However, as scanner technology advances to keep up with new communications systems, scanners have become increasingly complex to set-up and program. Scanner Master has been helping scanner enthusiasts monitor public safety communications for over 30 years. Our programming team researches local radio systems and configures scanners for police, fire, EMS, and other available communications systems in your area. Programming costs are listed with the scanner as an option under HomeTown Programming. Pricing is calculated on the scanner type, the number of agencies you want programmed and the complexity of the radio systems in your area.

We program the following three levels public safe agencies into your scanner: (per-county)

• Local Level – City and town police, fire, and EMS agencies
• County Level – County law enforcement and county fire services
• State Level – State police, highway patrol, and statewide communications systems

Turnaround times may vary based on scanner model, programming complexity, seasonal demand, and the number of systems requested. Generally 7-14 days is the most common turnaround time.

HomeTown Programming Services
Scanner Master offers programming services for scanners purchased direct from us or for scanners that you already own. Programming may include research into your local frequencies and trunking systems, conversations with you about what you would like programmed, and then the actual programming of the radio complete with frequencies, alpha tag descriptions, trunking systems, talkgroup IDs and PL tone codes (for radios that accept these parameters). Low-end radios without these features can be programmed more quickly and inexpensively. Either way the radio will be ready-to-go when you receive it. The cost for the service is based on radio used, the number of frequencies and systems being programmed, and the amount of frequency research needed.

This service is for those who do not have the time to program the scanner for their area, or for those buying the scanner as a gift and who want the radio to work as soon as their friend or loved-one turns the radio on. The service is particularly worthwhile for those who do not feel up to the technical challenge of determining the correct frequencies and understanding and programming trunked and other advanced radio systems. The great thing about having Scanner Master do the work is that once the radio is programmed properly you may never have to touch or worry about programming again.

Some people say that programming shouldn't have to cost very much. But to do it right the first time you want it properly researched and the frequencies properly entered -- specifically for the area that you want to listen to. You don't want a general dump of frequencies for your area that's entered without any thought or check for accuracy. You want a company that stands by its work. Have your programming done by Scanner Master and have it done right by the people who wrote the book on public safety communications.

Already own the scanner? HomeTown Programming Options for you:

• HomeTown Programming Mail-in Service
• HomeTown Programming Remote Service

Programming Basic Scanners
Basic analog scanners are often simple enough for many users to program themselves using local frequency information. However, monitoring modern digital and trunked systems generally requires a scanner specifically designed to receive those communications systems.

Again, some police and fire departments operate on very advanced trunking and/or digital radio systems. If this is the case you will need a more advanced, and expensive, scanner. If you're not technically inclined or interested in spending some time learning how to program the scanner for these systems, HomeTown Programming is a great solution.

Complex Radio Systems
Large Metropolitan Radio SystemsThe following counties are so large with multiple complex radio systems there is an additional fee for programming as follows. If you are looking for one of these counties, choose the appropriate listing from below.

Cook County, IL
Select 5 counties/$175

Los Angeles County, CA
Select 5 counties/$175

Select 2 counties/$105

Dallas County, TX
Select 2 counties/$105

Wayne County, MI
Select 2 counties/$105

San Bernardino County, CA

Select 2 counties/$105

New York City, NY
Select 2 counties/$105
(Programming will include all 5 boros)

Please note exactly what county you are ordering in the Comments section of your order.

Not sure what scanner is right for you?
Visit our Choose the Right Scanner for Your Area page and find out!

A: Yes. Many scanners can be programmed manually or with software, although modern digital systems may require more advanced setup.

A: Most scanners require frequencies, trunked system information, talkgroups, and location-specific settings.

A: Programming times vary depending on scanner model and the complexity of local radio systems.

A: Yes. Scanner Master offers programming services for many scanner models purchased from our store.

A: The scanner may require additional programming, may not support digital systems, or local agencies may use encrypted communications that cannot be monitored.