Finding the best radio scanner for car suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Best radio scanner for car
1. Uniden BC75XLT, 300-Channel Handheld Scanner, Public Safety, Police, Fire, Emergency, Marine, Auto Racing, Civil Air, Ham Radio, Railroad, CB Radio, NOAA Weather, and more. Compact Design.
Feature
300 channelsVhf low/high, uhf frequencies. Temporarily locked out channels are restored when you cycle power
Close call RF capture Technology with do Not disturb
Pc programming port & free software
Narrow band compatible
300 Channels: You can program up to 300 channels into the scanner's memory, 30 channels in each of 10 banks. Then, you can scan for transmissions on the stored channels
Close Call RF Capture Technology: Close Call automatically detects and tunes to nearby transmissions, even if the frequency isn't programmed into a channel
Runs on 2 AA alkaline or Simple USB charging allows you to recharge your scanner's batteries from a computer, or adapters for many wireless telephones
Narrowband Compliant: Properly tunes to channels using the Narrowband modulation now required for business and public safety operation
Ten Preprogrammed Service Search Bands: Easily search for frequencies typically used by Police, Fire/Emergency, Marine, Racing, Civil Air, Ham Radio, Railroad, CB Radio, Weather, and more
Refer user manual below.
Description
You can use the BC75XLT to monitor police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics), NOAA weather transmissions, business/industrial radio, utilities, marine and amateur (ham radio) bands, and air band transmissions. Of course, scanning the 32,000 available frequencies can be time-consuming and frustrating, which is why Uniden added such functions as Close Call capture technology, which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters to help you detect and identify local signals, and a comprehensive memory that holds up to 300 programmed channels. Receives conventional channels on the following frequencies: (25-54 MHz) (108 - 174 MHz) (406 - 512 MHz)2. Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner
Feature
Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help - Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scannerScan List-functionality allows you to arrange, group and scan objects according to your preference. Memory Backup - Frequencies remain stored in memory for an extended time even without batteries.
Free-Form Memory Organization - Allocation of memory dynamically and efficiently as it is needed. This differs from low cost and older scanners that had memory organized in rigid and wasteful memory banks
Skywarn Storm Spotter Function - Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks.
Digital AGC - Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems
Refer user manual below. Tune :Find new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency
Description
The WS1065 features Object Oriented programming which has often been regarded by users as easy to program and use. Virtual Scanner mode stores 21 various scanner configurations for a total storage capacity of over 38,000 scannable objects. Just as their lower end brother models, this offers a dedicated Skywarn button and Spectrum Sweeper. The WS1065 also ships with a unique in-dash DIN-E installation kit.3. Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
Feature
Follows communications on apco 25, Phase 1, Phase 2, x2-tdma, Motorola, edacs & ltr trunked systemsAdvanced dynamic memory system. Negative Channel dropout delay (forced resume) adjustable to -2, -5, -10 seconds
Close call RF capture Technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters
Gaps Compatibility. 25-512, 758-824, 849-869, 894-960 MHz coverage
25,000 dynamically allocated channels
Description
The uniden trunk tracker V handheld scanner makes it easy to tune in to the world around you. Featuring a dynamic memory system and infrared technology, this powerful device can turn your car into a safe space to keep track of weather and local events. With 25,000 channels and location-based scanning, this precision instrument is ideal for thorough and accurate scanning.4. Uniden BCD536HP HomePatrol Series Digital Phase 2 Base/Mobile Scanner with HPDB and Wi-Fi. Simple Programming, TrunkTracker V, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert. Covers USA and Canada.
Feature
Favorites List, System, and Department/Site Quick KeysEnhanced dynamic memory with narrowband reception and location-based scanning
Preemptive trunking priority and multi-site system support. Two-Tone Paging with up to 32 tone slots
S.A.M.E weather alert with USA/Canada radio database and fire tone-out alert
Close Call RF capture with 4GB of memory. Audio AGC
Description
Troubleshooting : Scan Mode, Nothing to Scan 1. Make sure you Set Your Location to scan the Database. 2. Make sure Favorites Lists are enabled in Set Scan Selection. 3. Make sure Service Types are enabled for the Channels you want to hear. 4. Make sure you have locations programed if Use Location Control is On. 5. Make sure longitude and latitude are N and W (for N America). 6. Make sure Systems/Departments/Channels are not Avoided. 7. Make sure Favorites List/System quick key is enabled. 8. (Search with Scan) Make sure Troubleshooting Search with Scan is enabled in Select Lists to Monitor and the Search for Menu and for the Custom Search. With Scanning Interrupted 1. Turn off Priority Scan. Change Priority Interval. 2. Turn off Close Call Priority. 3. Turn off Weather Priority. 4. Set Channel Delay longer. 5. Set positive Channel Delay. All Channels Out of Range 1. Increase your range. 2. Turn Location Control off for the Favorites List..5. Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Pre-programmed Service Search. Action Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather, and More.
