Who remember the days when you could listen in on your neighbors cordless phone conversations them was some great days ❤

I have stopped buying any scanning radios since all law enforcement in my area (the main reason you buy such a radio in the first place) have encrypted. The only things you can hear are some vague fire dispatching and other non-law enforcement activities such as ham radio which, as a ham myself, has become less and less useful and interesting. In fact, I sold the SDS radios I had since they don't provide useful information anymore, so the effort at maintaining constantly-changing programming is no longer justified. I have also noticed local TV newscasts have a lot less local coverage of incidents involving law enforcement since they cannot hear L/E dispatches any longer. So, unless some tight-lipped L/E PIO feels generous and reveals something to the media, or someone sees something and calls the media, most never hear about it which L/E is perfectly happy with. The old school days of a TV news desk piled high with scanner radios is long past!

I have to say you are very dedicated to helping people understand the scanning hobby, thank you for that

Child of the 80/90s growing up with CD Radios. Our antenna reached 70 miles on a good day. Amazing memories! Now I carry Uniden BC125at and looking to upgrade to Digital P25 Phase 2 Scanners. Thanks so much for the amazing video breaking it down "Barney Style" for us Special ED Heads!!

Have had my Home Patrol II for about four years, I've found it the most versatile scanner I've owned since getting into the hobby in the early 70's. I update the database weekly, takes only two-three minutes at the most. Wish the audio were a little louder (solved that problem by using an auxiliary power speaker). And for what the radio costs, the upgrade should be available without the additional charge. For that single reason, I've opted to forgo it.

I have a variety of scanners. From crystal scanners to analog. Quit buying them because the technology changed so often you would have to buy frequently to keep up. Also when agencies encrypted their frequencies , that eliminated the police band where all the action is! Was fun while it lasted but now even being in a large metropolitan area the communications are sparse and hard to follow. I live real close to a firehouse so when the trucks roll I listen to that.

SCANNER SCHOOL 🏫 HAVE A MARRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 😊 😀 ☺️

I am in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks in advance for your help.

Missouri, Phelps County, Rolla and Newburg

I agree. Been into radio over 5 decades. The way I see how all those frequencies are encrypted, there’s always air traffic control to tune into, which justifies not selling any of my receivers.

I found this channel while searching for something else. Wow I am glad to be here what a great channel.

Wow! How do you only have 10,700 subscribers? You should have 10x that many. You have a new sub my friend. I’ll be watching all your videos over the next few weeks. I’ve been scanning since the early 90’s.

Phil, awesome job on this video! So informative. Thanks

Hi Phil, you out did yourself with this video! There is so much to take in I for one will have to watch it a few times!! Thank You have a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

I would like to thank you for this video. I had been out of the scanning hobby for some time. I recently became active in the hobby again and discovered my Pro-94 was no longer usrful in the area i live, much had moved to P25. I ended up getting a BCD325P2 and am back in business for everything i want to hear. Thanks again for this informative video!

I prefer RSPduo 1 kHz to 2GHz 14 bit, it is more versatile and you can monitor 2 bands at the same time if you want, the DX version is mono receiver with HDR function on some bands for low frequency lovers

Excellent video and advice, like to see more like this

In the 1980s I had a Bearcat 210 scanner, loved it! It came in handy at times when I worked for Herndon Ambulance Co. in Orlando. Also, living only 30 miles from the Kennedy Space center at that time, I could even pick up the Space Shuttle crew to ground chatter before and during liftoff! Now I live and retired in Dover, N.H. and would like to get a scanner, mainly for Fire and EMS. What's confusing me at this time is the truncking thing, how can I find out if police, fire and EMS in my area use truncking and what freqs?

nicely done, am still figuring out if/when to by next scanner, dealing with simulcast system in central Ohio. Keep up the good work.

Michael, Los Gatos CA. next to San Jose Cal, like to listen to police and Fire. thank you for your help in finding one.

My name is Frank, I live in south Louisiana, Terrebonne Parish. I enjoy listening to Fire and Police first of all. I would appreciate your help and guidance. Good video too!

I'm in Gallatin, TN. Like to listen to police, fire, and aviation. Thanks!

