Setting up a mobile scanner

[NewSDScanner]

I've decided I want to set up a scanner in my vehicle. Specifically, I've been looking at the "Grecom Digital Triple Trunking Desktop/Mobile Scanner With V-Scanner Technology." I currently use a RadioShack PRO-106 with an 800Mhz antenna, which works GREAT. The thing is, I just want to have a separate scanner installed in my car so I don't have to constantly be taking my PRO-106 in and out of the car.

That said,

1. Is this a good digital trunking scanner? Will it be on par with my PRO-106? I'm scanning mainly 800-900Mhz Motorola Type II SmartZone/APCO-25 stuff.
   
2. Can I power this with a cigarette lighter plug? Does it come with one?
   
3. What do I need to do with the antenna situation? My PRO-106's 800Mhz antenna picks up just fine while INSIDE my car, but will I still need to mount one on the outside for this GRE? If so, what type of cable do I need to run and how would I do this? I have a 2008 Honda Civic Coupe. I have no experience with running cable in vehicles or any antenna set up. However, I am willing to learn as I am about to start an automotive electronics class and enter trade school as an electrician apprentice.
   
4. Mount-wise, I hear there are velcro-stick mount options available. Could I really use this for the GRE?
   

Thanks a lot!

 

[GrumpyGuard]

If you are looking at the GRE600 it is the equal to the RS106

 

[NewSDScanner]

If you are looking at the GRE600 it is the equal to the RS106

Yes thats the one!

 

[RadioDaze]

To take GrumpyGuard's comment a step further, GRE manufactures the Pro-106 for Radio Shack, and it's the equivalent of the GRE PSR-500. The Pro-106/PSR-500 are also the same scanners as the base/mobile equivalents - the Pro-197/PSR-600. They operate the same and can be programmed using the same software. In other words, if you already use software to program your Pro-106, you can use the same software to clone your channels into your mobile. Performance should be equal to your Pro-106, with louder and better-sounding audio.

I own RS and GRE versions of these and they are excellent scanners.

The mobile comes with a 12-volt power cord that has raw leads. You will have to purchase a cigarette plug at Radio Shack or an auto parts store and attach it to the leads.

The radio might be a bit heavy to be supported by velcro.

There are a variety of antenna solutions, including magnet-mounts. Someone else will chime in with suggestions. Don't panic if someone says you need to drill into the top of your roof. There are other ways to go. If your reception is already good enough with the handheld, you might be able to run a short cable to an antenna placed somewhere inside the car. (Still better to get it outside, though.)

 

[NewSDScanner]

Thanks a lot! The last question I have is I was looking at the PRO-197 today at Radio Shack and it says that it requires 13.8 volts. What's up with this and how can I power it in my car's 12 volt circuit? Is this negligible? Why would it say that? Thanks.

On a side note, HOLY CRAP, the people who work at Radio Shack/Fry's Electronics have absolutely no freakin clue about scanners, scanning, or CB radio. I was teaching THEM about half this stuff. At one Radio Shack, I was told I had to go look for a mounting bracket somewhere when the mounting bracket in fact comes with the scanner. Does anyone know of a place where there are true radio/scanner enthusiasts in San Diego?

 

[RadioDaze]

...it says that it requires 13.8 volts. What's up with this and how can I power it in my car's 12 volt circuit?

13.8 volts is closer to the output of your car battery. It will be fine.

 

[NewSDScanner]

Gotcha. I guess I should bust out that multimeter more often, haha. Antenna wise, couldn't I just buy another 800Mhz handheld antenna and run a short cable to it inside of my car like you were saying or will the connectors not match up properly?

 

[krokus]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.973 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

You can get a connector to fit, but getting the voltage and polarity correct is key, along with a source that can provide the needed amount of current.

 

[krokus]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.973 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

13.8 VDC is the output level of most automobile alternators. The battery is a 12VDC source.

That being the case, automotive electronics are typically able to operate on supplies up to 16VDC.

 

[NewSDScanner]

Are there even any benefits to using a mobile scanner? I'm starting to think now that I should just buy a second handheld and maybe velcro that one into my car or use something like this. Really, the only reason why I wanted to mount one in the car is so I don't have to keep bringing my PRO-106 in and out of the car to put less wear on it and also so that I have a scanner at all times in my car which is when I usually want it most anyway.

 

[RadioDaze]

Using an amplified speaker with your handheld in the car could be a decent solution. It would be easier to hide out-of-sight when you leave your car unattended. You could try it with your existing scanner, and if you like the setup, you could buy another next time they go on sale. A mount like you show in your link would be a nice touch.

I use my PSR-500 in the car with a very old Speco amplified speaker, and the volume can be deafening if turned up too loud. But it also sounds as good as a commercial-quality radio.

Looks like ScannerMaster has a Speco:
Speco 4" Amplified Extension Speaker

For a few bucks less, there,s this:
SP-180A 4" Amplified Mobile Speaker

 

[NewSDScanner]

Thanks a lot RadioDaze. So I decided to go that route. I love my gear but I'm also about being smart and honestly installing some big antenna and mounting a scanner definitely brings attention to my vehicle as a potential break-in. The other thing is, I can plug my scanner into my 10 speaker audio system via the aux cable so it's not a bad setup.

Last question - I promise... I didn't use software to program my PRO-106, I did it manually because I kinda just programmed as I went along. Can I still use software to get the programming from my PRO-106 and transfer it to a GRE PSR-500 that I just ordered? If so, do you recommend any particular program? Thanks again!

 

[GrumpyGuard]

I built my own mount using some leftover parts from a couple of mounting kits. Also if you would like to save some more money you can also try RadioShack® Amplified Communication Speaker - RadioShack.com

 

[NewSDScanner]

I built my own mount using some leftover parts from a couple of mounting kits. Also if you would like to save some more money you can also try RadioShack® Amplified Communication Speaker - RadioShack.com

How do you power both that speaker AND the scanner in the car? Don't they both require cigarette lighter outlet?

 

[ab8sn]

Programming Software

Thanks a lot RadioDaze. So I decided to go that route. I love my gear but I'm also about being smart and honestly installing some big antenna and mounting a scanner definitely brings attention to my vehicle as a potential break-in. The other thing is, I can plug my scanner into my 10 speaker audio system via the aux cable so it's not a bad setup.

Last question - I promise... I didn't use software to program my PRO-106, I did it manually because I kinda just programmed as I went along. Can I still use software to get the programming from my PRO-106 and transfer it to a GRE PSR-500 that I just ordered? If so, do you recommend any particular program? Thanks again!

NewSDScanner

For programming software I highly recommend Win500. Also you can transfer your scanner programming to Win500 and save it and then edit it as you like.

You can also use the same program to then download your programming contents into your 500 and save you a lot of time.

73s Hope this helps

Chad

 

[RadioDaze]

I use Win500 also. Very satisfied with it.

 

[GrumpyGuard]

How do you power both that speaker AND the scanner in the car? Don't they both require cigarette lighter outlet?

I use a three outlet splitter when I need to run the scanner, speaker and XM radio. So far no problems. I plan to hard wire the speaker and scanner power cables to free up the power plug, and make the car look nicer with out wires showing.