For those in law enforcement and scanner enthusiasts alike, understanding the nuances of radio frequencies is crucial, especially when it comes to monitoring highway patrol communications. Choosing the best car auto police scanner often boils down to knowing which radio bands are most relevant. This article delves into the importance of low-band and VHF hi-band frequencies and how they relate to selecting the optimal scanner for keeping tabs on cops and highway patrol activities.
Understanding the radio spectrum is key to choosing the right police scanner. Two frequency ranges that often come into play are low-band and VHF hi-band. Low-band frequencies, typically ranging from 30-50 MHz, and VHF hi-band, spanning 150-174 MHz, have distinct characteristics that affect their performance and suitability for police communication. Low-band frequencies are known for their long-range capabilities, able to travel over considerable distances and around obstacles due to ground wave propagation. This makes them particularly useful in rural or less densely populated areas. However, low-band is also more susceptible to interference from various sources, including electrical noise and atmospheric conditions. VHF hi-band, on the other hand, offers a good balance between range and clarity. It generally provides more reliable communication in urban and suburban environments and is less prone to some types of interference that plague low-band frequencies.
Alt text: Highway patrol car equipped with radio antenna, essential for police communication and scanner monitoring.
Historically, and even presently in many regions, highway patrol and state police agencies have relied on low-band frequencies for their primary communication networks. As highlighted in discussions about the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), low-band systems have proven to be reliable and robust. MSHP’s continuous use and upgrades to their low-band infrastructure, including transmitters and antennas, demonstrate the band’s enduring value for critical communication. Equipment manufacturers like Kenwood, Midland, Motorola, and Vertex continue to produce low-band mobile radios, indicating ongoing demand and relevance in the market. The reliability of low-band is further emphasized by the fact that, unlike newer digital systems, it doesn’t depend on complex master switches and has shown consistent performance over many years of service.
For those aiming to monitor highway patrol communications, a police scanner capable of receiving both low-band and VHF hi-band frequencies is often the best choice. While VHF hi-band is widely used by various public safety agencies, low-band remains a critical component for many highway patrol units, especially in states with large rural areas. Interference can be a factor with low-band, stemming from in-car electronic devices or external electrical sources. Therefore, when selecting a scanner, consider models known for good filtering and interference rejection capabilities. While cost is always a consideration, investing in a scanner that effectively covers both bands and minimizes interference will provide a more comprehensive and reliable monitoring experience. The ongoing investment in low-band infrastructure by agencies like MSHP underscores its continued importance, making low-band reception a valuable feature in any “best car auto police scanner” setup for monitoring cops and highway patrol.
