Joshua Nall
EF4
I looked into getting a scanner a few years ago, but couldn't decided between digital and analog. I've decided to go digital and get one of these units, but I'm having a tough time understanding how close call and location based scanning works. Here's what I have read. The handheld will close call, and will work with a GPS. The Home unit will work with a GPS, or you can enter a location such as zip code, but will not close call. I'm wondering what will be better for chasing. Since I'm generally solo it would be great to receive some reports in a timely fashion. I figure a scanner would be a good way to hear what others are seeing.
Here are my questions if anyone has experience with this. By location based scanning I understand that the unit automatically scans broadcasts in the area, but does that mean spotter and mobile units as well? I've read that the homepatrol already has frequencies stored, does that mean all of them? I assume you have to program the handheld unit. From what I've read about programming it sounds complicated. On the other hand the handheld unit has the close call feature that seems really handy. but does it actually work well in a chase environment? The signal has to be a close strong signal... how close? Would it pick up a mobile unit in a firetruck a mile away that might have a better view of a developing tornado. I really don't want anything I would have to mess with or adjust once I'm near a storm, but if I could just turn it on and receive some reports now and then that's what I'm looking for. Any information from scanner users would be helpful.
Here are my questions if anyone has experience with this. By location based scanning I understand that the unit automatically scans broadcasts in the area, but does that mean spotter and mobile units as well? I've read that the homepatrol already has frequencies stored, does that mean all of them? I assume you have to program the handheld unit. From what I've read about programming it sounds complicated. On the other hand the handheld unit has the close call feature that seems really handy. but does it actually work well in a chase environment? The signal has to be a close strong signal... how close? Would it pick up a mobile unit in a firetruck a mile away that might have a better view of a developing tornado. I really don't want anything I would have to mess with or adjust once I'm near a storm, but if I could just turn it on and receive some reports now and then that's what I'm looking for. Any information from scanner users would be helpful.