847-psr-500-battery-charging-question.html

 

[Scannerhead1983]

If you do go with a portable scanner make sure you get the 800mhz antenna if your going to RS.... It's around $20 but if your scanning 800mhz trunked on a regular basis it's a good antenna to have. I have noticed the increased reception quality using this antenna as opposed to the standard issue rubber ducker that they give you with the scanner. And if you go with a mobile radio, I would get you a good outdoor antenna depending on your home situation if you own your own house or rent, there are options out there that you can do to get better reception than the standard issue antenna that comes with the mobiles/base as well.

 

[jimsmowin]

WHERE I live we are in tho 500 mhz. i have found that an old antenna off a hand uniden works better than the standard. wish i could find one for 500mhz. the standard one works good for all bands though

 

[KI6LWI]

I tend to prefer the handheld style. I recently picked up my PRO-164 and it routinely does coffee table duty with headphones while I sit on the couch and watch tv or surf the web on my laptop, rides in the car with me on my way to and from work, and sits on my desk at work playing thru a set of computer speakers. Also power adapters can be had cheap if you know where to look. For AC power I'm using a wall wart scavenged from an old Uniden cordless phone charger, and for mobile use I picked up a car charger on Ebay for a "Zenithink" (whatever the heck that is) brand new for $4 shipped Also if you like to go to air shows or motorsports events, a portable scanner can give you a whole new experience as you listen in on the pilots/drivers/pit crews/etc.

 

[Jacob99]

Once again, thank you all for taking the time to reply. These forums and RR.com have made this "scanner shopping" experience much more enjoyable.

I think I'm going to get the 197. Eventually, I may want to go with a handheld, but for now the scanner will just be sitting in the office while I'm on the computer. I also don't want to worry about batteries, chargers or atennas yet because this is my first scanner.

Can't wait to get the scanner!

 

[jimsmowin]

i know that this is quite a decission. next is program software. thats a whole other challange, plenty of info on RR about that

 

[Scannerhead1983]

Well enjoy your new toy!! and welcome to the family of people who like to be "informed" Since you are getting a base model... Try hitting TUNE on your scanner when you get it, and enter in the frequency 924.000mhz and the up button. Set your squelch just a hair past open and go from 924.000-928.000 and back down. You will hear some "interesting" things on these frequencies....

 

[AC2OY]

Jacob welcome and good luck first of all!! I bought the 197 and personally think it's the best scanner I've ever heard!! The audio is sick and with the factory issue antenna I pick up agencies close to 50 miles away!! If I were to buy another one for work or to have in my car it definitely would be the 106(portable 197) either way I think you will be just fine!!!