Feature
300 channelsClose call RF capture Technology
Preprogrammed service search for police, fire, emergency services, marine, CB, aircraft & weather bands
Temporary lockout, Search lockouts. Power requirements DC 13.8V
Backlit Display, 100 ch/sec Scan Speed
Description
"The BC355N is an affordable, basic mobile scanner that's great for home or mobile use, with 300 storable channels, coverage of all the ""action"" bands, convenient features like ""close call"" and program lock, and a wealth of powering options for different applications. Receives conventional channels on the following frequencies: (25-54 MHz) (108-174 MHz) (225-380 MHz) (406-512 MHz) (806-956 MHz) (excluding cellular telephone bands) "6. Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) with 9,000 Channels, TrunkTracker III Technology, Base/Mobile Design, Close Call RF Capture Technology with Location-Based Scanning, - Black Color
Feature
Mobile BearTracker scanner with 9,000 Channels, advanced dynamic memory system, close call RF capture technology, and moreTrunkTracker III technology lets you can keep up with the action on Motorola, EDACS and LTR systems. Individual channel volume offset
Location-Based scanning automatically selects programmed systems based on your location when connected to a compatible GPS receiver
State-by-state preprogrammed channels for local police, DOT, and Highway Patrol frequencies when you travel, without having to program
100 system Quick Keys with 10-channel group Quick Keys per system; system/channel number tagging for rapid access.Continuous Band Coverage* - 25MHz to 1.3GHz Excluding UHF TV and Cellular
DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode - Instantly Detects and Displays the Subaudible Tone So You Can Quickly Determine the System Settings.
Description
"Uniden's BCT15X is an advanced, GPS-enabled scanner that comes equipped with room for up to 9000 channels and Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. Recieves conventional and the following types of analog trunked channels: Motorola Type I Motorola Type II Motorola Type IIi Hybrid Motorola Type II Smartnet Motorola Type II Smartzone Motorola Type II Smartzone Omnilink Motorola Type II VOC LTR Standard EDACS Standard (Wide) EDACS Narrowband (Narrow) EDACS Networked (Wide/Narrow) EDACS SCAT EDACS ESK On the following frequencies: (25-512 MHz) (758-960 MHz) (excluding cellular telephone bands) (1.24-1.3 GHz) "7. Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500 Alpha-Tagged channels, Public Safety, Police, Fire, Emergency, Marine, Military Aircraft, and Auto Racing Scanner, Lightweight Portable Design
Feature
Each of 500ch Can be Assigned an AlphaNumeric Name!Includes Both Civil & Military Aircraft Bands!
Close-Call RF Frequency Counter capture mode, CTCSS & DCS ( PL & DPL)!
10 Banks, Optional PC Programming w/ Included USB Cable & Free Software Available OnLine!
Built-In Auto Service Searches - Police, Fire, Ham, Marine, Air, RailRoads, & more!
Description
"The Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner has a feature called Close Call Technology. The Close Call RF Capture instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Close Call Do Not Disturb Mode prevents close call checks during a transmission. This radio is compact and features Weather Alert technology and is capable of attaching to civilian and military air bands.Receives conventional channels on the following frequencies: (25-54 MHz) (108-174 MHz) (225-380 MHz) (400-512 MHz) "8. Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2, Location-Based Scanning
Feature
Follows communications on apco 25, Phase 1, Phase 2, x2-tdma, Motorola, edacs & ltr trunked systemsAdvanced dynamic memory system
Close call RF capture Technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters
Gps Compatibility; 100 Quick Key System Access
25,000 dynamically allocated channels.Continuous Band Coverage - 25MHz to 1.3GHz Excluding UHF TV and Cellular
Description
The uniden trunk tracker V digital mobile scanner makes it easy to tune in to the world around you. Featuring a dynamic memory system and infrared technology, this powerful device can turn your car into a safe space to keep track of weather and local events. With 25,000 channels and location-based scanning, this precision instrument is ideal for thorough and accurate scanning.9. Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner (Black)
Feature
Lock-out Function - skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searchingTune - find new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency
Priority Channel - set the scanner to check one channel every two seconds while scanning
Scan Delay - delays scanning for two seconds before moving to another channel in order to hear replies
PC programmable - allows users to backup data, update database and program scanner directly from a PC
Description
The new scanner line opens with the WS1025. This 200 channel scanner features Data Cloning, PC updatable database capabilities, and dedicated Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality - provides instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. Monitor storm conditions as they occur, and become aware of dangerous conditions before the media or emergency management officials are able to announce them to the general public10. Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock with Snooze, Sleep, and FM Radio with Weather Alert, Search Bands Commonly used for Police, Fire/EMS, Aircraft, Radio, and Marine transmissions
Feature
Includes 500 channels in 10 Banks for scanning local public safety and other interesting frequencies.Easily search bands commonly used for Police, Fire/EMS, Aircraft, Amateur Radio, and Marine transmissions.
Built-in FM radio with 30 FM presets, lets you listen to your local radio stations.
Built in Alarm Clock lets you wake to your favorite FM station, a weather channel, or scanning. Also has Snooze and Sleep.
Weather Scan with Alert, listen to local weather conditions and be alerted when hazardous conditions arise.
Large clear LCD backlit display is easy to read at night.
The buttons are nicely laid out for ease of use, so there's no fumbling around in the dark.
