Sacramento scanning
When it comes to stores in Sacramento, there are a few, but the selection is lousy. Frys (both stores) have some radios. Some Radio Shacks have some radios. I either bought mine in the last century, eBay or ScannerMaster.
When it comes to accessories like antennas, you MIGHT find something at Metro Electronics; 1831 J street. You can also try HFE Electronics (formerly HSC Electronics) near Auburn Blvd & College Oak (4831 Amber Lane), but they are mostly a surplus store. We had a lot more places years ago, but with so many people buying online (and a lot of senior owners selling their stores) it is not like it was.
A lot of Sacramento seems to be 800... do I need double shielded? Im getting everything with the original hand held antenna...rubber duck...or ducky...whatever its called lol
Do you want CHP? How about conventional VHF and UHF channels? There are some being used, depending on specifically who you want to monitor. Certainly the basic agencies are all on 800......
If you're using a rubber ducky and want more than just 800 MHz, then use the stock antenna that comes with the scanner. For mobile I use a mag mount spec'd from 25 to 1300 MHz. For base I use a discone for general purpose scanning.
When it comes to coax, the "shielding" is not as much the issue as the line loss at the highest frequency you will be receiving. If you're running something like 20 feet of coax from the antenna to the scanner (like in an auto), the exact type is not a big deal. If you're running longer lengths, like at home, then it is critical. I am using an LMR-400 equivalent at home and then short feed lines of RG-6 that I actually bought at HFE. Very good stuff, even though it was surplus.