I am in Christian County Hopkinsville Ky but am very close to Todd County,Elkton Ky and close to Montgomery County Clarksville Tn.Thanks.I live in the country.

Thanks in advance! I'm in Lake County IL... your help is much appreciated.

I'm in Indiana..Elkhart county....Thank you so much...oh city is Bristol Indiana

Well Ron, I'm really out of practice in dxing. Its been along time since I even made a video. I'm glad to see you still enjoying the hobby. 73s Brian

Very good information, thank you very much! I am still learning my SDS200 its a challenge compared to the Bearcat of the 70s.

I live in Euclid, Ohio. I live in Cuyahoga county, what do you suggest i need in my area and what channels?

I've spent a massive amount of money on scanners in the last 5 years. Initially, I learned enough to get my scanner to pick up suburb PD and FD before digital trunking slowly started taking over the airwaves in and around the DFW area. My son is a Captain in one of the areas Fire and EMS, and had a friend that kind of helped me out which worked for awhile. Now everything is crickets - nothing. Apparently they have gone encrypted, so my new antenna, 75' coax were in vain. I can still hear just routine stuff from city of Dallas as they've not made the full changeover yet. Sucks... really liked listening in, but now I'll have to choose a new hobby .😡😡😡😡

Wish we still had a use for these gadgets in Europe. But over here everything that might be of interest is digital and encrypted, and has been for the past 30 years or so. Watching a video from the US is like travelling back in time. Yabba dabba doo!

I'm from Lake Charles, Louisiana I sit in the house all day because my mom is sickly this seems to be something I can get into while I'm sitting here with my mom thanks for the help 7:14

Great job breaking things down, however, the days of listening to law enforcement is dead. So many departments are now encrypted, all you can do is listen to fire/rescue or public works. Combine this with the cost of digital scanners, economically, it just isn’t worth it anymore.

I live in Marshall Co., Illinois in the town of Henry, IL. I would like to listen to local police and County. I used to listen to them but they changed to digital or some other system. I would love to start hearing them again.

I live in NW Al. Not far from Tn. And not far from Ms. I have found out that our local sheriff and police departments have recently switched over to digital frequencies. I like to listen to our local LEO departments. I also live in the city of Russellville, Al . I enjoyed your video about the different types scanners. I would greatly appreciate your input on what would be my best option on a scanner. I’m pretty sure my local departments are encrypted, so I’m sure there’s no way around that . Thank you for your service and video.

Thanks for all your info. Am going to purchase a scanner soon. Lots of things to listen to besides police.. gotta hav A HOBBY. THANKS AGAIN

The SDS 100 on Amazon [as I write this on 6/4/24] is only $50 less than the SDS 200. I agree with all the cons as well, but, the SDS 200 can be portable also bc it’s a mobile scanner that can be used as a base as well. I have two Uniden Bearcat scanners (BC355N and BCT7) and both are nothing but paper weights now due to all services having gone to digital and encryption. So, now I listen to my county and city law enforcement on apps…not near as fun but it works and doesn’t cost me $700 like the SDS 200 would. Good video! ~Jim~ 😮

Uniden Bear Tracker 885 is a CB and Scanner commination. Most truckers use this radio because they drive down the road and the GPS built inside the radio will automatically change frequencies 100 miles ahead of you so you can hear all the cops/fire as you drive through the country. AWESOME. I have two of them. National frequencies are updated weekly. COOL!!! Why do you not know about this radio. It is the only scanner with GPS live!!!! KR7KZ

I live in Buffalo, Ny. Right now I own a Uniden Home Patrol II. I do a lot of Twitter posts for my area for EMS/PD/ Fire calls. I also work as a Dispatcher for website. I want a new base & handheld.

Wisconsin Marathon County City of Wausau now I'm happy you asked this question because well your results will speak for there self.

Your videos are a huge help! I’m in Lynchburg, Va and they use a P-25 Simulcast system (D mode). I’m looking to get a decent scanner that’s capable of navigating this system. I’d love to hear your recommendations if you have time. Thanks again your videos, they’re very helpful!

I'm in Nashville TN, Davidson county. great video

Just bought a SDS100. Read where the scanner had to be off to charge it. B.S. Go to setting then battery control. You can change a setting there that allows you to charge the scanner while using.

