WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Was planning to buy my first scanner, though i dont know anything about them and therefore dont know what one to buy. I live near a raaf base and (if legal??) would like to hear them, as well as emergency(police/fire/ambulance) and rail, and pretty much everything there is to listen to. Is there a scanner that picks up everyone and everything? Preferrably a mobile hand held unit. Thanx.

Questionable wrote:Was planning to buy my first scanner, though i dont know anything about them and therefore dont know what one to buy. I live near a raaf base and (if legal??) would like to hear them, as well as emergency(police/fire/ambulance) and rail, and pretty much everything there is to listen to. Is there a scanner that picks up everyone and everything? Preferrably a mobile hand held unit. Thanx.

Hi questionable.

I've always found Uniden scanners to be ok. Most scanners, even cheap ones such as the UBC72XLT should cover the frequencies you're after.

A few people have written reviews of their scanner in this section. Check em out

so do all scanners receive everything to listen to? Or will some not tune in certain frequencys?

Questionable wrote:so do all scanners receive everything to listen to? Or will some not tune in certain frequencys?

Most don't receive everything possible. For example, most scanners don't cover shortwave (frequencies less than 30Mhz). The antennas required for shortwave are larger so most people have a dedicated receiver for it, anyway.

I'd start out with a simple scanner, and get a decent outdoor antenna to go with it. The built-in "rubber duckie" antennas are hopeless

Gavin.

Forgive me if im a little slow on the uptake, but im thinking of getting the Uniden 92XLT VHF/UHF handheld scanner. Will this pick up, police/fire/ambulance, as well as RAAF(Defence) and Rail, and most things? And will it get cb/walkie talkies and things like that?
Moreover, is there anthing in specific it WONT get to prevent me from buying it?

Questionable wrote:Uniden 92XLT VHF/UHF handheld scanner. Will this pick up, police/fire/ambulance, and Rail

Yes. (Police until they go to encrypted digital next year)

as well as RAAF(Defence)

You'll receive many, but not all the RAAF freqs. RAAF use frequencies from HF (3-30Mhz), through UHF/VHF (the coverage range of the scanner), past UHF, into Microwave (which use specialised antennas, anyway)

You'll certainly receive the main VHF airband freqs, though.

And will it get cb/walkie talkies and things like that?

There are two types of CB - one at 27Mhz which the 92XLT won't receive, and one at 477Mhz, which it will.

OK Thanx Mate!!

One last question though....

What Handheld Scanner or even car based (just not house) Scanner can i purchase to tune into all the RAAF Frequencies, or is this not possible?

Oh.. and is $300 a good price for the 92XLT, or is there a better alternative for that price?(if i cant get/afford one that picks up all RAAF frequencies)

Questionable wrote:OK Thanx Mate!!

One last question though....

What Handheld Scanner or even car based (just not house) Scanner can i purchase to tune into all the RAAF Frequencies, or is this not possible?

Oh.. and is $300 a good price for the 92XLT, or is there a better alternative for that price?(if i cant get/afford one that picks up all RAAF frequencies)

Generally not possible to receive everything. I'd get a 92XLT and if you like what you hear, get a dedicated receiver for HF (you'll need a longish outdoor antenna)

$269 with free delivery from Prestige:

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/default.a ... openmenu=6

A dedicated reciever for HF??? Like What exactly, sorry but its best u dont leave too much to my imagination as i dont have one lol. Can you recomend one? Or give an example, my google searches are coming up empty handed. Are these hand held?(would prefer hand held)
And incase it makes a difference i should mention im not in WA. Im over on the East Coast of NSW

I think you're after a 'wide band receiver'. These scanners pick up 'most things'. Generally $300+

Just remember, that if you're new to scanning you should get a cheapie to see if you like it. There's no use spending $500 on a scanner with features you'll never use.