Whistler WS1040 1800-Frequency Handheld Radio Scanner with Accessories Included

This is a amazing scanner! It can be a bit overwhelming at first, so I would say this scanner is more for the hobbyist that likes to tinker with things rather than the person who just wants to turn it on and start listening. To get the most out of this scanner you need to download ARC500 from Butel free for 30 days, then a $24.95 one time purchase. You'll also need a subscription to Radio Reference ($15 for 6 months, $30 for a year). A external speaker with a mono 3.5 mm plug is a nice addition if listening from home. I thought living in the country I would need a external antenna, but you probably wont need one if you're mainly listening to digital trunked systems, which would be most police, fire, and ambulance. This scanner does not include Phase 2 trunking, but we are still on Phase 1 in my area, so not a issue for me. The programming isn't super difficult, it just takes a bit time of time and patience.

Digital radio scanners are complex - this one gets a lion's share of frequencies out there...and really is not that bad to program (especially if you watch a couple Youtube videos). Great sensitivity even with the supplied "rubber duck" antenna. Very happy with it! Many digital radios can run around $500-$1000!

The WS1040 is an Excellent and Powerful scanner and comes with a good manual but Youtube videos are easier and quicker to learn about and how to program Fast. . It is well woth the money I paid and one of the top 3 or even top 2 on some of the sites that I highly researched before making my decision.

This scanner was a good buy for the price, I read the review's before I purchased one and was kind of on the fence about buying one simply for the fact of reading the remark's about "manually programming" the scanner, After i had purchased it and read the manual it was not that hard to program (as long as you have a little experience with scanners or computer's), it does have different colored lights you can set and alarms for the frequencies so that can be a bit challenging if you want to set all that stuff, but all in all A GREAT BUY !!!

After having a km communications program it off computer works great. Was told it wouldn't pick up p 25 trunking systems but it does. I like the led settings where I can sit back and tell who talking by the different color of lights programmed for police,fire, ect...

There are only a couple things that I dont like about this scanner. The setting up process was diffucult but i went onto You tube and watched a couple of videos which made the programming very easy. The sound could be a little better as sometimes it seems like i have to almost turn it all of the way up. Other than that i absolutely LOVE this scanner. I would recommend this scanner.

I am over thrilled with the ease of how to use this. I can get more frequencies than I will ever need.

Just got this for a birthday gift for my 88 year old mom. I'm having some trouble figuring out how to program it to my area but I haven't had a chance to put much time on it. I'm thinking once I figure out how to get local police and weather my mom will love it

This radio is way too complicated for the average user. The set up is challenging for even a tech savvy person like myself. Then, once you solve for quantum physics and get the thing programmed, the sound quality is lacking. I am not super impressed with this radio, but apparently for handhelds - this is the best one to consider. The only reason why I bought this is because the former Radio Shack handheld that I loved for the past 15 years broke. Amazon and eBay have since put Radio Shack out of business so therefore we have the Whistler product sold through Wal-Mart where no one employed there knows FA about electronics. Welcome to 2021. I am going to keep this radio as it's about as good as it's going to get as a replacement - but I'm not impressed to say the least.

it was the wrong police scanner