I was thinking about getting a scanner and a new shortwave radio. What should I look for and how much do I need to spend?<br><br>

Andy,<br>It depends on how much capability you want to have.<br><br>Radio Shack has a wide variety of handheld scanners. Most newer ones are Trunking scanners that pick up freqs in the 800Mhz range, since a lot of metro fire and police and state troopers use these freqs nowdays. In my neck of the woods, a lot of services still use freqs between 30 and 400Mhz. But, the troopers do use 800Mhz freqs.<br><br>Watch for sales, because Radio Shack has a different type of sale every month.....you should be able to pick up a 150 or more channel (you choose what freqs you want stored in those channels) 800Mhz trunking scanner in the neighborhood of $150-$200. Of course, also check you local *Mart type stores for their selections, too.<br><br>

My info is pre computer,so do a web search. Scanner World USA (10 New Scotland Avenue, Albany New York 12208) has an excellent selection of radios, and most important; accessory antannae and directories. Make sure you get a unit with both AC and DC power for use in home and car. A programmable feature will let you key onto weather,marineband and local agencies immediately. Laws vary from state to state regarding their use, so check first.The Betty Bearcat directory is full of innacurate information.<br><br>