UHFs AND SCANNERS

[Kryton]

looking to buy a scanner, possibly this week but i want one the picks up the cops and ambulance and all that stuff. do they all get those channels and do UHFs get them as well. also can you actually talk on a scanner or can you only listen to it?
had a look through 38 pages of FF where i thought the answer was (that had the particular frequencies for Warrnamboolas well) but to no avail. im pretty sure someone here would know this.

[lv619]

Pretty soon emergency frequencies will be in digital trunk system so you'll need a digi scanner (in metro areas atleast), they cost around $700 for a digital scanner.

[Psycho Chicken]

As fair as I know you can only listen.

I'm also after one that can pick up V8 supercar team radios, police radio would also be handy.

[Kryton]

Originally Posted by Psycho Chicken

As fair as I know you can only listen.

I'm also after one that can pick up V8 supercar team radios, police radio would also be handy.

just done a google on frequencies. so far i have found this. dont know how old it is but.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/extre...traliangp.html
and this:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/extre.../austpage.html

[Kryton]

another useful link that will allow you to serach for ANYTHING in Australia:
http://www.uniden.com.au/v3/frame_pr...earch_page.htm

[-AL-]

You can buy user programmable UHF radios i:e 40 ch citzens band Radio, that also allow you to recieve Uhf Police frequencies.
Around $350-400 mark for a Uniden uh 013 for example.
If you just want a scanner dont spend heaps as already pointed out in this thread they may not be much good once Vic Pol pull their finger out and swap systems.

[xdc351]

When looking for a scanner make sure you get one that can scan in the xxx.xxx5 frequency range.

You'll notice most of the run of the mill police channels currently run in the xxx.xxx range.... but all of the good channels like the bathurst flag marshall (for example) run on the xxx.xxx5 frequency range.

If your scanner can't scan the sub channel you'll have wasted your money.

I'd also suggest getting a UHF CB with at least a 2W transmit power. The 0.5W transmit just aren't powerful enough IMO and cause massive problems on cruises because of their limited range. If your going to be using it in the country then i'd accept nothing less than a 5W transmit.

Cheers,
Greg

[rob_o]

Just a question, how do these police radars/scanners work? Are they only on highway patrol cars? Also do they pick up cop cars with their engines off on the side of the road or only moving ones? Sorry for going a little o/t

[champsky]

Originally Posted by rob_o

Just a question, how do these police radars/scanners work? Are they only on highway patrol cars? Also do they pick up cop cars with their engines off on the side of the road or only moving ones? Sorry for going a little o/t

if you mean the ones you get for your cars, im not sure how they work but i know that they ahve stuff that can pick most of the garden variety up. my friend whos a doctor paid about 1200 for his scanner which still gets picked up by cops so he has to turn it off as soon as he hears the beeps. it works great just he risks the cahnce of being picked up by laser guns.

as for uhf, ive been told that they are on all closed circut fequencies. as my cousins bf has one that can pick up stuff from melbourne when we live in SA i know cause he showed me. it can pick up everything from taxi radios, airport ground crew, radio stations, the CFS, transport companies, but the only thing he cant pick up is the police frequencies, hes even got a missive folder with all the channels and whats on each channel.

so i doubt that you would be able to pick it up througha 40ch uhf system, but hey i may be wrong

[xdc351]

Originally Posted by rob_o

Just a question, how do these police radars/scanners work? Are they only on highway patrol cars? Also do they pick up cop cars with their engines off on the side of the road or only moving ones? Sorry for going a little o/t

UGF Scanners and radar scanners are totally different...

A UHF scanner can listen in on transmissions being made on an exact UHF frequency like police communications, ambulance, fire etc. You just need to know what frequency to scan.... radar scanners detect speed camera's and some hand held speed detection devices used by the police (or private companies in Vic).

Remember.... on most frequencies its not illigal to listen, just to transmit.

[Kryton]

ok posted this in the other scanner thread but need some opinions on these products. these are the 4 scanners i have in mind and i need someone that has some sort of knowledge of scanners to give me their opinion on whats good and whats not.
LONG POST TOO!! but please take the time to look over the specifics of each scanner and tell me what you think the best one is.
so far the Uniden UBC120XLT is at the bottom of the list as it doesnt get our local police frequency.

Yaesu VR 120D
For the monitoring professional who’s on the go, the VR-120D Hand-held Receiver is the ideal choice! Featuring wide-band AM/FM coverage from 100 kHz up to 1300 MHz (not cellular blocked !), rugged construction, and amazing ease of operation, the VR-120D provides up to 640 memory channels, so you can store all your favorite stations, whether they’re on shortwave, local AM broadcast, or FM public service frequencies! Optional external DC input.

