Western North Carolina Scanner Club

Scanning WNC Since 1999

Welcome to the Official WNC Scanner Club

"Scanner Buyers Guide"

By Club Technical Officer
Jerry Luther

To all who read this !
Buying a "Police Scanner" dose not have to be like buying a car. But many people try to make it harder than it really is. So that is why I am writing this article today. An easy to follow step by step Police Scanner Buyers Guide. Ok, are you ready ? Let go ! This will help you make the right choice in buying a police scanner.

Pay close attention to the " Hey Jerry " Logo's . They give you special hints , tips and tricks while you read on.

Happy Scanning
Technical Officer
Jerry Luther


First lets look at what do you want to do with your Scanner ?

If your wanting your new scanner to use at home or in your office a " Desktop or Base" Scanner would be right for your

If you wanting to listen to your scanner in your vehicle a " Mobile Scanner " will work best for you

If you want to take your scanner to the Races , Football games  or just out with you when your on the go a " Hand Held" is right for your

   A Hand Held unit can also double as a Mobile scanner in your vehicle. You can use a mobile scanner antenna to double your reception range. Also you can get a DC adapter to power your hand held unit to save your batteries !


Now Let's look at the different places you can buy scanner

  • Your Local Electronics Dealer ( like Radio Shack , Circuit city , Best Buy to name a few)
  • Online Scanner Dealers ( They vary on the web)
  • Online Auction Sites ( Like Ebay )
  • In the Classified section of your local paper 
  • Online Classifieds & Message Boards
  • Yard Sales & Flea Markets
  • Estate Sales
  • Pawn Shops

BUYER BEWARE! At Pawn Shops you can often find scanners for sale here, but they can be a bit overpriced as the Pawn Show wants to get back what he Pawned out on the unit plus a little mark up !







When Buying a Scanner you can save money when you buy a Used, or Refurbished unit ( more below )

What's the Deal with buying New, Used or Refurbished ?

The "NEW SCANNER"

A New scanner in the box can range in price from $99 dollars and up. The Price range depends on what you need in a scanner.If you require a scanner with Trunking capability expect to pay between $200-$400 and up. If you require a scanner with Digital Capability you can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$600.
But the main advantage to buying new is the Warranty. Most scanners come with 1 (one) year manufactures warranty which can be worth its weight in gold. Sometime during shipping boxes get dropped , smashed , and just handled a little rough. Even the best packaging can take to much of a hit and become nothing more that damaged goods. That is where the warranty comes into play. With little more than a phone call or filling out a return slip you'll have a new scanner in no time.

"The Refurbished Scanner"

So what is Refurbished anyway ?

When damaged scanners are returned to the manufacture, sometimes they are nothing or very little wrong with them. Maybe some mostly cosmetic damage on the outside case or a wire loose on the inside. The company then Repairs the scanner and returns it to condition they like to call " Like New", or just like it was new. The Refurbished unit has been inspected, repaired or reconditioned, and certified to work " like new." These models usually come with some kind of warranty. Often, refurbished models can be seen as a store display model or happen to be a Scanner that has been returned. It could also be a previously damaged or non-functioning scanner that has been repaired scanner.  The best place to find refurbished models is with local and online radio dealers.

Refurbished can be the best deal when it comes to scanners. When shopping in your local electronics store ask them if they have a "Like New or Refurbished" scanner for sale ! Also look for them online .They can save you 50% or more.

" How About them Used Scanners?"

Now Used scanners are nothing to sneeze at. Older models can be found with names like " After Market , Discontinued or Replaced units" in electronic stores and online. Most are sold at extremely low prices. But still can be a super deal.
Sometimes a person will buy new scanner and will sell their old one to off set the price of the new one. Then there are those get a police scanner as a gift and don’t know how to use them or buy one and find it's too complicated to use and they end up selling them real cheap, these types are even better because the scanner is actually still in "new condition", but at a used price. 

If you don’t need trunk or digital capabilities, you can find older conventional scanner models really cheap.You can also get excellent deals on newer model scanners that have been Discontinued by the manufacture. They are considered Used and are a great bargin

     If you are buying a used scanner here is my tips for not getting rooked !

If you are buying from a Yard Sale , Flea Market or in the Classifieds Follow this check list 

The Once Over -Take a good look at the condition of the unit. Dose it have any large scratches or dents? That should be a  Big Time warning that this unit  may have been dropped and or damaged. Any dents and dings do not automatically mean that a scanner may be damaged, especially handheld models. They are made to handle a few accidental drops. Just give it the old once over as it is something to think about. 


The Rock and Roll Test - Pick the unit up and Rock the unit back and forth from side to side. When you are giving the unit a little shake  listen for possible internal parts Rolling around inside that may indicate it may have possible damage. Just put the unit down and walk away.


The Power test -Alwasy take a set of "AA" batteries when looking for a Used scanner. Use the batteries to test the scanner. Once you put fresh batteries in the unit either program the NOAA weather frequency for your local area or hit the WX (weather ) button. You should be able to hear NOAA nice and clear, the scanner works properly. If it has a lot of static, it might be a sign that something may be loose inside.Then refere back to the rock and roll test.

Ask the Owner for the Old Hand Shake Guarantee-If you are truley intrested in the unit ask the owner if he will guarentee it for 24 hrs. If he is unwilling to guarentee it for 24 hrs. and tell you it is "as is " don't trust him. Any honest person who knows his or her items should know if it works or not.  If your still intrested in the unit and the owner will still not budge on the guarente you'll have to take your own chances

To know them is to love them- When buying from one of the auction sites Get as much information as possible on what you are buying before your buy it. Also get to know the owner. Ask for there Home Phone Number and there name. So when the transactions complete you can rest assured you know who you are dealing with and who to contact if something goes wrong 




Which Scanner is Right for You ?

Scanners are like shoes. One size dose not fit all ! When it come to finding the right scanner you also need to look at you location. The 3 main types of scanner as far as reception is concerened is :
  • Analog
  • Trunking ( I,II,III)
  • Digital or (APCO_25)
Know what type of communication is being transmitied in your area can help you choose the right scanner.
If you are unsure of what type of scanner you need check with your local Scanner Club or Group. They can tell you what type of communications can be heard near you !


I hope buyers guide has been helpful.

If you have a Great Tip for buying a Scanner Drop us a Line

policescanner1@gmail.com

Happy Scanning

Technical Officer

Jerry Luther