Analogrules
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Is there currently a Baofeng radio that can also perform as a regular analog police scanner? Meaning lock-out functions and ability to scan quickly?
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UV-5R as a scanner?
- Thread starter Analogrules
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Post moved to its own thread.
nd5y
Member
No. The scan speed is 3 channels per second and you can only add or remove channels to the scan list by using programming software.
KK4TTR
Member
My UV-B5 works acceptably well scanning in VRO and FREQ modes. In fact, it's one of the things I like about it. However, getting it to scan outside the ham bands will likely require a mod.
Consider a Yaesu VX6R instead. Much faster scan rate, excellent sensitivity, and multiband as well. Also milspec = built like a brick.
73,
n9zas
The Baofengs will scan any frequency in their operating range (136-174MHz, 400-520MHz) with equal ease. There is no mod needed because they come wide open from the factory.
The downside is that they only scan 3 channels per second, and only receive analog FM. But if you only need to scan a small number of FM frequencies, it's easy to program the Baofengs to scan only specific channels and skip others (such as NOAA weather frequencies). They aren't a serious competitor for a dedicated scanner, but can work OK for some basic scanning tasks.
My UV-B5 has most of the memory channels programmed with frequencies that are outside of the ham bands (TX inhibited), has never been modded in any way and scans these frequencies just fine.
Scanning may be ever-so-slightly faster than other Baofeng/Pofung radio models, but it still doesn't compare with a "real " scanner. Adding or removing a channel from "scan list" (lock-out functions) requires a computer, a programming cable and software.
Don't get me wrong. I use the "scan" feature of my Baofeng/Pufung and Wouxun radios regularly. It suits my needs fine. But there is currently no Baofeng radio that will "perform as a regular analog police scanner" (specifically the fast scanning and lock-out functions indicated in the original request).
Jim KC9HI
Fyi - If you're stuck with any of the "chinabrand" radios for scanning, consider entering your favorite frequencies multiple times in the radio. This can compensate for the slow scan rate when you have priority channels you don't want to miss traffic on. :wink:
73,
n9zas
73,
n9zas
Terrible as a scanner. Keyboard lockouts are not possible. Plus, the scanning speed is terrible. Also, many public safety agencies use 800 Mhz trunking and/or digital. Buy 2 rtl-sdr dongles for the same price, download and install free software. Configure it, and off you go. Listening to a system with my setup as I type.
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