Since 2009, I have been residing in Central Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. All you need here is any decent analog VHF transceiver (if you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator) or receiver if you can only listen. There is no 220 or UHF band here, and no digital other than Cellphone spectrum. Around $35 and you can hear everything,,,,

I should never have sold my Uniden 996 to upgrade to the 536HP the 996 was so easy to use and much easier to program. With the keypad, I have it in a Fifth wheel camper using a PC to program it is a PITA just adding S.A.M.E codes is a pain to monitor for tornados. Removing them is even harder without using a PC , it's ironic it has a GPS module to help but only if you preprogrammed it for the areas ahead of time. We throw a dart at a map (not literally) for our adventures but with the rise in tornadic activity it's so hard to keep up. Yes I can get a dedicated weather radio but RVs have a limited amount of room available, I'm just nit picking Because of the price Uniden charges for the 536 it should make breakfast and hook up the camper for me 😂

Thank you so much for your informative video. I'm in Kings County, New York State. Thanks Again

Digital radio with encryption is purchased with tax money from us. Why are we not allowed to listen in? I agree that when criminals are listening in for nefarious purposes, they should be charged as such.

Just found your channel - great stuff!!!

Thanks for offering to help. I’m in Georgetown, Texas, which is in Williamson county.

Phil. Weehawken NJ. The problem is, I am not sure if they changed their frequency recently because the scanner that I have now no longer seems to hear anything on the programming I have had for years. I would love to be pointed in the direction to a simple SDR that I could host for online listening setup. THANK YOU for all you do!

Great information

Kinney County, TX It’s a very rural county on the border, and we have constant high speed chases (100mph+, several times per day) with human smuggling and LE. Lots of swerving at oncoming drivers to get LE to back off. Myself and family members have been involved in multiple. Wife even had her car spiked because the smuggler was so close to her. We’d like to avoid these chases and just be off the road when they get close.

Great video. Much appreciated! I live in Kingsport, Tennessee (Sullivan county). Thank you!

Richmond County, Augusta GA and Burke County to the South Undecided on hand held or mobile. Like mobile, but like being able to use when power is out.

I just went to scanner college and it's interesting..Bronx,NY here..I had a friend whose father had a full rig with the huge antenna on top of the house...

Well done, informative, thank you for posting.

I live in Harris County, Texas... look forward to your recommendation

There are issues with encryption as is pointed out by other comments here, but there's a ton of "open" VHF/UHF stuff out there worth listening to. Amateur radio, ATC (air traffic control) for commercial and GA, marine band, and many others. For example, I monitor several ham repeaters - both VHF and UHF - for traffic and it's easier to have the frequencies all in one machine than the other radio. I hear traffic I want to respond to, I merely turn on the appropriate radio and blaze away. The good thing about this is that the scanner I use, while sophisticated, is "last generation" and therefore cheaper.

What do you mean by using a scanner legally? As far as I know there are no laws preventing the use of a scanner.

When I lived in California, I listened to Broadcastify. It was great that someone streamed local first responder traffic for us to pick up on our phones and computers. Where I am now, the only thing streamed is county fire. I wonder if encryption or legal issues are the reason police traffic is not available.

I have been into scanners a long time, have had some awesome scanners for different reasons. A pro-39 in the early 90s, picked up cell phone calls coming in extremely good. Before then a bearcat 210xw. It picked up a lot of police, sheriff, fire and other things very good. Fast forward to now, the SDS200. It picks up signals extremely well, police, sheriff, fire, chp, ham radio, ambulance, weather and many other things. And most of the time it shows what outfit is transmitting. The only downside to this scanner is the current price of $700. But for anybody into scanners that can afford it, it is worth every penny. Also from my understanding the sds100 is equally as good. It is a "handheld"

Our main area of operation is Broward County, FL. We also respond to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Looking for a scanner that will primarily receive the city/county fire departments. The police dept's as well but it's a low priority. Either a handheld with external antenna option, field changeable or rechargeable battery or detachable face mount for my 4Runner. This is a great video thanks for sharing.

i just bought a sds200..seems the best bet for a everything radio..i live south of boston and we still have plently unencrypted channels.

