Anybody using police/fire/ems scanner

[Cgrutt]

I know a lot has changed since the analog systems. Any thoughts or recommendations? Looks like Uniden and Whistler are leading companies. Any others?

[24Pink14Stink]

I have channels programmed on my baofeng, but most of the locals have gone encrypted so it's kind of useless. I've also used a scanner app on my phone.

[thughes]

As 24P stated, anything that's not encrypted can usually be picked up on a phone app.

[24Pink14Stink]

As 24P stated, anything that's not encrypted can usually be picked up on a phone app.

Do you know if a dedicated scanner can get the encrypted stuff? I'm guessing no.

[Cgrutt]

Thinking no unless you had the key.... As I understand it many agencies aren't actually encrypting but use digital and trunking modes so you need scanner that can handle if these are the types being used in your area. There seems to be some apps that tell you what is being used by which agencies based on zip code. I'm actually more interested in public safety / disaster recovery aspect than just police channels. Weather would also be good but have a couple radios that include weather reports.

[thughes]

Do you know if a dedicated scanner can get the encrypted stuff? I'm guessing no.

That's why they encrypt it.

My research shows that it's pretty much a no-go for trying to decrypt with a scanner. Some eggheads have played with software to try and break the keys with limited success.

[24Pink14Stink]

Thanks Thug.

[thughes]

As CG posted, there is "digital voice" traffic and then there is encryption. Digital voice and be monitored with the proper scanner, as I understand it.....encryption not so much.

[Norm DeGuerre]

I know a lot has changed since the analog systems. Any thoughts or recommendations? Looks like Uniden and Whistler are leading companies. Any others?

if at home you can use "Broadcastify" on your computer
itsa virtual Scanner worldwide

[24Pink14Stink]

if at home you can use "Broadcastify" on your computer
itsa virtual Scanner worldwide

That's what I had on my phone. Used to listen at work sometimes.

[big flash]

it's amazing what i've been able to hear with broadcastify and other scanner apps on my phone/computer. especially in the past. more and more seems to be encrypted though.

when i still lived in rochester, i got so sick of seeing dozens of cop cars with something obviously going on and not having any idea what that is. you couldn't get information anywhere. until i started using scanner apps. then i learned enough of what was going on to know what i should do in those cases. did i need to barricade my door and lock & load? or is the suspect already in custody?

so much more boring now that i'm out of there though!

being digital, it was awesome though because you can listen to what is going on some place else entirely! like i listened to boston scanners for hours after the marathon bombing.

[24Pink14Stink]

Yep, I used to get alerts on my phone when there were a large numbers of listeners to specific frequency. Last one I listened to was the Ohio St. shooting.

[Cgrutt]

The whistler trx-1 looks interesting.

Long video but fairly current. This guy's views on why a scanner might be a useful tool and what is currently happening within this country are fairly well-aligned with mine. Skip to about 15:40 if you don't want to or have time to watch entire video.