I am looking at purchasing a scanner soon. How strong are the signals generally on dispatch radios? I am looking to buy as cheap as I can without sacrificing range. If I need to mount a huge antenna on my car, I may rethink it…maybe.
Dispatch radios will be spaced along lines such that the train crews (at least using the locomotive radio) are almost always able to contact the dispatcher, and vice versa. The antennas are often directional along the line, meaning that you will lose signal as you move away the tracks.
While there may be minor differences in scanners, they are pretty much the same across the board. It’s the antenna that can make the difference. Buy the best scanner that will do what you want it to do.
Whether you go on-line or visit a local communications dealer, get an antenna that is tuned for the band you want. Railroad communications are in the 160-161 Mhz area. It will be money well spent.
A typical base load antenna will be about 3 feet high (your results may vary). It will resemble a base loaded CB antenna, and mounted on your trunk, won’t attract much attention. A quarter wave “spike” is only 18" high and fairly unobtrusive, although not as good as a larger antenna. Many locomotives have just such an antenna. You don’t need a 10 foot monstrosity hanging off your bumper.
My standard caveat - be aware of scanner laws in your locality and state. Some places don’t cotton well to them.