Each scanner make and model is set up a bit differently, so it’s a good idea to follow individual directions.
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. 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. [1] X Research source 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.
Because you have not yet programmed any local frequencies, don’t be surprised if you only hear white noise. This is totally normal.
This button may be located in a variety of places on different scanner models. Ask your retailer to show you the location if it is difficult to find, or look at your user manual.
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.
The channel number is a 3-digit number used to store your frequencies.
The frequency number is usually five or six digits long and contains a decimal point. Use the numeric keypad to enter the digits. For example, if your number is 123. 456, you will press the keys in that order: 1-2-3-decimal-4-5-6. You can organize the channels and their frequencies as you like, but one method is to use a particular channel for emergency agencies like police, fire, etc. ; another channel for local news media; another channel for utilities companies; etc. Keep a running list of where you put everything to make it easier to find later.
Now the frequency you entered is in that channel.
After entering the MAN, 110, MAN sequence, your channel and frequency should appear. Re-program the scanner if the test was unsuccessful by using the same process. Repeat the process with all frequencies you would like programmed in your scanner until you have the frequencies organized among the channels to your liking. When you are finished programming the scanner, hit your programming button (“Prog” or “PGM”) again to exit programming mode.
You will also need to connect the antenna. Use the time while the scanner is charging to locate and write your list of frequencies, as you would if you were programming a base model.
After you hit “Manual,” enter the channel number you wish to use, followed by “Manual” again. Alternately, if you do not have a list of frequencies or just want to explore a bit, you can hit the “SCAN” button and the scanner will scan available frequencies.
The frequency number is five or six digits and contains a decimal point. Use the numeric keypad to enter the digits. For example, if your number is 123. 456, you will press the keys in that order: 1-2-3-decimal-4-5-6.
When the display flashes, you will know you’ve successfully stored that frequency. If the scanner does not flash but instead beeps, it means you’ve already entered that frequency elsewhere (either in the same or a different channel). You can hit “Enter” again to go ahead and store it a second time.
You might prefer something that is portable like a walkie-talkie if you plan to use it at work, in the car, or away from a particular room or location. 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.
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. [3] X Research source
To upgrade an existing scanner, consider purchasing a longer or larger antenna or placing it higher. This can help you receive a clearer signal.
Check out www. advancedspecialties. net/scannercomp. htm, which has charts that compare the most popular manufacturers. For even more detailed charts, check out www. wiki. radioreference. com/index. php/Digital_Scanner_Comparison_Chart.
