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  1. #1
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    USA
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    645

    Default How do you increase your handheld scanner range?

    I have a realistic scanner pro 38. I was wondering if there is a way to increase the range? Or maybe I just need a new one...

    One other thing, why do you always have to program the freq.? Why can't you just scan EVERY freq. automatically?

  2. #2
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    619

    Default

    The only way to increase the range is to get a new antenna. Are you using this mostly mobile or in a fixed location? What bands do you primarily listen to? These constitute what antenna you should get.

    The best mobile antenna I have found is the Valor PMM3B for the range of 100-1300Mhz. The Valor is really really good in UHF. Again, depends what you are looking for. If you are interested in CB and low band, check out Wilson. You will have to get an adapter however, post back here before you purchase an antenna and I can direct you to what connectors you might also need.

    You can "search" and find the frequencies yourself, but there are too many. It would take a long time to find, and figure out what they are.

    It's much better to enter a list of frequencies which you know what they belong to, then "scan".

  3. #3
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    USA
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    Default

    It's the stock antenna.

    It's like 6-8 inches tall.

    I have like the PD counties around me and a few Fire and Ambulance freqs.

    I'll give you an example:

    160.230

    I'm a noob at scanners cbs and understanding freqs.

  4. #4
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    619

    Default

    160's is pretty low I would look for a "scanner antenna" that starts under 100 and covers up to about 1000. I think the Valor PMM3B in this case wouldn't be a very good option even though it supports as low as 100Mhz. It's more suited for 400-800Mhz operation.

    The lower the frequency, the taller the antenna you will need. I would expect something to be around 20 inches. You should check for something in the range of 50-1000Mhz.

    The key is:
    The MAIN frequencies that you listen to should be in the MIDDLE of the antenna's range for the best performance.

  5. #5
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    USA
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    Default

    Well,

    My scanner can only input 6 numbers as a freq. I can't put in like the FBI's radio's or trunk radio's because they have like 7 or 8 numbers.

    I wish I knew how far my scanner goes. It goes at least 3 miles I believe.

    I guess I should only buy a new scanner if I REALLY have to.

  6. #6
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Boston, MA
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    619

    Default

    You usually only need 6 numbers in a frequency, you can ignore the last 0.

    If you are doing a trunked system, you just have to enter the trunked frequency and then you can either search for ID's or input the ID's.

    You're probably mistaking an ID for a frequency, but your scanner probably doesn't support trunked systems. I'm not familar with the Pro 38 but it sounds really old.

  7. #7
    Speed Demon
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    USA
    Posts
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    Default

    I probably am.

    All I know is that it works and I like it haha. I was contemplating whether or not to buy a better one (maybe there are features I would use). So far, it doesn't seem necessary.

    The most I'd do would be to buy a new antenna (I don't see how I would do that either since it's hand held and the stock one is pretty big).

    Hehe, I'm getting ahead of myself :P.

    I'll just buy the Pro 97 if I still want to upgrade after I get all the other equipment. I'll be sure to PM you though if I need anymore help.


    Thanks

  8. #8
    Good Citizen
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    COPPELL, TX
    Posts
    147

    Default

    I used to have a pro-38.
    29-512 mhz.
    Do a web search for your local city police frequencies.
    Most police dept have gone to 800mhz bands.
    I had it hooked up to a discone antenna on a 40ft. tower.
    Still have the tower but not the scanner anymore.
    I got good reception on it.

 

 

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