Portable scanner.

[rdamon]

Been playing with SDRs

https://www.rtl-sdr.com/

Havent taken it out in the field yet, but think it would work good on the laptop running ATCS.

You can get them on Amazon.

[IbanezGuiness]

I have the BC125AT myself and it is a fantastic handheld. I have a few motorola VHF radios I use in the vehicle as they have better sensitivity and selectivity. 

[tree68]

According to the manual (available on-line) the BC125AT runs from 2 to 4 mV sensitivity, depending on the band.  If on-line info about a scanner is not available (ie, in the ads), you may have to search out the manuals as you try comparing models.

Disclaimer - I have nothing to do with this site, but it does have some information about the various scanners available:  http://radio-scanner-guide.com/RadioScannerGuidePart6-ScannerModelsListedByCategory.htm

Another consideration is what else you plan to do with the scanner.  If you are sticking with just railroads, you'll be OK with a conventional analog scanner for now.  From what I've heard, the railroads will eventually go digital using NXDN.

If you want to listen to public safety, you may already need a digital scanner for your area.  And if you don't right now, you will eventually need a digital capable scanner at some point in the future.

For me, I have a commercial grade handheld I use for our tourist railroad.  I've also got pertinent local lines programmed there.  If I travel, I can reprogram my ham portables.

 

[tcwright973]

Mike

I have a BC125AT with a rubber duck antenna and it has met all my needs for a number of years.You can scan police, fire, aviation, railroad, & marine channels as well businesses. You can also tag your channels. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. And you can remove the antenna & it all fits in the glove box. 

[steve-in-kville]

I have my radio license and I have an older Yaesu dual-bander that I use for both rail and aviation scanning. I can program this with my laptop and keep various programs at the ready if I were to take a trip to a different area. I haven't used a scanner in years.

[mbinsewi]

Thanks for the great info Larry.  That J pole looks easy and interesting for my home antenna, and something I could carry in my truck, for attaching it to my ladder/lumber rack, while trackside.

Right now, I'm thinking about the Uniden BC125AT.  Nothing expensive.  I don't see anything about sensitivity in the specs.

Mike.

[tree68]

Presumably you mean for RR listening.

Look at the specs, specifically sensitivity.  Look for the lower numbers.

Higher price often denotes better quality, but refer to my previous statement.  

The standard (rubber duck) antennas are usually less than optimum.  Aftermarket antennas are available.  You won't regret the extra expense.  

If you will be using the scanner in a vehicle (subject to local scanner laws) consider a mag mount (or even permanent mount) antenna that is tuned to the RR band.

There are some relatively inexpensive transceivers available for amateur radio.  The key there is do not transmit unless you are properly licensed and/or authorized to do so on any given frequency.  

One nice feature about those radios is that you can usually program the display with alphanumerics, rather than just the frequency.  This can help you keep who you're listening to straight.

If you're going to listen at home, you can build an antenna out of 1/2" copper pipe for about $10, plus the cost of the coax necessary to go from the antenna to the radio.  The plans for the "j-pole" are available on-line.  Once you get it built, elevation is key - the higher the better.

Consider getting into amateur radio.  Getting started is easy - there are on-line study guides and local clubs often offer classes.  The test for the technician class will cost you around $15 (depending on who is giving the test - which will be available in your area, I'm sure).  After that, it's just what you want to spend on radios...

I've seen frequencies listed for amateur radio railroad enthusiasts, but they aren't hard and fast - you could easily use any available frequency or repeater. If you and your fellow railfans all get their license, you'll have a way to relay informaton about movements, etc.

[mbinsewi]

I need a new portable scanner.  Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Mike.