I need a new railroad scanner to listen to the local action here in RI. This includes CSX, P&W (Regional), Seaview RR (Shortline), and Amtrak.
Range, clarity and ease of use are my criteria. Any suggestions?
Thank you, Paul.
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Uniden Home Patrol II
Amazing unit... all frequencies in memory already for the whole country! Easy to change what it receives when traveling by typing in zip code of your location. When we go to York, it's a one minute programming change.
It runs AC or DC or batteries (not so great on batteries).... if you want battery handheld portability, the Uniden BCD436HP Handheld
Both are expensive but spectacular!
OR,
For a lot less $$$, the Uniden VHF/UHF (non-digital) scanners work well
OR,
For a perfect condition used (non-digital) scanner that will work well at home, email me!
I use a 'Scanner Radio Deluxe' on my iPhone. I like this because it picks up Police, Fire, Railroads and Airports. Also provides a written statement about the action, that is going down.
It is free at the Apple App Store, free is better than paying over $450 for a Uniden or Bearcat Scanner. Give it a try, if you don't like it, than go pay the big bucks.
I am sure you find the same thing at the Google Play Store, for an Android Phone.
Below is a screenshot of the control system....
Hope this helps: Gary
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Hi Eddie, thanks very much - I will be reaching out to you.
Gary, that looks like a very cool app. I tried looking for it in the Android but no luck. There are however other options to explore under "scanner apps". Thank you for the suggestion.
Paul
Do not laugh. I have used a Boefang UV5R as a scanner. Took one, programming cable, and pit all 96 basic 160 mhz freqs in it. Easy to program with Chirp software. Total cost $50 to 60.
Some warmings:
1. IT IS A HAM RADIO. DO NOT TRANSMIT ON HAM FREQS UNLESS YOU HAVE PASSED THE FCC TEST.
2. It is hard to program without Chirp programming.
3. Railroads use NARROW FM. Check that box off for each freq.
One UV5R has room for 128 freqs. I use the other 30for things like marine, and local ham repeaters, and tbe 162 mhz USWS channels. I use this radio just for railroads. If I go outside the Houston area, or a railroad chamges a freq, I am ready to go.
These can be found on the bay or tne big "A".
I really like my Uniden BC125AT. Runs on two rechargeable AA batteries (included) or can take non-rechargeable ones if those run out. Scans 80 channels per second. I just put all of the AAR channels in mine and let it scan. No worries!
Railrunnin posted:Hi Eddie, thanks very much - I will be reaching out to you.
Gary, that looks like a very cool app. I tried looking for it in the Android but no luck. There are however other options to explore under "scanner apps". Thank you for the suggestion.
Paul
Hi Paul,
I found one for Android. It's called "Scanner Radio" and it is free. It can be upgraded to "Scanner Radio Pro" for a very small fee. I have it installed in my Motorola Droid Turbo and it works great. Hope this helps.
Chief Bob (Retired) 
