LiveATC Discussion Forums

Air Traffic Monitoring => Listener Forum => Topic started by: dotcomgirl on December 30, 2005, 06:48:05 AM

Title: Scanner advice
Post by: dotcomgirl on December 30, 2005, 06:48:05 AM: I know there are various other topics on "what scanner should I buy" throughout the forum, but I'd appreciate some personal advice.

I'm looking for a scanner that I can take with me when I go to the airport or use when I'm on campus or at home to listen to ATC transmissions (ERAU student, so I'm always right near the DAB airport). I don't care if it does anything else, so long as I can listen to half decent communications.

I don't know anything about scanners at all, but after browsing the forums here, I've been looking at ones from Radio Shack (the Pro-95, Pro-94, or a 200-channel compact handheld). Which of these (or any others) would you recommend?
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: PIT on December 30, 2005, 10:33:02 AM: how much are you looking to spend?
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: dotcomgirl on December 30, 2005, 03:11:42 PM: Between $100-$200 or so.
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: stealth71 on December 30, 2005, 04:41:59 PM: I really don't think you can go wrong with any Radio Shack scanner. I've owned several, beat the heck out of them, dropped them, got them wet, and they kept going. If you ever need a new power adapter or antenna, you can always get it at their stores. Of course, if you Ebay, definitely look there. You can often find a great radio for $50 or so.
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: MIAMIATC on December 30, 2005, 08:02:14 PM: PRO-95
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: PHL Approach on December 30, 2005, 09:29:11 PM: Last I've seen, the Pro-95 was discontinued over the summer. You might be able to get overstocked ones at Radioshack or on eBay.
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: smithmi on December 30, 2005, 10:03:49 PM: I know this might not be what you were looking. for but I'll post it.

PRO-2054 300-Channel Mobile/Desktop Scanner

for $100 found its at radioshack.com

Hope it helps
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: PIT on December 30, 2005, 11:29:53 PM: http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=pro-2052
i just bought two of these. works very well. i think its better THAN THE 2054
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: FlyCMI on December 31, 2005, 12:07:55 AM: I can say that radioshack ones are very durable too. I have dropped mine on concrete several times and I accidently gave it an electrical surge, but it still works.
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: Scrapper on December 31, 2005, 12:28:14 AM: don't discount the uniden's... the one I have was fairly expensive, but they have some bearcat's that cover the entire air frequency range for right in your price range...
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: Tomato on January 03, 2006, 03:51:47 PM: If you want to get a scanner for listening to AIR communications only, you don't need anything fancy (though it's nice to have extra features like weather and trunking for police/etc).

I just picked up a PRO-89 off eBay (~$40 + ship) and it works really well. Here is what I looked out for when I was buying:

* Reviews online are always helpful, such as eHam.net
* AIR frequencies are required (108-136MHz) - some don't have it!
* Portable... for me this meant handheld
* Power... I wanted an AC adapter included (w/ battery option)

Detachable/Removable antennas are pretty standard with the BNC connector.

If you're at the airport observing, you should be fine. If you're further away, an external antenna is recommended. There are many other threads on antennas. Goodluck and have fun! :)
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: PIT on January 03, 2006, 03:58:40 PM: thats what i use to use on the PIT feed. i dont know what i did to that thing but reception on that is so poor. the reception at the airport is poor to but, idk???
Title: Scanner advice
Post by: Tomato on January 03, 2006, 04:14:28 PM: Reception for me so far has been alright... it gets fuzzy when you're further away, but that's a given. Any specific problems I can try and recreate?