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Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner,Black

  • Based on 1,855 reviews
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Arrives Saturday, May 11
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Features

  • Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help - Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner
  • Scan List-functionality allows you to arrange, group and scan objects according to your preference. Memory Backup - Frequencies remain stored in memory for an extended time even without batteries.
  • Free-Form Memory Organization - Allocation of memory dynamically and efficiently as it is needed. This differs from low cost and older scanners that had memory organized in rigid and wasteful memory banks
  • Skywarn Storm Spotter Function - Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. Multi-System Trunking. Tune - Find new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency
  • Digital AGC - Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems
  • Scans most common trunked radio system signaling formats, including Motorola, EDACS, LTR and P25 trunked radio networks. Both talkgroup and individual call monitoring are supported

Description

This Desktop/Mobile Digital Scanner stores up to 1,800 frequencies and lets you search for nearby frequency transmissions and automatically jumps to a found transmission. It also lets you hear storm reports and more before they are broadcast on TV or radio. Includes PC/IF Cable, DIN E Adapter, AC Adapter, DC Cable, Telescopic Antenna and Mobile Mounting Bracket.

Specs & Other Info

SpecificationDetails
Dimensions5.3 x 7.3 x 2.2 inches
Weight2.64 pounds
ModelWS1065
Production StatusCurrently available
Release DateFebruary 18, 2014
Target AudienceAdults
ManufacturerWhistler
OriginChina

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the Whistler WS1065 is capable of decoding both digital and analog frequencies. It's designed to handle a wide range of communications, making it versatile for various scanning needs.

Programming the Whistler WS1065 can vary in difficulty depending on your familiarity with scanners and the specific frequencies you're trying to access. However, it comes with software that aids in programming, and there are numerous resources and communities online that offer guidance.

Yes, the Whistler WS1065 typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty. The length and specifics of the warranty can vary, so it's recommended to check the included documentation or contact Whistler directly for details.

Yes, the Whistler WS1065 can be used to scan a wide range of frequencies, including those used by police and emergency services. However, accessibility to these frequencies can depend on local laws and encryption practices, so it's important to be aware of and comply with any regulations in your area.

Top Amazon Reviews

πŸš€ Abunda's Overview

This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.


The Whistler scanner garners mostly positive feedback for its value, comprehensive features, and the capability to pick up a wide range of frequencies, especially when coupled with an additional antenna. Nevertheless, a steep learning curve for programming it, which requires third-party software and a potential subscription to online databases, is consistently noted. It's praised for its performance and cost-effectiveness but criticized for the complexity and outdated support documentation.

Pros

  • πŸ‘ Comes with everything needed, including a cable for computer connection.
  • πŸ‘ Telescoping antenna picks up a wide variety of frequencies effectively.
  • πŸ‘ Excellent value for its price, offering high-quality listening experiences.
  • πŸ‘ Compatible with existing accessories from GRE/Radio Shack/Whistler due to shared design heritage.
  • πŸ‘ User-friendly for both new users and long-time scanning enthusiasts, with manageable programming for those willing to learn.

Cons

  • πŸ‘Ž Programming the scanner can be complicated and possibly requires additional software and subscriptions.
  • πŸ‘Ž Manual programming is described as incredibly hard, making it inaccessible for some users.
  • πŸ‘Ž Support documentation is outdated, with references to obsolete operating systems like Windows XP and Vista.
  • πŸ‘Ž Some features and protocols like TDMA (Phase 2 or DMR), NeXTEL, or encrypted communications are not supported.
  • πŸ‘Ž The scanner's front-end is not the most robust, especially on VHF, requiring programming adjustments for optimal performance.

Should I Buy It?

If you're a scanning enthusiast willing to navigate a complex programming process for a budget-friendly price, the Whistler scanner offers great value and performance. It’s ideal for users looking to dip their toes into more modern scanning capabilities without breaking the bank. However, if ease of use right out of the box is crucial for you, or you require support for the latest digital protocols and encrypted communications, you might want to consider other options.


