Scanner Frequencies

[David Poch]

I just got a new scanner and found a bunch of Skywarn frequencies for Oklahoma. I was wondering what other frequencies are useful to monitor in severe weather situations or while out chasing.

I came across this site the day I got my scanner and thought I would pass it on in case anyone didn't know about it. The frequency data base is quite amazing! http://www.radioreference.com/

 

[Joey Ketcham]

A lot of storm chasers use 146.55 to communicate with one another.. a good site to check out is http://www.usrepeaters.com/ which will give you a state-by-state list of repeaters.

 

[Eric Friedebach]

Link to Keith Brewster’s website.

 

[Randy Bowers]

Radioreference is an excellent source for scanner frequencies. Although the main focus is on monitoring of public safety frequencies, there is still a wealth of information related to monitoring Skywarn groups—particularly in your area. The database is complete and up-to-date with regards to the linked repeater system(s) that the National Weather Service in Norman uses to communicate with liaisons from all over their county warning area.

Local Skywarn nets may not be listed on Radioreference. As Eric said, kBrews’ site is excellent for finding frequencies that the local Skywarn nets are held on.

Don’t forget to put some Police and Fire frequencies in as well. Quite often, you’ll catch some interesting reports on those frequencies during severe weather.

 

[Jesse Risley]

I'll second the notion on RadioReference.

You may also wish to check some online sites such http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/ for a detailed list of amateur radio repeaters in each state.

Does your scanner have a Close Call or Signal Stalker feature? Does it have any preprogrammed banks of public safety and municipal frequencies? If so, these can be helpful features if you are scanning out of area.

 

[Doug Lee]

Here's a good resource for locating amateur repeaters and their coverage areas:

http://k5ehx.net/repeaters/qrepeater.php.


One caveat about the Keith Brewster site: the Eastern Oklahoma page hasn't been updated in 5 years, so don't be surprised if the info there isn't quite straight. Oftentimes, the best and most up-to-date ham repeater info is available on the website of each state's repeater coordination group. In Oklahoma, it's the Oklahoma Repeater Society (ORSI), www.oklahomarepeatersociety.org.

Many Skywarn operations will have a repeater on 146.88 or 146.94, and some might have both. These were two of the first frequencies allowed by the FCC for repeater operation, so you will find quite a few of those around.

 

[David Poch]

My scanner has the Signal Stalker feature and was also preprogrammed. I can see how those tools can be of use now. It also has search banks programmed and one bank is all amateur bands.

Thanks for all of the replies! Been busy programming away.

 

[matt doolittle]

The FCC licensing database is a good one to check out also.

http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/Uls...500SLrKxGhp73MBf212wyhR!-627501572!-212154124

 

[John Wetter]

I hadn't heard of the radioreference website before, that's a nice Db they have. I might as well be the wet blanket and remind everyone that in some states it's illegal to have a receiver capable of picking up law enforcement without either a ham radio license or some other "permit" allowing such a device in a motor vehicle.

-John

 

[David Drummond]

MOBILE SCANNER LEGALITY

FLORIDA - Illegal except for licensed HAM, member of PRESS on assignment, or written permission from law enforcement.

INDIANA - Illegal except for licensed ham.

KENTUCKY - Illegal except for licensed ham, PRESS, tow trucks, emergency or disaster services personnel with written permission from state director of emergency services.

MINNESOTA - Illegal except for police or licensed ham.

NEW YORK - Illegal except for licensed ham

RHODE ISLAND - Illegal except for licensed ham.

SOUTH DAKOTA - Illegal except for licensed ham.

Pretty much ILLEGAL in all states when used to assist in the commission of a crime.

A ham license SHOULD expect you in all states.

There should be no problems with scanners in the plains states except maybe SD depending on your background over the last 10 years.

 

[cedwards]

RHODE ISLAND - Illegal except for licensed ham or convicted criminals.

SOUTH DAKOTA - Illegal except for licensed ham or anyone convicted of a felony in any state in the last 10 years.

This is a bit confusing. Why would convicted criminals be allowed to use a mobile scanner when others can't?

 

[David Drummond]

Obviously I added some erroneous information there. I edited it.

SOUTH DAKOTA:

South Dakota - (2002 law) - Literally interpreted as written, possession/use by anyone who has in the last 10 years been convicted of a felony, in SD or other states, is illegal. Use by anyone else seems implied to be okay. However, licensed ham radio operators exempted. (Though ... why exempt hams if it's okay for everyone else to have them?) These people just can't seem to get around to stating exactly what they mean or intend. Is their intent is to ban scanners from general civilian use, except for those with prior written permission, or exemption by federal license? (They go as far as to list those exemptions, later down the list.) Did they mean that use in the furtherance of a crime is illegal, but for everyone else, it's okay? For this reason, to be safe, I advise treating this law as if it were meant to ban the general public from possession of a scanner (I know it's confusing, but I didn't write this law), and local citizens should call their local legislative office to find out EXACTLY what they mean. This kind of vague, lazy legislation is dangerous, not to mention unfair, because if the street officers have it that its intended for all civilians, and yet the law states another thing, then a lot of scanners could potentially be confiscated and people ticketed unjustly, and not to mention illegally. The potential IS there. Again, this one gets a cautious ORANGE color coding because the wording needs MUCH improving. Wording too indecisive, here.

Source:
http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html

 

[Jesse Risley]

I would say there are more states that don't have scanner restrictions than those that do. Todd Sherman's website that David mentioned is updated on a regular basis and is the best IMHO if you need any state-by-state information.

However, it might be wise to add that the use of a mobile or portable scanner outside of your home (even where legal and unrestricted), under certain circumstances, may be considered reasonable suspicion for law enforcement to stop and interrogate you. Just be responsible and you shouldn't have many problems.

I might also add that the New York law is very, very vague on the whole ham exemption. There have been credible stories of hams having their scanners confiscated in NY. I'm not sure what their problem is, but when I pulled the statute and read it about a year ago it seemed only to exempt amateur transceivers possessed by licensed hams that can scan public safety frequencies, but not scanners themselves...go figure.

For anyone who's a bit bored and cares about the NY situation, there is a case law excerpt here concerning confiscation of a scanner in NY: http://www.w4lny.com/news/1997/

 

[Joe Stuart]

Great Info guys, thanks a million! I Just got a pro-97 for x-mas and was about to ask several questions when I saw this thread. I think pretty much all my Q's have been answered and my scanner worked pretty good today during the missouri severe weather event. My only remaining question is regarding the antenna. , The "rubber duckie" worked ok but does anyone have a recommendation for an external antenna for that model? Seems like with the rubber duckie it breaks up alot while driving. any suggestions??

 

[Troy Christensen]

I have also compiled a bunch of severe weather related frequencies for several different states. It is at http://www.w9tec.com/chaseradio/ . Enjoy!