The accessories that make listening easier, clearer, and more enjoyable.
Buying a quality police scanner is only the beginning. The right accessories can improve reception, extend battery life, make your scanner easier to use, and even unlock features you may not realize are available.
Whether you're a first-time scanner owner or a longtime radio enthusiast, this guide covers the most useful scanner accessories and explains when each one is worth adding to your setup.
If there's one accessory that can noticeably improve your listening experience, it's a better antenna.
Every scanner includes a factory antenna that's designed to provide decent performance across a wide range of frequencies. While these stock antennas work well for local listening, they aren't always the best choice for your specific location or the systems you monitor.
Depending on what you're listening to, you might consider:
Keep in mind that no single antenna is perfect for every frequency. The best antenna depends on the radio systems in your area and where you use your scanner. That's why many experienced scanner enthusiasts own more than one antenna for different applications. Scanner Master offers everything from replacement antennas to specialized portable and base antennas for many popular models.
Nothing ends a listening session faster than a dead battery. For handheld scanners like the Uniden SDS100 or SDS150, having an extra battery allows you to continue monitoring while another battery charges.
Useful accessories include:
Many newer scanners also support charging through USB, making it easy to keep your scanner powered at home, in the office, or on the road. Genuine replacement batteries and chargers are available for many current Uniden models.
Many modern Uniden scanners store programming, Favorites Lists, recordings, and the RadioReference database on a microSD card.
Although your scanner includes a card from the factory, upgrading to a high-quality High Endurance microSD card can improve long-term reliability, especially if you record audio frequently or regularly update your programming.
A quality SD card is inexpensive insurance against corrupted data and makes it easy to keep a backup of your scanner's programming.
Keeping a programmed spare SD card available can help restore operation of a scanner if the included SD card ever becomes corrupted.
Portable scanners often go everywhere with their owners. Whether you're attending an airshow, chasing storms, railfanning, or simply carrying your scanner daily, a protective case helps prevent scratches and accidental damage.
Popular options include:
Besides protecting your investment, many cases also make handheld scanners more comfortable to carry. Scanner Master carries several protective case options for popular Uniden models.
If you primarily use a desktop or mobile scanner, an external speaker can make a noticeable difference in audio clarity.
Digital radio systems can sometimes produce speech that's more difficult to understand than traditional analog transmissions. A quality external speaker often improves intelligibility, especially in vehicles or noisy environments. This is a common upgrade recommended by experienced scanner users.
External speakers are especially useful for:
Many scanner enthusiasts spend just as much time listening in the car as they do at home. A proper mounting solution keeps your scanner secure while allowing easy access to the display and controls.
Depending on your setup, you may want:
These accessories create a cleaner installation while improving safety and convenience.
Some advanced scanners support GPS-based scanning. When connected to a compatible GPS receiver, the scanner can automatically enable and disable systems as you travel, eliminating the need to manually change Favorites Lists or locations.
This feature is especially valuable for:
Instead of constantly updating your scanner, it adjusts automatically as your location changes. Compatible GPS accessories are available for many Uniden models that support location-based scanning.
Programming today's scanners is much easier than it was years ago, but software can still make managing large Favorites Lists and custom systems even more convenient.
Available accessories include:
Some scanners also support optional upgrades that unlock additional digital modes such as DMR, NXDN, or ProVoice when those systems are used in your area.
After years of use, some parts naturally wear out.
Fortunately, many replacement components are available, including:
Replacing a worn accessory is often much less expensive than replacing the scanner itself.
The best accessories depend on how you use your scanner.
You don't need every accessory available to enjoy your scanner. In fact, many listeners start with nothing more than the radio itself. But as your interest in the hobby grows, the right accessories can significantly improve convenience, reception, portability, and overall performance.
Whether you're upgrading your antenna, adding backup power, improving audio, or building a complete mobile or home monitoring station, investing in quality accessories helps you get the most from your scanner for years to come.
