Most Accurate FAQ

[DaveNF2G]

ACCURATE SCANNER FAQ

Here are the most accurate answers to top scanner related questions:

Q1) Who makes the best scanners?
A1) It depends.

Q2) Which is the best scanner model?
A2) It depends.

Q3) What is the best antenna for my scanner?
A3) It depends.

Q4) What is the best way to mount my scanner?
A4) It depends.

Q5) Should I buy a new scanner or a used one?
A5) It depends?

Q6) Which is better, buying a scanner online or in a store?
A6) It depends.

Q7) What is the best band or frequency to monitor?
Q7) It depends.

Q8) Which is better, a base scanner or a hand-held scanner?
A8) It depends.

Q9) From how far away can a scanner pick up signals?
A9) It depends.

Q10) Do I need to buy a digital scanner?
A10) It depends.

Q11) What is the best cable for connecting my scanner to my outdoor antenna?
A11) It depends.

Q12) What is the best program for operating my software defined radio (SDR)?
A12) It depends.

Q13) What is the best way to configure my scanner memories/banks/blocks?
A13) It depends.

 

[N8IAA]

+1

This needs to be a sticky!! People on this site need to do the appropriate searches to find answers. When you can't find an answer, don't hijack someone's thread to get one. Post your own.
Larry

 

[QDP2012]

This needs to be a sticky!!

The earlier thread has more discussion in it; see Ultimate Scanning FAQ The OP added Q11-Q13.

 

[marksmith]

Good FAQ roundup, but you left out all the ones about using GPS.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[NC1]

You somehow missed one of the other most asked, and useless, questions:

How long should my coax cable be?
Shouldn't it be a multiple of the resonant frequency that the antenna is designed for?
I heard it should be a 3rd harmonic length of the frequency I mostly listen to, is that right?

LOL

 

[ab5r]

Question: Does anybody read a sticky?
Answer: It depends.

 

[ka3jjz]

Q: Why doesn't my USB cable work with Win 8 (Win 10)?
A; It depends

Q: Why doesn't this HF signal decode with (insert popular ham package here)?
A: It depends

Mike

 

[marksmith]

How about the one where they buy a cheap SW radio and complain that they can't get police calls?

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[KC4RAF]

Well Mark, that depends...lol

 

[bee]

That depends lol LOL

 

[N8IAA]

Hope this doesn't backfire on the incontinent members of RR:roll:
Larry

 

[DaveNF2G]

Here are some even more controversial questions:

Q14: Is it legal to have a scanner in my car?
A14: It depends.

Q15: What if I have a ham license?
A15: It depends.

 

[Louwo]

What should I wear when I sleep listening to my scanner in my shack?

Depends