kc8qln said:
Ok, here's my question.
For those that have more than 1 handheld or base unit, what is the strategy for having more than 1 scanner on at 1 time?
The ideal is to have one radio per channel or talk group that you want to listen to. That is the only way you won't miss some percentage of what's happening. So, anything less than that is a compromise. It's a matter of how much activity you don't mind missing.
I have a minimum of 20 scanners running 24/7 in my den. I also have one in the living room and one in the kitchen so I can follow events as I move around the house. I even have one mounted on my tractor with a fixed antenna and GaAs Fet preamp. It helps pass the time while I'm mowing.
Talking only conventional frequencies for example, I would rather have 30 scanners with 10 channels each than only one scanner with 300 channels. It's amazing how much you're missing otherwise.
For example, if there's a major accident in my area, I'll hear the PD's on one or more scanners, the Fire Dept. on another, EMS on another, and Medevac helicopters on another all at the same time. If I weren't monitoring on so many scanners, I would only hear snippets of various conversations rather than the whole event.
You might want to try a test if you have two scanners. Lock one on your most desired frequency for a few evenings. And on the second scanner scan everything including your most desired frequency. I think you'll be surprised at how much you're missing using just one scanner.
Around 20 years ago a friend of mine asked why I had more than one scanner. We talked about it for a while and as we talked I could see the light come on. He now has around 30 scanners of his own and carries three handhelds everywhere he goes. Every once in a while I ask him why he needs more than one scanner and we both get a big laugh over it.