I’m a relatively new railfan, and am thinking about getting my first scanner. Anyone know which handheld scanners are best for railfanning, or where I can get information about handheld scanners and what they do? Thanks for your help.
See “scanners, what is the best model” last updated 7-20 on this forum discussion list.
I have a Radio Shack 10-channel scanner which I bought six years ago and I’ve found it to be very reliable and tough. I also have a 20-channel Bearcat pocket scanner which is okay but doesn’t have the range that the Radio Shack one does.The website at radioshack.com has good specifications on the models they carry.
I just recently found several scanner clubs in YAHOO clubs, some are geared towards Railfan scanner users, some are more general in nature. There is no charge to join the YAHOO clubs, but you do have to register. After registering, just search “Radio Scanners” and a bunch of clubs come up. Ron.
I have a Radio Shack PRO-75 that I got for half price (99.00). It has 200 channels. It is the only scanner I have ever had, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I like it. The rechargeable battery pack lasts at least four hours on a full charge, probably more (I haven’t timed it). The 200 channels are nice since I can program in all 97 railroad channels and still have room to allocate channel banks (there are 10 banks of 20) to railroad operations in a certain area.
I have an old Radio Shack Pro 32 that I bought in the late '80’s. It has served me well over the years. I had dropped it numerous (!) times on the tracks, had it out in snow, rain, heat…and it has finally decieded to slowly die on me. It’s amazing it lasted that long.
Late last year I bought a Pro 92. I like the smaller size and it seems to work well. It’s been out for a 100 hours already with me.
The only thing about Radio Shack is that everything else is extra. It doesn’t come with a case or charger or batteries. Still, they are the only ones I’ve ever had and I do enjoy them.
Also, I picked up a lapel speaker that is great for when I use my video camera. It helps get the chatter closer to the mike on the camera!
John
I have both Radio Shack and Uniden scanners and would not hesitate to recommend either brand. However, most Uniden scanners are well packaged with batteries, charger, mobile cord etc., while as mentioned above, Radio Shack brand’s “extras” do add up. Keep this in mind when comparing prices. Ron.
Thanks for the help, guys. As it turns out, I went with the Radio Shack Pro-79. So far so good.