Scanners.
I’m looking for a portable scanner for my truck. Those of you with portable scanners out there, what wuold you reccomend. I have a BearCat 210xl w/ exernal (outside of house) anttena, but it is verry hard to transport. So… what would yall recommend?
I have a Uniden Bearcat BC60XLT1, and it’s very satisfactory. Built-in NiCd charger, good reception, and its 30 channels are more than enough for the area I railfan. I have it programmed with every frequency in use for 200 miles and it’s got 15 empty channels yet.
I think you often can find decent deals on “NASCAR” scanners, which offer the right frequency bands for railroading as well.
I have a Bearcat BC560XLT in the truck - runs on 12v, plenty of audio, external speaker jack, definitely needs an outside antenna. It’s an older model, though, so may be hard to find. It’s also an “installed” base or mobile scanner - no internal battery so taking it trackside with you will be a hassle.
Any pocket scanner will do. Most will run on an external power source (you may need an adapter for the vehicle). You’ll want an outside antenna there, too. All have an “earphone” jack that will support a small external speaker as well.
Don’t forget to check on local scanner laws for vehicles…