Features & Specifications:
Free Australian Scanner Frequencies CD included !
Full Memory Scan Memory
Bank Scan
Selected Memory Channel ("Preferential") Scan
Programmable Band-Limit Memory Scan (PMS)
Smart SearchTM (Automatic Memory Loading)
Priority Channel Watch
Dual Watch
Rugged outdoor-ready case construction!
Ultra-long battery life
BNC-type antenna connector
Straightforward 4-button operation
Wideband frequency coverage with easy access
Special "Preset Mode" aids in quick tuning
Catch all the Shortwave Broadcast Action from around the World
Super-simple one-touch memories for high priority stations
Versatile 640-channel memory system
Front panel key lock
Key beeper on/off selection
Battery-saving time-out timer
Front-end attenuator for strong-signal conditions
Internal "Bar" antenna for AM BC
Menu selection of earpiece antenna
S-Meter buzzer
Cloning capability to other VR-120s
And Much, Much More.
PRICE: $295.00 (Including GST)
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachm...tachmentid=327

Alinco DJ-X3 Scanner
There's a world of adventure riding the airwaves and Alinco's DJ-X3 puts you in the middle of the action. Ride along with pilots of jet aircraft. Listen to the fire brigade battling against time to save lives. Get tomorrow's news today from short wave foreign broadcasts. Listen to ham radio operators enjoying their hobby. Be there when the police bring a criminal to justice. Attach optional stereo headphones or amplified speakers and enjoy a stereo FM transmission featuring your favorite music. But wait, there's more ! Your DJ-X3 can help you find hidden transmitters that may bug your home, office or hotel room. You can also decode inversion scrambled signals

Specifications:
100kHz - 1300MHz
AM/FM/WFM
700 Memory Channels
Audio Descrambler
Bug Detector
Stereo FM (with headphones)
Attenuator
SMA Antenna
Battery Saver circuit
Audio output 220mW
Steps: 5/6.25/8.33/10/12.5/15/20/25/30/50/100kHz
Size: 56w x 102h x 23d mm
Weight: 14.5g (without batteries)
Supplied c/w : 3AA dry cell battery case, carrying strap
PRICE: $245.00 (Including GST)
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachm...tachmentid=328

Uniden UBC120XLT
The 120XLT is ideal for beginner to intermediate users, provides 9-band VHF/UHF coverage including airband, 100 memories divided into 10 banks for easier scanning, and improved super-fast Scan and Search features (scan up to 100 channels/sec, search at 100 or 300 steps/sec). Covers 66-88 MHz, 108-174MHz, and 406-512MHz with pre-programmed channel steps to suit most Australian conditions. Also features 10 priority channels, Data Skip and memory back-up. Complete with NiCad battery pack, AC charger and detailed instructions.

Full keypad entry with Search and Scan
100 programmable memory channels -
9 bands including airband coverage
12.5 KHz frequency step in VHF High Band (148 - 174 MHz)
Nicad pack
AC adaptor / charger
Frequency ranges: 66-88, 108-174, 406-512 MHz
Normal Price: $279.00
Special Price: $249.00 (Including GST)
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachm...tachmentid=329

DJ-X2E
Alinco has created a multi-mode receiver that is small, sensitive, easy to use and can be taken nearly anywhere. Listen to the action of police, fire, public safety, aircraft and more. AM and FM broadcast, Amateur, marine, weather and other transmissions are yours, from a receiver that fits inside a pocket!

A technical breakthrough, the DJ-X2 comes with two sources of battery power; a long-lasting internal Lithium-ion battery and a snap-on dry cell power pack. Together, they can provide approximately 24 hours continuous listening, using the "battery save" mode.
Don't let the small size of the DJ-X2 deceive you. It features loud, clear audio from its speaker or headphone and three different antenna modes capture the signals you want to hear. Start with the "Easy" operation mode, then move up to "Expert" level. You can store up to 700 frequencies in memory channels.

The DJ-X2 contains several advanced features, including a unique "sniffer" circuit (patent pending) that searches for hidden transmitters or "bugs" and an adjustable descrambler that allows you to hear certain types of transmissions.*
An attenuator reduces strong signals. Up to 5 banks can be linked during scan functions. The DJ-X2 also has many custom settings that give the operator maximum flexibility in creating a user profile that suits specific needs.

