Uniden Scanners

The History of Radio Scanners

Police originally transmitted on fixed radio frequencies and in the good old days (1930's) anyone with an AM Radio who knew the correct frequencies could listen to the emergency services broadcasts. Due to the fact that emergency services do not broadcast continuously a lot of time could pass between transmissions while other frequencies might be in use. Scanner radios are designed to monitor multiple frequencies at once whether it be programmed or user designated frequency limits.  

A squelch circuit is a circuit that is designed to suppress the audio signal of a receiver until a sufficiently strong signal is picked up. When a scanner picks up a signal that breaks the squelch circuit it will resume playing audio on that channel until the audio activity signal ceases where it will then resume monitoring the frequencies.

Scanners became popular during the 1970's with the introduction of CB radio's. A typical scanner could monitor between 4 and 10 frequencies. A seperate crystal was required for each channel and these could get expensive. These days digital scanners can monitor thousands of frequencies which are entered via a keypad.

To find the frequencies you can use the search function on the scanner, search the internet or find them through frequency reference books. One such site is the Global Frequency Database. You simply enter a location and you are given a list of frequencies to tune into for that area.

Is It Legal to Have A Scanner?

The legality of scanners varies from country to country and state to state.  In some countries such as Canada, you are allowed to listen in to broadcasts but you are not allowed to disclose the information to a third party. Other countries have greater penalties if you are caught committing a crime and have a scanner in your possession. Generally you are allowed to have a scanner that does not intercept and decrypt encrypted signals and does not receive cellular or mobile phone signals (this would be difficult to do anyway and would probably require the resources of a James Bond Arch Villian to manage).

Scanners capable of receiving cellular phone communications haven't been manufactured in the last 10 years anyway due to regulations prohibiting it.

Why Do You Need A Scanner Anyway?

Everyone has a good reason to have a radio scanner. For one thing, it's great entertainment. Haven't you ever been curious about where that firetruck is rushing off to or how come that police car just sped up your street. Should it be something you need be concerned about.

Owning a scanner can also be great way to hear the news as it's happening. A lot of reporters for newspapers and TV rely on scanners to get the good info on where they need to be and fast. If you have a scanner you will be as up to date and informed as any reporter or journalist.

So for information, community safety concerns, and entertainment one little scanner can do all of that. Maybe you should consider having a look at the top quality range of Uniden Scanners available today.