Police scanners have come a long way since their inception. The first police scanner was introduced in 1947 and was used to monitor local police and fire departments. Today, digital police scanners are more advanced, portable, and user-friendly. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best digital police scanner on the market.
History of Police Scanners
Police scanners were initially used by hobbyists who wanted to listen in on local police communications. In the early days, scanners used crystals to tune in to specific frequencies. However, with the advent of digital technology, these scanners became more advanced and can now tune in to a wide range of frequencies.
Types of Digital Police Scanners
There are two main types of digital police scanners: handheld and desktop. Handheld scanners are portable and easy to carry around, while desktop scanners are more powerful and can cover a wider range of frequencies. Both types of scanners come with different features and price points, so it's essential to consider your needs and budget when choosing one.
Handheld Scanners
Handheld scanners are perfect for those who are always on the go. They are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. These scanners can cover a range of frequencies, including police, fire, and EMS. They come with different features such as GPS, weather alerts, and built-in recorders.
Desktop Scanners
Desktop scanners are more powerful than handheld scanners and can cover a broader range of frequencies. They are perfect for those who want to listen in on multiple agencies and departments. These scanners come with features such as digital signal processing, trunking, and remote control capabilities.
Features to Consider
When choosing a digital police scanner, there are several features to consider. These include:
Frequency Coverage
The frequency coverage of a scanner will determine how many agencies and departments you can listen to. Make sure to choose a scanner that covers the frequencies you're interested in.
Trunking
Trunking is a feature that allows you to listen in on multiple channels simultaneously. This is useful if you want to monitor several agencies at once.
GPS
GPS is a feature that allows you to track your location and find nearby agencies and departments.
Weather Alerts
Weather alerts are useful if you live in an area prone to severe weather. These alerts will notify you of any weather warnings or watches in your area.
Top 5 Digital Police Scanners on the Market
1. Uniden BCD436HP - This handheld scanner is perfect for those who are always on the go. It covers a wide range of frequencies and comes with features such as GPS and weather alerts. 2. Whistler TRX-1 - This handheld scanner is perfect for those who want a scanner with advanced features. It covers a wide range of frequencies and comes with features such as digital signal processing and trunking. 3. Uniden BCD996P2 - This desktop scanner is perfect for those who want to listen in on multiple agencies and departments. It comes with features such as digital signal processing and remote control capabilities. 4. Whistler WS1040 - This handheld scanner is perfect for those on a budget. It covers a wide range of frequencies and comes with features such as weather alerts and built-in recorders. 5. Uniden SDS200 - This desktop scanner is perfect for those who want a scanner with advanced features. It covers a wide range of frequencies and comes with features such as digital signal processing and trunking.
Conclusion
Choosing the best digital police scanner on the market can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Consider your needs and budget when choosing a scanner, and don't forget to look at the features. With the right scanner, you can stay informed and up-to-date on local police and fire activity. LSI Keywords: police scanners, digital police scanners, handheld scanners, desktop scanners, frequency coverage, trunking, GPS, weather alerts, Uniden, Whistler. NLP Keywords: comprehensive guide, advanced technology, portable, user-friendly, powerful, different features, price points, multiple agencies, nearby agencies, severe weather.