Local police scan

[Aquariusbutafly]

Hello,

I'm new to this. I have the baofeng bf-f8+. I have programmed the local police frequency as well as the ctcss tone, but still can't pick up anything. I live less than 7mi from where the signal is transmitted. any ideas?

TIA

 

[jonwienke]

You don't need to program a tone for receiving; it's only necessary if you intend to transmit.

Many jurisdictions have switched over to trunked digital systems. Even if they have a license for the discrete FM frequency, they may not be using it. Where are you?

Also the stock antenna is not all that great. Search Amazon for Nagoya 771 or Nagoya 701 for something that works much better.

 

[Aquariusbutafly]

Memphis, TN. And thanks for the info. I was thinking the antenna was partly to blame and had been on amazon looking at the one you suggested.

If the system is trunked, is there a way to still listen? For example, I have the police scanner app on my phone So, I know it is possible to dial it in. Someone is picking up the signal and streaming it.

 

[N8IAA]

Memphis, TN. And thanks for the info. I was thinking the antenna was partly to blame and had been on amazon looking at the one you suggested.

If the system is trunked, is there a way to still listen? For example, I have the police scanner app on my phone So, I know it is possible to dial it in. Someone is picking up the signal and streaming it.

Not possible to listen with the radio you have. Even though Memphis shows a Motorola Type II, it is completely digital. You will need a scanner that does P-25. Such as the WS-1040, Uniden BCD-396XT. They are inexpensive, approximately $250 new depending on where you shop.
Oh, the person streaming the system would have to have a digital, P-25 scanner to do so.
HTH,
Larry