I appreciate your video, very helpful. I live in Santa Maria, Ca Santa Barbara county. I like the uniden 4, not sure if it is a good choice. Thanks.

I may very well be one of those scanner dorks...lol, I love my sds 200, but do not use all the features available. I know the radio is very expensive, but as you mentioned, it does way more than I currently need, so that leaves room for me to advance my knowledge. Thanks for the review.

I am an extra class amateur radio operator. But I got my license decades ago, before all this computerized technology came out. I have never liked it. I prefer old school radios. I have 2 completely rebuilt tube type HF radios. But with VHF/UHF, you really don't have many choices. It was scanners that got me into amateur radio. I used to listen to the 2 meter and 73 cm ham bands on a scanner. Now I have actual amateur radios for those frequencies. My main interest in scanners became listening to the police department. But that is no longer possible. All of the local police departments have encrypted their signals, and a lot of what used to be done by voice is now done as data, so even if it wasn't encrypted, there wouldn't be much to listen to. Most of what you can still listen to is just plain boring. I have both handheld and base scanners. I have a large deep cycle marine battery in my shack, connected to a battery maintainer, so it is always charged. In the event of a power outage, all my radios will still work off that battery. If it is something really serious, I also have a gas powered generator that will power all the radios and all the lights in the house. But the bottom line on scanners is that encryption is taking over. First the military, then the police, now even taxi companies are using it. Going digital made doing so easy and cheap. I suspect it won't be long before there won't be anything other than VHF/UHF amateur radio can be heard on scanners.

great video Phil, very helpful! I am in Pennsylvania on the Blair county - Centre county line (house in Centre and mailbox at the end of the lane in Blair). thanks

GREAT Video !! This popped up on my YT feed, and I am so glad that it did. I'm going to take you up on your offer. There are currently three places that I would like to scan. I live in Columbia County Georgia, which I know has things encrypted. How do I get past this ? Also, Forsyth County Georgia which actually runs over the Cobb County system, and is not encrypted. Lastly would be Bradenton/Sarasota Florida. Would like to b able to take it in the Edge, and use while we are in each area. Probably Base/Mobile. Thank You !! Subscribed as well.

Great video. Just found the channel. I'm in Ohio, Lorain County. The city is Lorain. I've tried looking before if anything works here on a different site, but was lost. I used to just listen to my grandmother's old Bearcat back when I was younger back in the 80's. I actually found it the other day, but knew it wouldn't work. I know laws have changed since those days, but wouldn't mind having a desktop version just to listen to again. My budget is $700 and under if that helps and doable. Need your help and thanks if you do. New sub here.

Nice video! I needed this right now. Thanks

My BCD996p2 the record jack quit working, so now I'm using the headphone jack. A bit irritating considering the price w/extras.

All the departments in my area have been Encrypted for at least two and a half years. That includes all of the fire departments as well

Great video! I’m in Abilene (Taylor Co.) TX. L/E, Fire, EMS, Aviation.

Hello I have been subscribed to your channel for a while. Some how I didn’t see this video until this night. I would like to hear a lil bit of everything I live Butler County, Mo and frequently up to Iron County. Thank you if you can help me out on a good mobile station I don’t care for HT anymore.

You should have mentioned that there is an easy way to get around the battery problem. Get a 15,000 or 20,000 mA our portable battery and plug the USB cable into that and power the radio that way. That is what I do with my 536HP. Especially if the power goes out because of a storm or I am traveling.

Please recommend desk unit for Canyon County Idaho. Need LE, Fire, State Police and County entties. Live rural and want to be informed. Have Extra license for Amateur radio, so knowledge base is there. Thanks 73

I honestly think most people are looking for the latest in technology that can hear EVERYTHING we are allowed to hear with maybe some hacks or tricks to hear more. WHAT DO YOU HAVE????!!!!

I have and use several scanners (SDS100, SDS200, BCD436HP, and a number of realistic and Uniden models). Both digital and analog. All of them are constantly providing great local and distant coverage. Law enforcement, fire and rescue, ATC, federal, utilities, and the list goes on. All these doom and gloom comments don’t make sense to me.

