Simple cheap (not junk) radio scanners?

[RedPenguin]

Alright, I currently have a BR330T, which works great for me, except for the fact that I'm currently using it for new frequency and PL finding. Plus, with it being a tad expensive, I'm always inclined to be super careful with it.

Is there any cheap non-trucking scanners that one can get fairly reasonable? 800 nice but not required.

I guess, is there any scanner that's around the price range of someone if they were new in scanning?

I guess I got spoiled when I seen the Pro-84 with headphones for a non-bad price, though I ended up missing that deal.

Not only do I want a scanner like this for myself (to carry around with me and not really worry about) but I'm curious to find one for my friend who likes scanning, especially for hams, but can't really pay $200+ for the BR330T or BCT15. Or really even $100+.

 

[austinscan1]

Choices

Look for used pro-83 or bc-92 or 95. Really 3 versions of the same radio, but will do what you want including, 800 mhz. Austin

 

[Mikeg5513]

Alright, I currently have a BR330T, which works great for me, except for the fact that I'm currently using it for new frequency and PL finding. Plus, with it being a tad expensive, I'm always inclined to be super careful with it.

Is there any cheap non-trucking scanners that one can get fairly reasonable? 800 nice but not required.

I guess, is there any scanner that's around the price range of someone if they were new in scanning?

I guess I got spoiled when I seen the Pro-84 with headphones for a non-bad price, though I ended up missing that deal.

Not only do I want a scanner like this for myself (to carry around with me and not really worry about) but I'm curious to find one for my friend who likes scanning, especially for hams, but can't really pay $200+ for the BR330T or BCT15. Or really even $100+.

I know this may not be the correct place to post this.....
If you are interested, I have an older PRO-63. No trunking, only goes up to 512MHz, 100 channels (10 banks of 10 channels). But it is a Tank. I have had it since new in 1995.. Stock rubber duckie, some cosmetic scratches/wear marks. Takes 6 AA bateries. Also I have an adapt a plug for it. It will charge batteries if you put them in it (i belive it will only charge NiCad's) I hate to part with it, but times are tough for me at the moment.. Will entertain a reasonable offer to include shipping from Cleveland Ohio 44130

 

[Zaratsu]

I'd just keep an eye on your local radio shack. They seem to have a pretty good deal on something every 3 to 4 months. You mentioned the Nascar scanner deal that was pretty sweet. But there are others. My local RS just blew-out their 200 channel basic base scanners (no trunking) for $39.99. By the time I saw it, the only one left around me was a floor model w/o cord or antannae, and being a kind of cheesy model I passed. RS is the only scanner retailer around that does the volume and product line to do any "deep" discounts. Your local mom and pop shop will not be able to (probably contractulary) sell beyond a certain discount anyways. If you are paying full price, support your mom n' pop radio shop.


As far as used stuff goes..... "good" old scanners are priced right along with the new ones for the most part and lack modern features. Hamfests or whatever are overpriced and whatever you manage to save on the purchase is lost in the parking/admission/travel, but deals can be found. Fleabay ranges from good deals to laughable prices. I would think that keeping an eye on the RR.com forums classified section would be a good place to look. Make an offer on something! The worst they can say is "no"


BTW, I am looking for an inexpensive desktop scanner with EXCELLENT sound, a good (preferably alpha) display, and self iluminating. I do not need trunking or digital either. I think I want a Uniden BC 890, 895, 898. (the big one with the VFO knob on it) but it does not have alpha tags.

 

[SAR923]

Keep an eye out for the Pro-137 (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2963186&y=11&x=13&retainProdsInSession=1). It's basically the same guts as the BR330T without trunk tracking. It has alpha tags, a big plus, and is a very sensitive radio, like the 330. You can use ARC137 to program it from your computer. If you already have the similar ARC program for the 330, you can probably copy and paste to set up the 137. The only downside is the lack of an attenuator adn no CTCSS/DCS. RS puts it on sale fairly frequently for $99.99 and it's probably about the best (and maybe the only) 1000 channel non-trunking radio that has alpha tags, Signal Stalker, and covers all the way up to 1300 MHz.

 

[RedPenguin]

Yea thanks....

Yea thanks everyone.

I will just have to keep an eye out for stuff.

I like to record different things, but with all the stuff in my area and probably any real area, it's hard to keep it all in one scanner.

I technically have two as my signature shows, but the BCT15 is the only one that can really record constantly because sometimes I just feel like whipping out the BR330T and taking it with me.

I figure, if I can get some cheaper scanners $40-$60 that possibly I can get more than one and have much more freedom with what I can listen to and record.

Even just one would be nice just to constantly try to find new frequencies and PL/DPL, etc.

EDIT: I've even considered, since I mainly need 453.xxx, that possibly I should get the AudioVOX Race FRS/GMRS radios (http://brookedist.com/HTMLCatalog/Buy-Audiovox GMRS7015RC.html) but I am not sure how they would record and if it's like my other AudioVOX radios, I have to rig it up to record from the Headphone jack and you end up with only one side (left or right not sure which) recording.

 

[SquierStrat]

you can pick up a brand new GRE psr 100 for $80 nowadays. i have found that to be the best "bang for your buck" scanner there is. very VERY sensitive, picks up the distant signals much better then my pro 83 could ever dream of, and the audio is just louder then hell. clear too, not distorted one bit

if 800mhz and trunking arent necessary, this is the scanner for you....

