My parents want to get me a scanner as a graduation present but since we have never had one, they don’t know what to get. Are there ones that pick up radio from more different railroads than others or that have special features. Any explanation of how they work or what things you should look for when buying one would be very helpful.
Thanks,
emmar
With a few exceptions for industrial railroads and EOTs, all railroad communications can be heard on the slightly less than 100 AAR channels. Short of buying a two-way radio set up specifically for railroad frequencies, you’ll find that most scanners will serve the purpose well. In fact, in some cases the only difference between two brands of scanners is the name on the case - the innards are identical!
The secret is really in the antenna. The “rubber duck” that comes with a hand-held (pocket) scanner will suffice in most cases, but if you need to “reach out” further, you’ll be doing that with a better antenna. Most base-type scanners come with only a rudimentary antenna (if any at all) so you’ll have to have something else for decent reception.
That said, another question is what you plan to do with the radio (aside from listening to trains). If you need something to take trackside, a hand-held is the answer. If you want to use it in the car exclusively, a mobile type will be a better choice.
Do you plan to use it for other scanning? Emergency Services? Taxis? Drive-thrus (You want fries with that?)?. If so, do a little research as to what frequencies and technologies are in use so your scanner will pick them up. This is a key factor - if you don’t need trunking capability, don’t buy it - it is substantially more expensive!
All scanners can pick up the NWS broadcast sites (they either have a button for the purpose, or you can simply program them in), but some have the ability to handle the ‘SAME’ encoding that alerts you to severe weather in your area. Could be handy…
I always add the caveat to make sure you are aware of your state’s scanning laws. Some states don’t like scanners in vehicles, or even outside your home.
I was talking to a communications consultant for NS on Saturday who is doing studies on digital comms for the railroad. His distinct quote to me was, “In two years, every scanner will be obsolete”.
Erik
Indeed - Digital trunking is the wave of the future. You can get a digital scanner, but they are pricey. Even conventional simplex (which is what the railroads mostly use) is going digital in many areas.
The main reason that current scanners will soon be outmodes is the switch to narrowband FM. You may still be able to pick up some channels, but the audio will be low and you face the possibility of increased interference from adjacent channels.
ah man…I love my scanners. Have three set up in the house. Plus I listen to a web based scanner a hundred miles down the line (Ft Wayne).
So, what kind of equipment will be needed for the next generation and what will it run me?
ed