SCANNING: Should you use more than one scanner?

NatCom Rewind: Multiple receivers ensure you won't miss important calls

Editor’s note: NatCom Rewind is a regular feature showcasing articles from past issues of the magazine that still have relevance today. This NatCom Rewind feature from the May | June 2015 issue of National Communications Magazine originally was written by Chuck Gysi | N2DUP | editor and publisher, and has been updated for our readers.

Summary of this article: We discuss the benefits of using multiple scanners for monitoring different types of radio communications. For instance, one scanner might become overloaded with too many frequencies, causing important public safety communications to be missed. We take a look at using additional scanners so you don’t miss any action.

Many scanner listeners feel fortunate that they have a good radio to listen to local emergency services. However, as you get more into the hobby, should you have more than one scanner to capture all your area action?

If you’re using two scanners, one can keep an ear on all essential public safety communications you don’t want to miss while the other scans every other type of station you are interested in monitoring. | Photo from National Communications Magazine archives