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So the big decision "Should I buy a Base, Mobile, or Handheld Scanner? " Ask yourself this...Do I wanna listen to my scanner on the road? If you answered yes then you should get a Handheld or Mobile Scanner. With a handheld scanner you can listen it on the go or listen it in your home also. The handheld scanners are what I like to call " A Multi-Purpose Scanner". You can use scanners anywhere if " The Law Permits"

--------BASE----------Mobile-------Handheld

Does your city police use trunking system (800mhz)? If you live in Polk County you wont need a special scanner called a "Trunking Scanner". All you will need is a basic scanner. If you live around the Atlanta area or wanna monitor the Atlanta area region you will need a Trunking Scanner to listen to police, fire, and other trafic.

How Many Channels Do I need? Easy answer....Dont get under 50 channel scanner. 100 to 200 channel scanner is fine. You wont use any more. They have 1000 channel scanners availabe now. But I can guarantee you that 1000 channels are a waste of money. You will maybe use 10% of the channels and you will loose alot of good info scanning thru the other 900 or so channels.

What Can I Afford?

Most 50 channel scanners cost from $75 to $150 new. Most 100 channels scanners cost from $100 to $200 new. Most 200 channel scanners cost from $150 to $350 new. Most trunking scanners cost from $200 to $400 new. There are some exceptions but this is a general guide. There are many newer scanners out there that have 500 channels or more. I would not suggest a new user to run out and purchase one of these before they know if this hobby is right for them. Buy a cheaper scanner and see if this is your cup of tea.

What other things do I need when getting a scanner?

No matter which scanner you choose, you will at some time want to get an outside antenna. Whether you're just listening to your local police or the police three counties away, an outside antenna will greatly improve the signal and pull in those noisy stations that you could barely hear with a rubber duck or whip antenna.

If you own a handheld scanner and dont want to put an outdoor antenna up then get this antenna from radioshack for around $13.00 ( Part Number-20-006A )

If you have a base scanner than I HIGHLY SUGGEST getting this antenna. It is the Radio Shack Outdoor Discone Antenna. Part Number:20-043. I have this one and I can pick up tons of stuff with little or no static. A must have for scanner owners! This antenna is good for general scanning for picking up local police radio or for picking up police in other counties!! You can get it at radio shack for $50-$75.

And also a good and wise investment is getting a Radio Shack Police Call frequency guide. 80% or more of my frequencies came from this book. A must have! You can get it your local Radio Shack for around $15. The book is updated yearly so pick up your copy each year for up-to date frequencies and info.

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