Starter scanner

[J-fro]

So with starting any new hobby, there's always the question whether to buy something pretty nice in the first place, or to start cheap. I live in Northern California (Butte county/Chico), and will mostly be listening to local law and fire, and maybe CHP. Also CalFire during wildfires.
I'd like a handheld, because I may not be in my truck or house while listening.
Another good starting point would be budget, although subject to change, about $200.

How is the antenna reception on a handheld device inside vehicles or structures?

I wish I knew where to start so I didn't have to bother you all with my newb-ness but at least if I could get a push in the right direction I would much appreciate it. I tried searching through the new-guy threads but even there I don't know where to go.

As far as experience with radios, I do have a CB radio in my truck but not many people I know have one, (only 19) so I occasionally just listen through the nonsense. Some funny stuff in there.

Thank you, your time and input is greatly appreciated,
-Jordan

 

[Rt169Radio]

Hi and welcome to RadioReference,

Well it looks like your county is not analog or digital trunked, so you would be able to listen with a regular scanner. Here is a list of the current handheld scanners.

https://www.scannermaster.com/Portable_Scanners_s/15.htm

Now signal reception with a handheld antenna inside vehicles or structures is alot less then what you would get with a outside antenna like a mobile or base antenna.

If you get a handheld scanner I would recommend getting a case for it.

https://www.scannermaster.com/Carrying_Cases_s/41.htm

 

[russellmaher]

Hello Jordan and welcome to RR. Post #2 has two very good links for you to check out.

Russell

 

[SCPD]

New To The Hobby

Jordon--Hi and welcome to this club. I would reccomend a Uniden Bearcat AT-125 for a handheld since the other member said there is no trunking in your area but do get a carrying case because if you drop it..bye bye. The AT-125 is a great new product from Uniden and if you want to hear more about it..please email me back here. I have been into this hobby since 1977 but the new trunking scanners are very hard to set up without software. The unit I mentioned is easy. Also, the other memeber may not be aware but the Uniden BC-355C is discontinued and is now the BC-355N for narrow banding capability which that new handheld has.
Have a nice evening.

Bob

 

[J-fro]

Awesome -thanks guys

Is it a pretty common thing for these units to have a headphone jack?

And how common are digital signals? Incase I stray from my usual listening area, would it be worth it to shell out for a digital unit?

 

[Rt169Radio]

Yes, most-if not all handheld scanners have a headphone jack. Digital radio systems are becoming more common so if you have the ability to get a digital scanner I would go for it. Some states/countys etc. have more digital radio systems then other states and countys.

 

[J-fro]

Well, I bought me a BC125AT. This thing is awesome, now I just have to figure out the features. I've got a selection of local channels plugged in.
When I listen to the feed from RR.com, it is combined police and fire, while the actual dispatch frequencies are different. How can I get my scanner to monitor both so when fire gets a call ill know without manually switching over?
And can I get it to scan through just a list of frequencies I've set instead of the entire bank?

 

[AC2OY]

Hi Jordon what you probably do is plug all the fire frequencies into one list or bank and the police into another so it whips through what you want to hear quicker! If you have a favorites list which I'm sure it does put them in there for any fast action!! Have fun!!!