Scanners, what is the best model?

[Anonymous]

I would like to purchase the best hand-held scanner available as far as reception range and features are concerned. What would be the best choice and what sort of distances could I expect in flat terrain?

Thanks, Robert

[Anonymous]

First off check the topic on "Max scanner range". I have 2 handheld scanners. First is a Uniden BC100XT about 10 years old and have had very good luck with it, and would not hesitate to recommend Uniden to anyone. About a year and a half ago it seemed to be getting weak as far as reception went. It just wasn't pulling in the signal like it used to. I replaced the battery pack & charger which helped some, but I came to the conclusion that it had finally worn out. It still works well enough that I use it as a knockaround unit when out in the yard etc. I found a sale on a Radio Shack "Pro-92" 500 channel handheld that has also been a very good scanner. I don't need 500 channels, but it enabled me to better break down my channels into "banks" that allow me to lock out certain groups of channels, and it is the first scanner I've had with 800mhz capability. Weather you buy locally or by mailorder, Uniden scanners are usually sold in pretty complete packages that contain battery, chargers, etc. On the other hand Radio Shack prices tend to include a box with a scanner, period. Batteries, chargers, vehicle power cord etc. will be extra. So when comparing models, check beyond the price, and if necessary figure any extras into the final cost.

[Anonymous]

I have a Radio Shack Pro 32 handheld scanner that has finally decieded to slowly die on me after 12 years of being out in the rain, snow, heat, cold, etc. I've dropped it more times on the tracks than one can imagine. (Trust me, it still recives well, but certain functions are kaput.) It's a real vet indeed. I've always been satisfied with it and recently have replaced it with a handheld Pro 91. I like it as it fit my price range and it works as well as the scanners I've heard in switchtowers and in MOW trucks, etc. I'm ok with Radio Shack as you can tell. But I'm not an authority on scanners. As in the previous reply, yes they do hit you up for extras. I really dislike not getting a case with their scanners.

[Anonymous]

I am an over the road truck driver who is also a railfan. I use a Radio Shack Pro-91 with a 2' external antenna mounted on my truck. I also use a car adapter (12V) so i don't use internal batteries when driving. Terrain has a lot to do with range, but out in the west I can usually hear crews talk at 5-10 miles, detectors at about 15 miles. M-o-W crews usually talk on PBX so you can hear them 25-30 miles away. In the east, the distances are about half that. I notice the crew responses to detectors can only be heard if i am only a couple miles away. Any external antenna will definitely increase you range and a dedicated scanner antenna works best.

[Anonymous]

I have a Radio Shack 10-channel handheld and found it do be very reliable. I have some rechargeable batteries that I use with it and get good performance out of them.