Difference between revisions of "Program a Police Scanner"
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#*A frequency is the number you will need to program in your scanner to listen to the specific service provider you would like to hear. Since scanners work by radio waves, you can only receive signals from local frequencies, just as you can only listen to local radio stations that broadcast in your area. | #*A frequency is the number you will need to program in your scanner to listen to the specific service provider you would like to hear. Since scanners work by radio waves, you can only receive signals from local frequencies, just as you can only listen to local radio stations that broadcast in your area. | ||
#*To find local frequencies, search online for the information, or inquire at the retailer where you purchased your scanner. | #*To find local frequencies, search online for the information, or inquire at the retailer where you purchased your scanner. | ||
| − | #*You can also try www.radioreference.com, which is searchable by city. Once you've located your city, you can choose frequencies that you are interesting in receiving, which can include businesses, airports/aviation, utilities companies, news media, schools, and many other types of agencies.<ref>http://www.radioreference.com</ref> | + | #*You can also try www.radioreference.com, which is searchable by city. Once you've located your city, you can choose frequencies that you are interesting in receiving, which can include businesses, airports/aviation, utilities companies, news media, schools, and many other types of agencies.<ref name="rf1">http://www.radioreference.com</ref> |
#*If you're interested in national frequencies, check out www.dxing.com/scanfreq.htm, where you'll find a list of frequencies like the National Guard and the National Weather Service. | #*If you're interested in national frequencies, check out www.dxing.com/scanfreq.htm, where you'll find a list of frequencies like the National Guard and the National Weather Service. | ||
#*As you find frequencies you want to program into your scanner, write their reference numbers in a list. You'll need the list to be easily accessible as you program the scanner, so place the list where you can see it. | #*As you find frequencies you want to program into your scanner, write their reference numbers in a list. You'll need the list to be easily accessible as you program the scanner, so place the list where you can see it. | ||
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#Press the programming button. You may need to hold down the button briefly to activate the programming function. | #Press the programming button. You may need to hold down the button briefly to activate the programming function. | ||
#* Look at the top of the screen. On most models, you will see "CH" flashing on the display, to indicate it is ready to program a channel. | #* Look at the top of the screen. On most models, you will see "CH" flashing on the display, to indicate it is ready to program a channel. | ||
| − | #Insert the channel number. A channel is where you store your frequencies in order to easily access them when you need them. Think of it like the preset buttons on your car radio.<ref>http://www.advancedspecialties.net/radio-scanner-faq.htm</ref> | + | #Insert the channel number. A channel is where you store your frequencies in order to easily access them when you need them. Think of it like the preset buttons on your car radio.<ref name="rf2">http://www.advancedspecialties.net/radio-scanner-faq.htm</ref> |
#* The channel number is a 3-digit number used to store your frequencies. | #* The channel number is a 3-digit number used to store your frequencies. | ||
#Enter one of your frequency numbers. You should do this directly after you have entered your channel number, as this will locate that particular frequency within that particular channel. | #Enter one of your frequency numbers. You should do this directly after you have entered your channel number, as this will locate that particular frequency within that particular channel. | ||
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#*On the other hand, a tabletop model tends to have a higher quality, does not require batteries or charging, and can often hold more channels. | #*On the other hand, a tabletop model tends to have a higher quality, does not require batteries or charging, and can often hold more channels. | ||
#Know that most scanner models are similar. There are more and less expensive ones, but the difference is not in quality of sound but rather in the amount of frequencies you are able to program. | #Know that most scanner models are similar. There are more and less expensive ones, but the difference is not in quality of sound but rather in the amount of frequencies you are able to program. | ||
| − | #*If you are a beginning hobbyist, you probably don’t need hundreds of channel, but even the basic models usually have at least 200. But if you want to upgrade to a better model, a more expensive type is likely to hold more channels and frequencies.<ref | + | #*If you are a beginning hobbyist, you probably don’t need hundreds of channel, but even the basic models usually have at least 200. But if you want to upgrade to a better model, a more expensive type is likely to hold more channels and frequencies.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Know that the antenna matters as much as the model. Actually, it matters more. The size and placement of your antenna will determine the range of frequencies and their clarity. | #Know that the antenna matters as much as the model. Actually, it matters more. The size and placement of your antenna will determine the range of frequencies and their clarity. | ||
#*To upgrade an existing scanner, consider purchasing a longer or larger antenna or placing it higher. This can help you receive a clearer signal. | #*To upgrade an existing scanner, consider purchasing a longer or larger antenna or placing it higher. This can help you receive a clearer signal. | ||
