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Radio Scanner - What You Must to Know About Radio Scanners?

Here are several things you must assess if you decide to buy a radio scanner. You have to be aware of the features of these devices, so you'll know if that particular unit has all the elements needed by a user.

Radio Scanners are Not Illegal

Virtually all you will hear on its frequencies is legal. There are no legal restrictions if scanners are used at home. What is illegal is utilizing the info heard on the scanner to commit a crime or use it for financial gain. There may also be a few restrictions in using them while in a vehicle; it depends on the state. But deciding to buy a radio scanner is legal.

The following is a list of what you can expect from a radio scanner. Not all devices have these features, so remember that as you shop for a scanner.

Base vs. Handheld Scanners

The base or mobile scanners are for use on base stations or a vehicle. The sound is louder and quality is better than handhelds. The keypads and displays are also larger. They also come with a power supply.

In terms of performance, the mobile scanners are better than handhelds. They have greater coverage and less susceptible to interference. However, handheld scanners are more convenient and can be carried by an individual.

If you don't plan to bring the scanner with you, buy a radio scanner of the mobile variety. If you want something you can take while traveling, the handheld is the better option.

Number of Channels Available

This determines how many systems you can tune in to. A scanner with limited channels means you have to reprogram it whenever you want to check out another agency. If you just listen to the sheriff's department, 20 channels will be sufficient.

But if you live in the city or metropolitan area, you'll need more channels. In these places each city will have their own department, each with 5 to 10 frequencies. This doesn't even count in the state and county police.

If you want to listen to civil / military aircraft, fire department, etc. you'll need to buy a radio scanner that can accommodate 200 to 1000 frequencies.

Using Banks

On scanners with plenty of channels, the user can organize them into banks. The banks are used to cluster channels that share a common topic. That is, you can put all law enforcement frequencies on bank 1, fire/medical on bank 2, aircraft on bank 3 and so on.

Search Mode

A scanner with a search mode option allows the user to look for systems on unknown channels or frequencies. Unpublished frequencies include those of NASA, the FBI and many more. The search option on scanners is often customizable. The search speed will vary per scanner though.

While you can buy a radio scanner with no trouble, getting your money's worth is possible only if you know what a good scanner should have installed. By being aware of what radio scanners can do, you will be a more informed buyer.

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ELM327 USB Vehicle OBD-2 Scanner Tool $34.1 - Features:- ELM327 USB is the latest PC-based scan tool.- It supports all OBD-II protocols and is dispatched with a number of compatible programs.- The output protocol (connection to laptop) is USB- OBD-II Protocols:- ISO15765-4 (CAN)- ISO14230-4 (KWP2000)- ISO9141-2- J1850 VPW- J1850 PWM- Output protocol: RS232- Baud rate: 9600 or 38400- Indicator LEDs: OBD Tx/Rx, RS232 Tx/Rx, Power- Operating voltage: 12V, internal protection from short circuits/over-voltages- Nominal idle current: 45 mA- Description:- OBD-II Software for ELM327 USB is a free program that allows you to use your PC and a hardware interface to get the information from your car's computer- The program is very user-friendly, and easy to learn- It is also very easy to install: simply extract the files into a folder on your computer's hard drive, and you're ready to go- To uninstall the program, simply delete the entire contents of the folder where the program resides- The software supports two platforms - DOS and Windows- The program lets you perform the following operations:- Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database)- Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)- Display current sensor data, including:- Engine RPM- Calculated Load Value- Coolant Temperature- Fuel System Status- Vehicle Speed- Short Term Fuel Trim- Long Term Fuel Trim- Intake Manifold Pressure- Timing Advance- Intake Air Temperature- Air Flow Rate- Absolute Throttle Position- Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims- Fuel System status- Fuel Pressure- Many others- Upcoming Features:- Data graphing and logging- Freeze Frame data- Continuous and Non-Continuous Oxygen Sensor test results- Free software: Scantool.net- GM Mode 22 Scan Tool by Terry- OBD Gauge for PalmOS and Pocket PC by Dana Peters- OBD Logger by Jonathan Senkerik- OBD-II ScanMaster by Wladimir Gurskij (ScanMaster 3.52 - local copy)- obd2crazy.com- OBD2 Scantool by Ivan Andrewjeski- OBDII for ELM322 by David Huffman- pyOBD by Donour Sizemore for MacOSX and Linux- RDDTC by Pete Calinski- Real Scan by Brent Harris- ScanTest for Pocket PC by Ivan Ganev aka a-ser- wOBD by WDT- Packed with 1*driver CD, 1*USB cable , 1*RS232 to OBD cable

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Car Diagnostics CAS804 Scanner $43.49 Highlights The CAS0804 code reader supports all OBD2 protocols,including the newly releasedController Area Network(CAN) protocol. Though it is small, it is able to retrieve same information as large expensive scanners!Specifications Display: Backlit LCD, 2-line, 8 charactersOperating Temperature: 0 to 50°C (-32 to 122 F°)Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)Power: 10.0 to 15.5 Volts provided via vehicle batteryDimensions: Length Width Height 113 mm (4.4") 74 mm (2.9") 21mm (0.83")Features amp; BenefitsWorks with all 1996 and newer vehicles that are OBD2 compliant(including 11bit CAN and 29bit CAN)Reads and Clears generic and manufacturer specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes(DTCs) and turns off check engine lightSupports multiple trouble code requests: generic codes, pending codes and Manufacturer specific codesReviews the emission readiness status of OBD monitorsDetermines the malfunction indicator lamp(MIL) statusRetrieves VIN(Vehicle Identification No.) on 2002 and newer vehicles that support Mode 9Easy-to-read backlit 2-line LCD displayEasy to use with one plug-inStand-alone unit with no need for an additional laptop computer to operateSmall in size and conveniently fits in your palmSafely communicates with the on-board computerFree CD software with over 7000 DTC definitionsNo batteries needed-powered via detachable OBD2 cable

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