Welcome to our frequently asked questions page. Below are some common scanning questions. If you find that your question is not answered here, check out the Police Scanner Information Depot as it contains a variety of scanning topics that may provide answers to questions you may have. Unfortunately, due to the high number of email I receive daily, I don't have the time to respond to every scanning question. 

If you are new to scanning, I suggest my scanning guide. It contains a wealth of information for those who know little or nothing about police scanners and radio scanning in general.  

1. What is CTCSS?  

2. Do you know where I can get the frequency for X?

3. Can you send me the frequency for X?

4. I'm thinking of getting a new scanner. Can you recommend one? 

5. What kind of scanner do you have?  

6. Where can I get a decent scanner cheap?  

7. I'm looking for a cellular mod for my scanner. Where can I find one?  

8. Where can I get my scanner repaired?  

9. Do you know where to get an manual for my scanner?

10. Do you know where I can get frequency crystals for my crystal-controlled scanner?

11. How often do you update this site?

Need Programming Software for Your Police Scanner?  Get it here!

1 : What is CTCSS?

"CTCSS" stands for "Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System". Click here for an overview.

2 : Do you know where I can get frequencies for X?

See our Scanner Frequency Resource Page.  

3 : Can you send me the frequency for X?

Due to the time and effort involved in searching out current and reliable frequency information, I do not provide complimentary frequency information other than what is listed on the Scanner Frequency Resource Page. I do however, offer a "Custom Frequency Search Service" for a small fee that may be of interest to you. To see all the benefits you get with the service, Click Here. 

4 : I'm thinking of getting a new scanner. Can you recommend one? 

I don't get into recommending scanners because there are too many brands on the market and I've only used Realistic and Uniden brands. 

5 : What kind of scanner do you have?

I have several that I use:

• A Uniden BC92XLT Conventional Handheld Scanner. This is my little workhorse. I use this one when I'm out and about, even if just around the corner to the market, I never leave home without it.
• A Uniden BC860XLT Conventional Desktop Scanner. This one is next to my bed on a night stand. 
• A Uniden BC350C Mobile Scanner. This one is installed in my vehicle for mobile use.
• A Radio Shack PRO-96 Digital Handheld Scanner. This one is only used when I need to hear LAPD during televised pursuits or when I venture to downtown LA.
• Two Uniden BC9000XLT's Base Scanners (similar to the BC898T pictured above left navigation menu). These site at my work desk and are both programmed with the same frequencies, one scanning my local police and fire agency and the other scanning surrounding police and fire agencies. 

I also have the following scanners that are officially "retired":

• A Radio Shack Pro-95 Trunking Handheld Scanner. (on loan to my sister)

• A Radio Shack Pro-94 Trunking Handheld Scanner.

• A Uniden BC220XL Conventional Handheld Scanner.

• A Radio Shack Pro-43 10-Channel Conventional Handheld Scanner.

• A Radio Shack Pro-55 10-Channel Base Scanner (crystal controlled).

6 : Where can I get a decent scanner cheap?

See our Police Scanner Buyer's Guide. 

7 : I'm looking for a cellular mod for my scanner. Where can I find one?

We do not provide this kind of information since modifying (mod) a scanner for cellular frequencies is illegal, If you are looking for general mod information, do a search on Google or your favorite search engine. 

8 : Where Can I Get My Scanner Repaired?

The following are known reputable repair service centers. I have personally used Radio Shack and Uniden for my scanner repairs because of their quick turnaround time.

• G&G Communication Repair Information
  7825 Black Street Rd, LeRoy, N.Y. 14482
  Phone: 585-768-8151 / Fax: 585-768-7175
  E-mail - ggcomm@iinc.com or ggcomm@aol.com

• Radio Shack Repair Service
  Repairs Radio Shack scanners. Repair fees are $40 flat fee and $10 deposits. Average 10-day service with 90-day warranty. Visit a Radio Shack near you for complete details or click the link above.

• Uniden America Corporation
  PARTS & SERVICE DIVISION
  4700 Amon Carter Blvd.
  Fort Worth, TX 76155-2297
  (800) 297-1023, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  (Central, Monday through Friday)

9 : Do you know where to get an owner's manual for my scanner? 

Sure, but only for the following models:

• Uniden Bearcat Scanner Manuals

• Radio Shack PRO Scanner Manuals

• AOR Scanner Manuals

• Alinco Scanner  Manuals

10 : Do you know where I can get frequency crystals for my crystal-controlled scanner?

Ah yes, the old days of scanner frequency crystals. Got an old crystal controlled scanner? Then you’re in luck because the following dealers buy, sell, or trade scanner frequency crystals. Crystals run anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00, more if you need special cut crystals. If you need frequencies for a dinosaur you have laying around, then these resources are for you!

• G&G Communications Scanner Crystals

• Ken’s Electronics

• ScannerCrystals.com

• International Crystal Manufacturing Co, Inc.

11 : How often do you update this site?

Once a month around the first week.