Hey all, just received a used TRX-1 for general emergency service scanning in New Hampshire. We don’t have any trunking, simulcast or anything hard to de-code around here. So I’m not really putting the Whistler through it’s paces.
So far, after figuring out how to program the unit, it’s working beautifully. I am able to capture everything around me easily, and the stock antenna is working wonderfully. I ordered a Diamond replacement antenna that so far hasn’t made any difference at all. In fact I put the stock one back on because it’s a smaller form factor that’s easier to carry around and I haven’t lost any reception that I can tell.
I’m still learning all the bells and whistles as far as the options available to customize how each frequency receives, scanner behavior, etc.
I’ve totally programmed the scanner manually using the pre-loaded database on the included SD card. I’ve looked at the software but haven’t been able to figure that out yet. I’ll be posting here for some help with that as well.
A couple quick notes... The battery life has not been great so far. I mostly use it in the car so can plug it in when the batteries get low. I also found out that it will run while plugged in with no batteries in it at all which is nice.
Also, the speaker is quite weak. It sounds good but there is not enough volume. While driving I find myself picking the scanner up and holding it because it sometimes isn’t loud enough when sitting in a cup holder, etc. and this is with the volume all the way up. I may look at an external speaker. There is an option called “audio boost” that you can assign to specific programmed frequencies, but that hasn’t made much difference.
As I learn and continue to use the scanner I’ll update this, but so far I’m happy I didn’t spend the extra money on the SDS-100. Used, these can be had for $300 or less and they work just as good as a new one with the database updates you can put on the SD card and The firmware updates that are offered.
Happy scanning!
So far, after figuring out how to program the unit, it’s working beautifully. I am able to capture everything around me easily, and the stock antenna is working wonderfully. I ordered a Diamond replacement antenna that so far hasn’t made any difference at all. In fact I put the stock one back on because it’s a smaller form factor that’s easier to carry around and I haven’t lost any reception that I can tell.
I’m still learning all the bells and whistles as far as the options available to customize how each frequency receives, scanner behavior, etc.
I’ve totally programmed the scanner manually using the pre-loaded database on the included SD card. I’ve looked at the software but haven’t been able to figure that out yet. I’ll be posting here for some help with that as well.
A couple quick notes... The battery life has not been great so far. I mostly use it in the car so can plug it in when the batteries get low. I also found out that it will run while plugged in with no batteries in it at all which is nice.
Also, the speaker is quite weak. It sounds good but there is not enough volume. While driving I find myself picking the scanner up and holding it because it sometimes isn’t loud enough when sitting in a cup holder, etc. and this is with the volume all the way up. I may look at an external speaker. There is an option called “audio boost” that you can assign to specific programmed frequencies, but that hasn’t made much difference.
As I learn and continue to use the scanner I’ll update this, but so far I’m happy I didn’t spend the extra money on the SDS-100. Used, these can be had for $300 or less and they work just as good as a new one with the database updates you can put on the SD card and The firmware updates that are offered.
Happy scanning!