Worth it to get scanner for close calls (SQ)?

[Rollingsound514]

Not sure if this is even possible if they've gone digital (COMPLETE AND UTTER NOOB HERE), but, is it possible to set something up so as to get close calls for SQ... we aren't allowed radar/laser detectors here obviously so I thought this might help someone I know.

Thank you in advance.

 

[plaws]

Not sure if this is even possible if they've gone digital (COMPLETE AND UTTER NOOB HERE), but, is it possible to set something up so as to get close calls for SQ... we aren't allowed radar/laser detectors here obviously so I thought this might help someone I know.

Thank you in advance.

In general, scanners are a terrible way to avoid speeding tickets (or to avoid capture for other, more serious, violations).

The reason being that cops (SQ or anyone else) rarely get on the radio and say "Attention! Attention! Nous sommes à l'angle des rues Peel et Sainte-Catherine exécutant un contrôle de vitesse!"

Crappy google translation aside, about the only time you can figure out that there is a speed trap ahead is when they use aircraft and announce the type of car, the lane, and the speed and that's only if they are busy and making lots of announcements. I don't even know if the SQ does aerial enforcement but even if they do, by the time you hear them and figure out what's going on, at a mile a minute (60 mph) you're probably caught or past it.

Will close-call let you hear an SQ car if you are near it? Yes, not all channels are digital. But close-call picks up everything, not just the SQ.

Just not a reliable a way to avoid tickets. Also, from what I saw on a recent trip, you'll need a LIDAR detector.

 

[VE2ZPS]

The Close Call function will not be efficient for this purpose considering its extremely short capture range, by the time you hear anything it will be too late.
Simplex A or B are normally used for such operation, program them and if you start hearing something that becomes clearer as you are driving, there is a good probability that you are heading into such operation (especially on the Highway) . Simplex will easily give you a 3-8 km advance warning (depending on conditions) while with Close Call, you'll already be "Under the radar".
Note: don't program any CTCSS as they are using different Tone.

 

[W8RMH]

Even if you were clocked and the officer called ahead to a chase car, you were already clocked, so hearing this would be of no benefit to you, except to permit you to pull over earlier. Also you may be the first offender for a while so you may not hear any simplex traffic at all until it is too late.

If detectors are prohibited in your area you can bet that it is probably unlawful to use a scanner to thwart the law as well.

I monitor the PD traffic channels along with dispatch and occasionally hear them calling speed and distance and vehicle descriptions, or talking to an aircraft, but even then the location is rarely noted. Best advice, for that person you know, don't speed.

 

[VE2ZPS]

Hi W8RMH,

Your comment and suggestion (not to speed) are perfect !

The point I wanted to make was that recommending using Close Call for this purpose was not appropriate. I spend a lot of my time driving on the highway and I never exceed the speed limit (plus the small margin "tolerated" here in Québec) so I don't need and have never used any form of radar detector.

However, since radio is my hobby, I always keep one on these frequencies and when I do start hearing some transmissions (getting clearer) 60-75% of the time, I suddendly see them in operation 2-5 km ahead.

73'

Note: I do NOT recommend speeding and/or using any illegal device for such detection.