"Credit Card" size
522 KHz ~ 1 GHz tuning range.**
700 memory channels (70 channels X 10 banks)
AM, FM, WFM modes
Internal Lithium-ion battery PLUS snap-on dry-cell power pack
Effective RF "sniffer" feature detects hidden transmitters (patent pending)
Three different antenna modes including internal ferrite bar
Easy and Expert user operating profiles
Attenuator
Clone function
Preset, memory and VFO operating modes
Illuminated display.
* Check local regulations prior to use.
This feature is not available for the DJ-X2T.
The CPU allows this function to appear to be available, but it is in fact disabled on the U.S. version.
** Cellular frequencies blocked in USA model.

Standard Features

Three Antenna Modes
Use the standard SMA antenna for normal operations. An internal ferrite antenna is provided for low frequency AM reception. The headphone cable can be used as an antenna in place of the SMA antenna.
Flexible Power Options
You can operate the DJ-X2 using just its internal Lithium-ion battery. Or use the provided EDH-27 dry cell pack as an additional power source. Use both power sources for extended operation.
Preset Operating Mode
AM, FM and Television frequency bands are already programmed into the DJ-X2 for easy operation.
Four Scan Modes
Scan preset frequencies, VFO, programmed scan limits or memory bank channels.
Find Hidden Transmitters
"Sniff" for hidden transmitters or "bugs" with a circuit so new and unique, we've applied for a patent.
Selectable Tuning Steps
Choose from 11 different tuning steps or use the "Auto" selection mode. powerful features in an easily used package!

SPECIFICATIONS

Receiving Range: 0.522 to 999.995MHz (Cellular frequencies blocked on T ver.)
Mode: FM/WFM/AM
Antenna imp.: 50 ohms
Antenna terminal: SMA
Supply voltage: DC 3.8V (internal Li-io), DC 4.5V with EDH-27 AA battery case
Ground: Negative
Current consumption: approx. 80mA in normal reception, approx. 25mA with 1:4 battery saver
Operating temperature: -10 to 60 C or 14 to 140 F
Frequency stability: +/- 5 ppm at operating temperature range.
Dimension without projection: 58(W) X 90(H) X 15 (D) mm or
2.28(W) X 3.54(H) X 0.59 (D) inches
Weight: with internal Li-Io battery Approx. 85 grams or 3 Oz.
System: Triple-conv. Superheterodyne
1st IF: 248.45MHz
2nd IF: 38.85MHz
3rd IF: 450KHz
Selectivity:
AM/FM : -6dB/12KHz or over -60dB/30KHz or less
WFM : -6dB/150KHz or over
Typical sensitivity:
FM/WFM 12dB SINAD, AM 10dB S/N

FM:
30-108 MHz 0.63uV(-4dBu)
136-222 MHz 0.4uV (-8dBu)
222-470 MHz 0.5uV (-6dBu)
470-770 MHz 0.56uV (-5dBu)
770-999 MHz 0.71uV(-3dBu)

WFM:
76-108 MHz 3.2uV (10dBu)
175-222 MHz 2.2uV(7dBu)
470-770 MHz 3.2uV(10dBu)

AM:
0.5-1.62 MHz 7.1uV(17dBu)
1.62-30 MHz 1.4uV (3dBu)
108-136 MHz 2.0uV (6dBu)
222-330 MHz 1.8uV (5dBu)
http://www.fordforums.com.au/attachm...tachmentid=330

[Stevo]

I have a Realistic PRO-34 Scanner with 200 channel memory. Picks up police, ambo's, fire, and depending in location, can also pick up Air. It can also be modded to tune into some mobile phone frequencies, but i couldnt be bothered.

I listen most nights to the local stations, good to know whats going on

Handy in the car on a long trip too.

Ive had this one for about 6 or so years.

[Captain Stubing]

Qld frequencies in the metro area (Brisvegas) have been converted to encryted digital. They were on a plan to convert even further out to the same system, but the media has thrown it to the court system - they're upset they can't use their scanners to get the news! I've spoken to the major towing company here, and they spent heaps on digital scanners, which are no good for listening to the coppers. I'd imagine the other states will try and follow this technology, as companies like Motorola are making it easy and affordable for them to convert.

[-AL-]

Davway I may be wrong but I'd say Warrnambool would use VHF round 163 mhz in which case the Uniden Scanner does cover(12.5 KHz frequency step in VHF High Band (148 - 174 MHz)
Quite often Country or Outer Burbs they use a mixture of Vhf and Uhf depending on what they're upto.