 

[PHOENIX_SCANNER]

I would say the PRO-162 is one of the best "basic" scanners going these days. Very sensitive, and great intermod rejection, with powerful sound.

 

[Raven95150]

You can find some good deals on Ebay, Craigslist, or at pawn shops if you have any in your area.

You might also consider using a handheld ham radio as a scanner. I mainly use my Yaesu VX-170 as a scanner for the VHF fire dispatch channels in my area. It receives much better than any handheld scanner I've had, and it's waterproof and darn near bulletproof. Only downside is that it doesn't scan as fast as a scanner. You would also have to make sure you don't TX with it if you aren't licensed.

 

[scanner99]

i have a bc95xlt if you want to trade. Mine is in great shape

 

[hoser147]

For the price range you are actually wanting to spend, there have been some pro 95s and 2067s on here in the FS forums. On a lower note I picked up some BC 7s for around 25 to 30 dollar range that worked good for me off ebay.

 

[RedPenguin]

I know this is an old thread....

I know this is an old thread that I'm bumping, but I started the old thread.

I just wanted to say, I'm going to go for the Pro-137, it's still the best deal, every other scanner that I looked at from the other companies for the same price, have NO alpha tag, some no PC control/programming, and most of all limit to 100/200 channels which is kinda annoying, this has 1000 channels.

Obviously, I don't listen to 100+ channels at once (if anything normally, I listen to 15 most at a time), but on a handheld nice to have different systems/channels for whatever area you are in.

Also, is there any free software that programs it, like my Uniden's have bcTool and FreeScan?

 

[SCPD]

Alright, I currently have a BR330T, which works great for me, except for the fact that I'm currently using it for new frequency and PL finding. Plus, with it being a tad expensive, I'm always inclined to be super careful with it.

Is there any cheap non-trucking scanners that one can get fairly reasonable? 800 nice but not required.

I guess, is there any scanner that's around the price range of someone if they were new in scanning?

I guess I got spoiled when I seen the Pro-84 with headphones for a non-bad price, though I ended up missing that deal.

Not only do I want a scanner like this for myself (to carry around with me and not really worry about) but I'm curious to find one for my friend who likes scanning, especially for hams, but can't really pay $200+ for the BR330T or BCT15. Or really even $100+.

I have an older pro 93 hand held will sell for $50 plus shipping

 

[jnewell]

Look for used pro-83 or bc-92 or 95. Really 3 versions of the same radio, but will do what you want including, 800 mhz. Austin

^^^ What he said.

 

[MaxMan1986]

Guys, please read the whole thread before replying to the original post. Based on his most recent post, I don't think RedPenguin is still interested in purchasing a scanner.

 

[raisindot]

Try your local Radio Shack. They usually have a couple leftover models hanging around that they might let you have on clearance.

For example, I recently bought a brand new Pro 528, just about all scanner frequencies including 800MHz, triple trunking, 1000 channels handheld for $50. The only thing it lacks is alpha tagging, which I can live without.

Suzie

 

[RedPenguin]

What he said....

Guys, please read the whole thread before replying to the original post. Based on his most recent post, I don't think RedPenguin is still interested in purchasing a scanner.

^^^ What MaxMan1986 said

Also, I am not getting the Pro-137 after all, actually the AudioVox GMRS7015RC FRS/GMRS/450-470MHZ scanner.

The Pro-137 doesn't seem a bad deal, but right now I need my money for other things, and really I just want a carry around scanner to listen to my college security while I am there or listen to local public safety during special events.

Basically everything in my area is 450-470MHZ so they will work great, plus I get two. Only cost me $40 with S&H.

Normal radio scanners are nice, but what always sucks is, it always seems no matter what antenna you try and use, they never seem to fit nicely in your pocket so that you don't have to hold it and no one has a reason to stare at you the whole time, LoL.

 

[rvictor]

^^^ What MaxMan1986 said

Also, I am not getting the Pro-137 after all, actually the AudioVox GMRS7015RC FRS/GMRS/450-470MHZ scanner.

The Pro-137 doesn't seem a bad deal, but right now I need my money for other things, and really I just want a carry around scanner to listen to my college security while I am there or listen to local public safety during special events.

Basically everything in my area is 450-470MHZ so they will work great, plus I get two. Only cost me $40 with S&H.

Normal radio scanners are nice, but what always sucks is, it always seems no matter what antenna you try and use, they never seem to fit nicely in your pocket so that you don't have to hold it and no one has a reason to stare at you the whole time, LoL.

The online reviews that I see seem to indicate that the scanner portion is intended for race fans where everyone you want to listen to is within sight. I hope these work for you, but I think, with all due respect, that you'll find that they aren't in the same league with the scanners you were considering earlier in this thread.

Dick

 

[RedPenguin]

Yes....

The online reviews that I see seem to indicate that the scanner portion is intended for race fans where everyone you want to listen to is within sight. I hope these work for you, but I think, with all due respect, that you'll find that they aren't in the same league with the scanners you were considering earlier in this thread.

Dick

You are completely right and I am canceling my order after seeing some more reviews and talk to some who had them already.

Not worth it.