Scanner help where do i get one and what cost, how its compare to radio shack unit

I agree with the first solution, but with the following expansions. You can purchase a new scanner for anywhere between $70 and $500+, so it's important that you know what you want to listen to and what types of communications are in the area where you will listen. The BCD396XT and BCD996XT are top-of-the-line digital scanners that will copy just about anything that is not protected by sophisticated encryption, and not every one needs something that comprehensive. Ditto on the RadioReference.com (I'm a long time member), and you can use them to research your area's communications BEFORE you spend the money on a scanner. If you do go with a top scanner I strongly recommend that you DO NOT pay to have it programmed. If you do, you will learn nothing about the way your scanner works. For the same price as one-time programming you can purchase software that will do the job over and over, and it can even give you Virtual (computer) Control of the scanner. BuTel is the best software that I've found, and their ARC-XT-PRO for the mentioned scanners sells for $69.95. I just purchased a BCD396XT, and with the BuTel software I had it programmed and running in less than an hour. I've been using for about 25 years, so your start-up time will be a little longer. eBay is a decent source for a bargain on a new or used simple scanner, and try Scanner Master (my favorite) or Scanner World for the top units.

I would go to : www.radioreference.com and use their site and use the company they recommend. They are good, honest folks. I would look for a Uniden BCD-996XT (base/mobile) or a BCD-396 XT (hand-held) unit. Depending on your scanner expertise, you may wish to pay to have THEM program it or you can purchase the software and try it yourself on your computer.

Now, comparing in to the Radio Shack models...It blows them away, because of it's features. Rat $hack's scanners are limited in scope, because of the "channelizing" and have poor audio volume and clarity. No, I don't work for Uniden or the "Nagasaki Hardware Store", Radio $haft. Over the years, I've used both as a Ham radio operator and now as a First Responder. Bearcat has them beat.