Features:

  • Simple Zip Code programming. Preloaded USA/Canada MicroSD card included.
  • Easy updating via Internet. User upgradable CPU firmware. Spectrum Sweeper. Clock / Calendar.
  • CTCSS and DCS subaudible decoder. Dedicated SKYWARN/Weather button.
  • APCO P25 Digital Phase I & II. Compact, modern case design. Preloaded USA/Canada MicroSD card included. Store Favorites Scan List
  • Dedicated SKYWARN/Weather button. IF Discriminator Out. Tuning Steps: 2.5, 3.125, 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5 ad 25 kHz.
Excellent choice for a radio enthusiast!

This is a great scanner! It was quick & intuitive to program the conventional frequencies... didn't even look in the manual. The trunked systems were simple enough with the free trial version of Arc500. I would import a selected freq list from radioreference.com, like railroad for example. Then I selected that entire list and assigned it to List 8. Same procedure for CBP, SBI, FBI, police, fire, etc. Some of the big brother feeds are encrypted, so even if you scan them, you can't understand.

Whistler Quality is Confirmed

I have always thought that Whistler was a cheap electronics suppliers, but I have been proven wrong...again. I first ventured into Whistler products with the TRX-1 portable scanner, and now I have the TRX-2 Base/Mobile scanner. I have loaded it with my preferred programming, and I am up and scanning within minutes. Several people complain about how hard the programming is, but I found it to be very easy and straightforward. I called tech support and they answer their phones quickly and provided answers immediately. Highly recommend this product.

GREAT SOUNDING SCANNER WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLERS

I love this scanner. I am a licensed communications tech, and have owned many shortwave and scanner radios. This scanner is far and above the best for size, sound quality, and reception. I love the fully lit up display and buttons because I monitor late at night. If you buy this scanner don't even think about programing it manually. Pay the subscription fee to RadioReference.com and program the scanner through your computer. It is really fun and challenging to program. And when you travel to other areas, you can easily program it for the scanner channels in the area you are visiting. It works on 12 volt dc or 115 volt ac, and comes with all the cords.

Great radio - if you don't get a lemon

This review is for Whistler WS1065 Digital Desktop Scanner (Black) The first one I received was deaf compared to my PSR-600, PRO-106, and two PRO-197s, but the replacement is fine. This may indicate QC issues, though it is a sample size of only two units so maybe I just got "lucky" the first time. The LCD and button backlighting appears to be substantially brighter than the above mentioned predecessors. The "Dim" setting is about the same brightness as the "Bright" setting on the older units. Definitely not complaining. Apart from that and some other minor cosmetic and internal changes, Whistler wisely didn't mess with a great radio. Would like to see a future model with P25 Phase 2 capability.

Don't let negative reviews scare you. Awesome scanner

Compared to others scanners this whistler is NOT difficult to set up and use. I had it searching and talking within 30 seconds of first power up and D/Led data and had it scanning same day. Maybe difficult for new users to set up, but no more so than any other scanner. Keep in mind the better antenna system you use the more you will hear. I have owned scanners for 40 years and this one is a pleasure to use. Very easy to load freqs via Radio Reference. Great ears. 1/3 the size of my old Bearcat desktops. No regrets here.

Great scanner at a price that won't break you.

This is a great scanner at a price that won't break you. I've had several scanners for many years. This one was in the price range I was willing to spend. I read the reviews and decided to give it a try, even though there were several negative reviews. I am happy with my purchase. If you are not a technical person or are not familiar with radios, you might want to skip this one. Many of the negative reviews were from people who just could not figure out this scanner. Once you get it set up, it is so easy to make and change scan lists. If you're not going to use a computer to program the scanner, you might also want to skip it. What makes it so easy to use is the software that allows you to program the scanner. The scanner comes with a USB programming cable that plugs into a socket in the scanner's front panel. For software, you'll need to go to RadioReference dot com and download your choice of programming software. I tried the WIN500 application and didn't like it. After trying ARC500, it worked well and was easy to learn. Now when I want to make a change on my scanner, I start the computer application, make the changes, connect the programming cable and then click Upload. It couldn't be easier. The scanner comes with a telescoping antenna that isn't much good, unless you live in an area with strong signals. I bought a mobile magnetic mount antenna. I have an upper dormer window in my office and the window sill has metal flashing under the paint, so the antenna sits securely. One last suggestion before you order. You might want to look for a vendor that shows it is fulfilled by Amazon or is sold directly by Amazon. I initially chose a vendor that shipped directly. Three days after I had placed the order, the scanner still hadn't been shipped. I did a search again and found one fulfilled by Amazon for $5 more. It promptly arrived 2 days later.

Reliable design at a low price.

Whistler has taken over the design from GRE, but the heart of this radio is still the same. As such, all accessories like programming cables and brackets will work across the board from GRE/Radio Shack/Whistler. The scanner is a Phase 1 capable, digital trunking unit. It does not have the most robust front-end (particularly on VHF) but handles other bands extremely well. It does an okay job on VHF if you fiddle with the programming and understand how it acts around strong signals such as in simulcast systems. This is a minor annoyance when you consider the price. At around half the cost of a scanner which only marginally handles dense RF environments better, I can easily look beyond the shortcomings. Be aware however, if you need TDMA (Phase 2 or DMR) reception, NeXTEL, or a few other newer protocols, this scanner cannot and WILL NOT be able to listen to them. Also be aware that this does not decode encryption. If your local agencies are encrypted, this scanner nor any other will allow you to listen to them. If you are coming from the world of analog scanning, the step up into trunking and digital worlds can be daunting. Expect to spend a little time with this unit to get everything firing on all cylinders. If you are a long-time scanner buff, you can have this thing tracking a local system within a few minutes of opening the box. Everything is just easy and intuitive. For the price, if you only need phase 1, this scanner is hard to beat. It is also probably the most user friendly option for someone who wants to get into modern scanning but still tinker with things. You can get touchscreen scanners which run off a database that requires no previous knowledge. But if you want to finagle with settings and aren't afraid to learn new things, this is a fine scanner to cut your teeth on.

WS1065 works fine

I use this scanner every day. I would say its probably not the type of scanner for someone who has never owned a programmable scanner. But if you have the time and patience you will be ok. This is an older scanner by todays standards. You should basically know what is available in your area that is 'listenable' to before buying this if its still for sale. I receive tons of stuff between Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York City.

Easy to program through RadioReference

I got this in the mail yesterday, I brought to work this morning, downloaded the software (WIN500), downloaded directly from Radioreference and had this programmed in under 5 minutes.

Excellent Radio

Excellent scanner. Requires a bit of a learning curve to program, including a few hours of frustration, but once mastered, it's a breeze. Lots of nice features, including identification of the currently active channel by name, and if needed, a multi-color ID light. Slick. Additional software ($40) and a subscription to the radio frequency database ($7 or $15, as I recall) is required for anything more than very basic programming. The software is necessary, and should be included with the radio though, and not an added cost. A free temporary subscription to the frequency database should also be included. These are both added hidden costs, making the radio more expensive than it appears.

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