California. Ukiah, Mendocino County. Thank you.

Exactly what I was looking for in a knowledgeable expert as a beginner, thank you! I'm in Nassau County (Long Island) NY looking to listen to police, fire, aviation and railroad, first with a portable and maybe a base in the future. Any ideas as to what radios I should be looking at would be greatly appreciated if your offer is still open to recommend something. Peace!

What scanner should get SDS200 0r home patrol ,I'm in Essex county. Swampscott, Masaachussets. Thank You

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’m from Del Rio Tx. I’m big on aviation but also wanted to have something for hearing fire and police but didn’t know what to get that would work for Del Rio? I feel like I need a digital around here but didn’t want to spend crazy amounts.

I could use a recommendation. I have a BC125AT which I setup years ago. At the time, Dallas County which is adjacent to me, and the Dallas Police still used old school FM. I believe my local police and most public service are on a shared county trunk system. This would be Denton County, City=Highland Village, Texas. It would be nice if I could monitor the adjacent Dallas County, TX. At this point I have no idea what is encrypted or not. Was wondering if there are any good sources of used/refurbished scanners. Lok forward to your suggestions. Open to handheld or base but probably prefer handheld. Thanks! Ron

Hi I am in Calgary Alberta Canada. Thank you.

Currently running an SDR system that works very well , it's a 6 channel so I still hear everything despite encryption, and I know some tricks that help. But I'd really like to have an all in one solution.

I used to use a Beacat I bought from my supervisor, then bought a portable for my car, & several years ago, I got an app for my phone that worked. Now I can't hear the San Bernardino County Sheriff. Is there any scanner that can do so?

Virginia, Campbell county and Lynchburg city. I purchased a Uniden BCD436HP handheld. Having trouble picking up channels.

Thank you for the details on all these scanners! I have the Uniden BCT15X but plan on selling it. It's a great scanner but with the changes in my area to the communications systems, I have to upgrade in order to receive them. What scanner would you recommend to me for my area as to avoid a spendy mistake like I made when I bought the BCT15X. I have been looking at the BCD996p2 but want to make sure it's the right choice for my area. The state is Oregon and the county is Multnomah. I would also like to listen to Clackamas county as well. Thank you for your advice, it's appreciated!!

Can you make a recommendation for a scanner to hear fire, police and sheriff for Teller and El Paso counties in Colorado? Thank you.

Wow you are amazing, thank you for all of the info. I’m in Hillsborough county FL. Mainly wanting to scan EDACS most look to be analog. I’m thinking one of the HH units is what I’m after. Narrowed down to these Whistler WS1040, Uniden BCD325P2, Uniden BCD436HP. Any input would be great. Glad to see you are doing well.

Aiken County, SC Thanks!

Thanks for making your videos. I live in Mentor,Ohio. Lake county and can use help in choosing a radio.

Primary location is Vancouver Washington (Clark County) also Portland Oregon. I RV too. Looking for both a desktop and portable solution. Easy to program and use. Computer based solutions also considered. Cost not too much concerned if functional and ease of use feàtured.

I have a Uniden BCD536HP that I was able to listen to CT State Police on and recently it stopped picking up CSP. Called few radio/scanner shops around and none are familiar with this unit or don't know why it's not picking up CSP. So I now have a paper weight on my desk.

Great video, Phil! What is your gut feeling about Uniden? Do you feel we have pretty much seen the last of them? Very sadly, I feel like we have, but I hope I am wrong.

I'm in San Germán, Puerto Rico. Thanks! Great video

Very useful! Thanks for putting this together!

I'm in Jefferson County, New York. I definitely prefer a desktop version.

Looking for Barrow County Georgia, City of Winder. Also Dekalb county Georgia fire and Pd, brookhaven, doraville, stone mountian, decatur. What type of scanner would be best to listen to these departments. How far can I be for Dekalb to pick up. I live in Winder, Georgia.

I live in stokesdale, NC and my wife loves to listen to the police scanner but hates trying to programming them. She wants a new scanner as the one we have is over 25 years old and doesn't pickup much anymore. Don't worry about price just ease of programming more than anything. Desktop is preferred but mobile is ok.

excellent informational video..... nice job