DF> Hi, I am 16 and really want to get into scanning. i want a base unit that 
c
DF> recive cellular and all that stuff and have a lot of channels(or be 
modifie
DF> to have a lot) and I was wondering if any of you long time scanners could 
DF> help me out(Bill Cheek?) or ANYBODY that could help me. I have downloaded 
DF> tons of freqs in anticipation for my first scanner and will trade the 
with 
DF> anyone that wants them. Well Thanks in advance.
It depends on how much money you want to spend. Everyone should realize
that whever your talking about buying something (whether it be a computer
or a scanner), if your asking for advice, then you need to give a price
range that you can afford, thats even more important than the features
and frequencies you want because those would have to be worked around
your budget.... Anyway.. My adice is it seems what your interested in,
is the  """best""" scanner with good features and the widest coverage
band possible (gets the most frequencies) at a reasonable price..  Well,
theirs lots of good scanners out their,  but I personally feel only
1 fits the bill, and that is the AOR-8000 which sells for between
$475 (absolute minimum retail price) upwards towards $590 depending
on where you get it from and if its on sale..  This scanner is
great because:
(1) It probably has the widest coverage band of any scanner EVER in its
     price range, plus it covers more frequencies that any scanner in
     its "size" range..
(2) The AOR-8000 can be programmed through cheap software such as 
    SCAN-CAT GOLD, etc.. and you can easily reprogram in any missing
     bands (such as... hmm... cellular....) 
(3) the AOR can also be  "reaction tuned"  with another device called
     the "OptoElectronics SCOUT" which is a type of frequency counter
    that will automatically tune your scanner when the SCOUT receives
    a frequency that is close by.. (ie: somebody turns on a CB Radio,
    walkie talkie, or cell radio, if your close enough, the SCOUT
    will "command" your AOR scanner to automatically tune to that
    frequency..
HERES THE BAD NEWS THOUGH..  :-(  I kinda messed up with my advice,
the AOR 800 is great,  but its not a   "base model" scanner which is
what you asked for... but in my opinion its every bit as good as any
base model out their (in that price range)..  
Anyway, if you tell us your price range, I can then recommend a good
base model for you.
--- GEcho 1.00
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