Most compact vehicle installed Police Scanner? Also, power draw question.

[threeofnine]

I am looking to install a police scanner in a Tesla Model 3. There is a 12v power plug inside the center console that only has power when the vehicle is on. I am using this port to power my radar detector and laser jammer system. The Radar detector and Jammer both use less than 2A. The power port is rated to safely handle 14A continuous and 16A for short periods of time per the owners manual. About how much power draw would a police scanner w/ an external speaker draw? I would like to power everything from the power port if possible.

I would also appreciate a recommendation for a police scanner. The smaller the actual unit the better as I would like to place the unit (but not the external speaker) in one of the center console spaces. I have a Whistler WS1040 handheld unit that works great. However, the problem with a handheld unit is the volume is insufficient. I bought a Bluetooth transmitter and a wireless Bluetooth speaker but even at max volume I cannot hear clearly over the wind/road noise at triple digit speeds. I am monitoring the Alabama Highway Patrol 95% of the time.

 

[doctordialtone]

I would also appreciate a recommendation for a police scanner.

Look through this listing of scanner models.

Then you can ask questions about specific models.

Whistler's future is in question, so I just included Uniden models.

Good luck!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I am monitoring the Alabama Highway Patrol 95% of the time.

What about the other 5%, all analog like AL Highway Patrol?

 

[trentbob]

Original poster just to clarify about power source with your EV.. later model Tesla's have a regular 12 volt battery separate from any other battery source.

Whatever radio you put in there, your best bet is to go right to the 12 volt battery for your power supply but avoid and distance any other wires that might be connected to other power sources.

 

[pb_lonny]

The current draw on a scanner would be less than 2A.

 

[threeofnine]

What about the other 5%, all analog like AL Highway Patrol?

Mostly the Cullman County and Jefferson County Sheriff dispatch. They are P25, supposedly my WS1040 can pick up P25 and I have them programmed in. However, I have never been able to actually hear any radio traffic. It’s possible that I have it set up wrong.

 

[rf_patriot200]

If that plug is a Cigar or Marine style plug, as in most cars I wouldn't try to draw More than 5 amps from it. The fuse inline fuse for it probably rated at 5 amps max.

 

[merlin]

Mostly the Cullman County and Jefferson County Sheriff dispatch. They are P25, supposedly my WS1040 can pick up P25 and I have them programmed in. However, I have never been able to actually hear any radio traffic. It’s possible that I have it set up wrong.

Probably encrypted except dispatch, (simulcast ?)
As for radio size, perhaps an SDS 100 handheld.
Not many scanner makers have mobile charging cradels like industrial radio makers.
With remote speaker, you can mount an outboard speaker at any convenient location.
Charges with USB cable. I would suggest a 2 amp source.
Like your Whistler though, it won't unsquelch on encrypted calls.
Triple digit speeds ? Why ?. Can you handle a blowout at 120 MPH ? Maybe consider a professional driving course.

SDS100/SDS200: - Battery Charge Time

The manual doesn't say, so I was curious how long the battery needs to charge before it's good to go. Just got my new SDS100 today.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

If you're monitoring Jefferson County Simulcast you may be facing simulcast distortion with your WS1040 if you're within range of two or more towers on the simulcast. A Uniden SDS100 or SDS200 was designed to mitigate its effects

 

[Enforcer52]

With a radar detector, a laser jammer (Illegal by Federal Law to use, and in a lot of states) and a scanner, seems like you have a "Need For Speed"!

Maybe slow down and take life at a slower pace and observe the speed limits!!!!!!!!!

 

[u2brent]

Save the armadillo's

 

[threeofnine]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think the Uniden SDS100 might be a good choice for my application. Quick question for current user, since it is a handheld, how is the volume level on it?

 

[KB4MSZ]

I cannot hear clearly over the wind/road noise at triple digit speeds.

Try running slicks.

I am monitoring the Alabama Highway Patrol 95% of the time.

You better be.

 

[n3obl]

triple speeds.. Damn you running some untaxed liquor?

 

[videobruce]

"Police" Scanner would be the 'last' term I would ever use to describe a VHF/UHF business band receiver. Especially when you get pulled over and the officer asks what that radio is for?

 

[Fast1eddie]

Slow down.

 

[Madduck00]

Smokey & The Bandit 2.0

Bandit drives a Tesla
Snowman is in an Iveco heavy duty electric truck
Fred is a robot dog
Welcome to the borg

 

[Omega-TI]

Maybe slow down and take life at a slower pace and observe the speed limits!!!!!!!!!

... and not selfishly put other people's safety or lives at risk.
Amazing what leaving a few minutes earlier can accomplish.

 

[MissouriMule]

triple speeds.. Damn you running some untaxed liquor?

Maybe like his mother in law out a town. 🤣

 

[MissouriMule]

"Police" Scanner would be the 'last' term I would ever use to describe a VHF/UHF business band receiver. Especially when you get pulled over and the officer asks what that radio is for?

I agree. then their really gonna dig in to see what frequencies it operates on!