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Handheld, Base/Mobile, or PC-based? 

When looking for a police scanner to buy, one important factor to consider is what style of scanner you want. Police scanners come in four basic styles and each has its own pros and cons. This section provides and overview of each style and issues relating to each. 

The information on this page is divided into the following sections:

• Portable Handheld Scanners

• Base/Mobile & Desktop Scanners

• PC-based Scanner

Note: This section is also the second part of the six-part Police Scanners & Accessories section. 

If you travel a lot or just want to be able to take it along and listen anywhere, then a handheld scanner would be a good choice. Handheld scanners are made for portable use and come with a belt clip so you can carry it on your belt or in your purse. Pictured below is the Radio Shack PRO-94 handheld scanner.

Handheld scanners are battery operated and can also run on household current or a vehicles power, This type of model requires "AA" sized batteries or may come with a re-chargeable battery pack.  

Pros:

• Made for portable use.
• Runs on "AA" sized batteries or re-chargeable battery pack. 
• Not affected by power outages.

Cons:

• Range and reception is less than that of other models.   
• Higher chance of unit being damaged to accidental dropping. 
• Sound volume not as loud as other models.
• Units with re-chargeable battery packs require charging. 

A handheld scanner is ideal during a major disaster, severe weather, or other emergency condition where power may be out for extended durations and there’s nothing like having a battery operated scanner to monitor police and fire radio traffic for dangerous conditions and important information!

See our Police Scanner & Accessories section for more information. 

Note: Mobile use is prohibited in some areas.  Be sure to check local laws in your state for any restrictions or requirements. Use the resources listed under "Scanning Laws" in our Police Scanner Information Depot page.

If you just want to listen to your scanner only when you are at home, a base station or desktop model is ideal for you. Base and desktop models are made for stationary use such as on a bedroom stand or living room table. In addition, most base models are designed all operational controls on the face as well as "plug-in" power cords and "bracket mounting holes" for mounting in a vehicle for mobile use. Desktop models on the other hand are designed for only stationary use. All operational controls on top of the scanner and it has a "screw-in" antenna and dedicated power cord.

Pros:

• All: Range and reception is greater than other models
• All: Sound volume is much greater than handheld models.
• Base/Mobile: Made for both stationary and mobile use.
• Base/Mobile: Runs on household and vehicle power supply with adapter. 
• Base Mobile: You can increase reception by using an external antenna.

Cons:

• All: Affected by power outages.
• All: Must be located near power outlet. 
• All: Not for portable use.
• Base/Mobile: Mobile use requires cigarette adapter for vehicle power use and a mobile scanner antenna.
• Desktop: Made for stationary use only. 
• Desktop: Limited to the ability of it's "screw-in" antenna.

See our Police Scanner & Accessories section for more information. 

Note: Mobile use is prohibited in some areas.  Be sure to check local laws in your state for any restrictions or requirements. Use the resources listed under "Scanning Laws" in our Police Scanner Information Depot page.

PC-based scanners are made for use on a personal computer. Currently there is only one manufacturer that make PC-based scanners. This type is scanner uses the keyboard and mouse to control operations via an on-screen interface controller.  

There are two components required for a PC-based Scanner; hardware & software. The hardware required includes either a PC-card for the antenna set-up or or a special external mobile antenna.  

See photos for sample: 

Pros:

• Range and reception is comparable to other models.
• Sound volume is much greater than handheld models.
• Made for both stationary and mobile use.
• Runs on computer's power. 
• You can increase reception by connecting a pole mounted external antenna.
• Unlimited Channel Memory (dependent on hard drive space)
• Ability to add additional functions such as trunking-capability.

Cons:

• Cost.
• Requires a Desktop or Laptop Computer. 
• Antenna must be purchased separately. 
• Must be located near power outlet. 
• Affected by power outages.
• Mobile use requires a laptop computer and special separate power supply.

See our Police Scanner & Accessories section for more information. 

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