Looking For A Digital Radio Scanner? Reviews
Digital radio scanners are the latest iteration of the scanners that have been popular for years. FCC regulations have changed to allow two-way radio communication using digital encoding of the signals. The modern digital scanners are equipped to process these digital signals and the older analog signals too. There is no required changeover to digital so both analog and newer digital technologies are being used.
The advantages of digital radio communication are much less susceptibility to signal interference and better information integrity at the limits of reception range. Digital signals are also much easier to encrypt than analog signals. It is possible to squeeze more information into digital signals within the same bandwidth than analog.
Non-encrypted digital signals meeting the APCO P-25 standard can be processed by digital radio scanners. Encrypted signals, cell-phone messages and portable radio digital signals are not processed by digital scanners. Digital radio scanners cannot be modified to process cell-phone messages. Prior to 1994 it was possible to buy scanners that could receive cell phone and cordless phone signals. Since that date an FCC rule has required ALL Scanners Sold in the USA to be Cellular frequency Deleted (Blocked).
FCC regulations do not prohibit the sale, ownership or use of digital radio scanners. Scanners must be FCC approved, of course. Some state and local governments have laws in effect limiting scanner use in vehicles or while committing a crime. Scanner regulations include a clause against scanned use to “break existing laws.” Checking local rules is advised and the information presented is not legal advice.
There are many publicly available transmissions. Police and fire departments, some ham radio signals, news media vans and helicopters, sports officials, and racing team communications are just a few. Auto racing fans often use digital radio scanners to listen in on team communications.
The federal regulations and the laws of physics are applicable to all radio transmissions. Paying more for digital radio scanners cannot change the characteristics of the signals it can receive and process. The basic functions of a high-priced scanner are no better or no worse than lower priced models. Price differences are often indicative of special functions or additional band coverage. The reception range and information quality of digital signals are relatively uniform.
Shopping for digital radio scanners should start with some research. The internet is the best public source of information about any subject – digital radio scanners are no exception. If you take some time to understand the many features available before shelling out your money your experience will be much better. Your do no want a tech-heavy unit that leaves you feeling lost. You certainly do not want to pay for features you will never use.
The added dangers of online shopping are well known. The retailer you buy from should offer several payment options, have a real physical store address, offer new – not refurbished – products with full USA warranty and not have outrageous hidden shipping charges.
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