[shan mann]

Hey eveyone!

Sorry if I post this in the wrong area, but I am thinking of purchasing a Police Scanner. I would like to puchase a scanner that can be small enough to be mounted in my glove box and that can pick up surrounding police radar and such.

I did some research and found that the Uniden BCT8 Scanner is one of the best options at under 200.

Has anyone had any experiences with any type of police scanner?

-Shawn

[Sleeper in Seattle]

hey Shawn,

I started a post on another forum - here's the link: Laser Jammers??????? Other counter measures????? - NASIOC

There's some good info in there... I haven't read it in a while, but I think you want one that can channel hop, and auto scans.

Hope that helps!

My set up will eventually include a police scanner, Laser Interceptor Laser jammer with two heads front and two in the rear, and a valentine 1

That should help!

[shan mann]

Thanks for the link. Lot of humor in that thread lol
The BCT8 does have Auto Scan. It will also give you a 3mi. alert on upcomming patrol cars.

I feel like a police scanner will be perfect for my V1.

Anyone have anyother thought/suggestions/criticizisms/etc..?

[Mexitr0n]

Hey Shann_mann,

Frequency scanners are the absolute coolest things. I have every police rampart frequency, fire dept, marine patrol, airport security, university police programmed in there.

All the frequencies are online but theres something you should keep in mind. Monitoring such frequencies is a grey area within the law so you should double check them for your area.

I'm rocking the pro-94 from radio shack which can scan 100 freq's per second.

I hear some of the gnariest things happening in real life on that radio.

Have fun!

[shan mann]

Thank for the info Cho!

I was also looking into the pro-94. Seeing how it can be easily purhcased through radio shack unlike the BCT8 (not sold by radio shack). Ill definately look into it

[Mexitr0n]

I will warn you with one thing. If you get pulled over and a cop sees the scanner he/she won't be impressed and you'll have to explain quickly why they hear their homies catching bad guys over the speaker.

I keep my scanner at home because when you live in Long Beach and you hear that helicopter you want to know whats up.

Have fun man.

[bue car]

Subscribed!

[shan mann]

I figure I can do a stealthy install in the glove box. I didn't want to get a portable one though but it does seem more practical.

The reason I would like a scanner is to avoid getting pulled over lol

[Mexitr0n]

You could definitely bust a stealth install with a smaller scanner. The Pro-94 is old and kinda large but does have an ac adapter. I've found the batteries last forever though.

If you search on ebay you can find some cool, small but functional scanners that have the same capability to scan hundreds of freqs like the 94.

You have me thinking. You could get a power inverter, plug it into the cig lighter, and wire it behind the dash to the glove box. You could also install a stealth "gain antenna" in the head liner and call it a day.

You should hear some of these ham radio goons. They are crazy!

[WRXSTi0487]

I have a radio shack scanner and honestly only advice I have to offer is make 100% sure you know the laws on scanner use of every state you will have your scanner in....I sat in the back of a cop car in Florida for over an hour as the cop explained the law to me in Florida...I live in Alabama where it is perfectly legal to have one in your car but in Florida it is illegal.

I have been searched one other time in Florida...(pulled over for running a redlight that was actually green...lol) and the cop found my scanner under my seat not in use or anything and had a huge lecture with me.

They are very fun to have but like I have said make sure you are clear on the laws before you carry one. And if you get searched they will be very very unhappy about a mounted one in your glove box.

[USNSTI]

In California it is legal to use a scanner in your car or anywhere. It becomes illegal to use during the commision of a crime. Not sure how the letter of the law is written but I wouldn't use one if you plan on doing anything worse than simple speeding. Even then they might get you. Be careful out there.

[STI-DMNHNTR]

its a good thing im in paramedic school and work for AMR, having a scanner or fire radio for that matter doesnt make the s o out here second guess me haha

[amg destroyer]

BCT-8 is the way to go IMO. However, there are a couple downfalls. First, the size - this goes without saying. It is quite large, but I'm sure you could figure out how to hide it with some enginuity. Secondly, AFAIK, it does not decode encrypted frequencies (e.g. my local PD).

However, for long road trips on the open road, I'm sure it is quite useful. Not only can you tune into what the cops are saying and where they are, but also what the truckers are saying. Once you learn to "decode" their messages, you are golden.

Regarding the legal side of things, it IS legal to have a scanner in your car. The only time it becomes illegal is when you use it to aid a felony. And generally speaking, speeding is not a felony

[lucidmedia]

Originally Posted by amg destroyer

Regarding the legal side of things, it IS legal to have a scanner in your car. The only time it becomes illegal is when you use it to aid a felony. And generally speaking, speeding is not a felony

well, it is if you do it right!

[Peleg]

Anyone wire theirs to the car's speaker system?