[Captain Stubing]

The VHF gets a further coverage for rural areas, then they use HF for even longer. That was always fun to use!

[Kryton]

well i went out and bought one the other week from Ebay. should be here tomorrow.
its the Uniden BC246T if anyone is interested in looking through Google. its a U.S model but still has everything i want including sub frequencies (except for continous frequency but thats damn near impossible to find).
its got a heap of features but doesnt have digital APCO 25 which doesnt matter for where i live. (they're like $900 for them ones).
anyway paid only $250 which is pretty good for what it is and what it does too.

[SileNceR]

yeah i have a uniden bearcat 57XLT and it picks up the warrnambool and region cops on the 163.8750 frequency (and it goes to .xxxx also)

[AUII_Forte]

I have a Uniden 120XLT and it's a great scanner! The police use HF out here, from memory it's somewhere in the 78Mhz range. I also have a Uniden UH013 in the car, it's a UHF CB as well as a UHF scanner, there used to be a UHF police channel here for city cars, but I can't seem to find it now. I find it to be a little bit difficult to use, it's a major task just to get it into scan mode, let alone trying to input a freq! The 120XLT is really easy to use and it's so robust, it's been dropped a million times, rolled around on the floor of the car for days etc etc and it just keeps going.

[gravelrash]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....e=STRK:MESE:IT

found these on ebay. i have one of these disc, very handy.

[eb_5litre]

I've got an ICOM IC40S portable... dont use it anymore though. Listening to police on a Friday/Saturday night is ****funny.

[Kryton]

also the scanner i got automatically tunes into nearby frequencies by itself. (if i want it to)

[Kermit]

If you want to listen to a scanner at home, save your money and don't buy one. Just jump on the internet and go to www.scanneraustralia.com. Happy listening!

[Kryton]

been there done that. dont live in sydney so it doesnt help much.

[blueoval]

sorry for the thread mine, but I was wondering if you can get the V8 supercar frequencies using a basic 40ch UHF handheld radio?

Also, does anybody know where I can find what the team frequencies are this year?

[GTP 320]

To those scanner freaks out there,what are some of the codes for eg.What's the code for a fatal,Robbery, etc.
Cheers John

[svo347]

yep i know one .. Roger, means ok understood etc hahaha
Sorry

[Full Noise]

I have a Uniden UBC 780 XLT and it’s an excellent unit.
http://www.uniden.com/product.cfm?product=BC780XLT

Originally Posted by GTP 320

To those scanner freaks out there,what are some of the codes for eg.What's the code for a fatal,Robbery, etc.
Cheers John

John you may find this interesting, it’s the day to day codes for the Victoria Police.
http://scanvic.f2g.net/policecodes.htm

Cheers, Danny

[trick_xd]

davway
if you want anything like that go to ansonic IT on the h-way near autobarn and ask there they have all that stuff and a heap of info as well .. if not my mum is a comms officer for the s.e.s. and has all the toys you would want

[Kryton]

Originally Posted by GTP 320

To those scanner freaks out there,what are some of the codes for eg.What's the code for a fatal,Robbery, etc.
Cheers John

ok these are VIC POLICE:
1 on patrol
2 in station
3 meal
4 out with vehicle
5 out at premises
6 at court
7 on duty, on way to office
8 on duty, on way home
9 police in trouble
10 domestic
11 unavailable for tasking
12 accident
13 accident: advise re ambulance
14 assault and robbery
15 silent alarm
16 accident with injuries
17 audible alarm
18 assault
19 police in trouble
20 cold burglary
21 boat in trouble
22 transport
23 peeping tom
24 burglar on premises
25 burglar disturbed
27 licensing offense
28 ommision signal
29 gaming offense
30 drunk
31 exercise
32 drowning
33 dead body
34 wilful damage
35 stabbing
36 theft
39 suspicious vehicle
40 hold for prints
42 military escapee
43 fire
45 mental
46 drunk driver
47 civilian escapee
48 explosion
50 breaking
52 indecent exposure
53 hit and run
58 indecent behaviour
60 trouble
62 offensive behaviour
65 offenders held
69 homicide
70 smash and grab
71 special duty
73 hold up
74 rape
78 suspect loitering
79 shooting
80 warrant
81 wanted
87 wounding
97 plane exercise
98 plane crash impending
99 plane crash

[Mike Gayner]

I really don't know alot about scanners, how do they deal with trunking channels and CTCSS/DTMF tones on trunking and conventional channels? Are you still able to listen to these conversations? Or are you stuck listening to open conventional channels?