  • Great value
The scanner came with everything I needed, including the cable to connect to my computer. Although the telescoping antenna picks up everything I want to listen to, I plan to replace it with an outdoor one just because of aesthetics. On to programming...Even though (or perhaps because) I've had experience with other scanners I didn't even try to program it manually. I bit the bullet and subscribed to radioreference.com and and found 3rd party programming software online that offers a 30 day free trial. The programming software that automatically downloads the information from radioreference.com is a little complicated, but that isn't the scanner's fault. It's because public service communications in this day and age is getting complicated. When you get into programming digital modes with various talkgroups, etc, IMHO it's much easier to just let your computer handle it. So I give the Whistler 5 stars because it does what it does very well and at a very good price. Just be aware that due to its complexity you probably won't be listening to police calls 10 minutes after you take it out of the box. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022 by Phil McCracken

  • Reliable design at a low price.
EDIT** I am legitimately baffled by the number of bad reviews that blame the scanner for lack of understanding by the purchaser. This scanner will arrive at your door unprogrammed and you will have to input the data needed to make it work. The data is freely available. There is no need to pay any kind of monthly fee or subscription in order to program this scanner. You can absolutely program this scanner by hand. But the days of inputting a couple analog frequencies are basically over. Most systems at a minimum will require inputting of control channels and talkgroup information. While possible via the keypad, it will take a LONG time to put in more than a few "channels". Modern trunking systems require a lot of data to function. THIS IS NOT YOUR PARENTS ANALOG SCANNER. If any of the terms are unfamiliar to you, expect to spend some time reading online forums and fiddling with things. Again...this is no fault of the scanner. It is the nature of scanning in the 21st century. There are softwares available to make programming easier, but you will still need to know the required data and input it correctly. Just because you nor 1200 of your closest IT buddies have the experience/understanding to program this radio, does not mean the scanner is at fault. It would be like saying that heart surgery is pointless because you don't know how to do it. You have to LEARN. And Amazon, Whistler, some guy on the street, or the seller cannot just magically have this programmed when it shows up at your door. Every system is unique. Every scanning interest is unique. Would you buy a vehicle where the seat is adjusted (and locked) for the salesperson and the radio is stuck on their favorite station? No, of course not. This scanner functions just fine for the price. And 90% of the negative reviews are written by people who do not understand modern scanning and don't seem to want to learn. You can purchase pre-programmed scanners...at twice the price. Or you can spend a couple hours and learn the information needed to program your own radio. There is no free lunch when it comes to scanning modern systems. Sorry. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2019 by Jennifer

  • You'll need help programming this.
This is incredibly hard to program manually, but true fact: Scanning isn't what it used to be. Back in the day, you bought a Regency Scanner, popped in a few crystals, and you could listen to your local EMS no problem. Now, there's P25, Digital Trunking, and on and on and on. Whistler doesn't even try to pretend that you can program this manually: you need to get a program like Win500 and a subscription to Radio Reference, download the freqs and settings for what you want to hear, and load them into the radio. VERY SIMPLE PROCESS - easier than buying a crystal and installing it into the radio! I bought a TRAM discone antenna to use with this scanner and I'm hearing stuff from very far away - Boston is 60 air miles from my house and I can listen to their Fire/EMS if I were so inclined. Good scanner, good value, and if you want more features you'll have to spend a LOT more money. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020 by Lawrence Wescott

  • Frustrating to program, but good radio
As so many reviews have said, programing a digital scanner is very hard if you have no experience. With the help of Amazon reps I was able to reach Whistler's Customer Service Manager. Bryan was able to help me with the files and to get by unit up and going. This scanner sounds great once it is programed. I would recommend you have help to get it programmed if you have no experience. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023 by IU Pappoo

  • A piece of garbage
These stupid scanners are too hard to program. The manual doesn't describe anything properly. They send you to some site to look up frequencies and become a subscriber but it doesn't show you how to do anything. The site has no proper software download area. When you finally find it, it is some old DOS program and requires payment unless you want to use the demo version for a month. Other than the free weather report, I didn't really hear anything and all You-tube videos of this item are basically idiots mumbling. One guy didn't even show the unit and just grunted in a daze. The manual's PC requirements mention Windows XP and believe it or not Windows VIsta...Vista...for an item sold in 2023. They're selling them on the Whistler site and the latest Windows supported or mentioned is Windows 8. It didn't recognize any COM ports when I tried the cable. The manual also describes the settings of switches and menu items but doesn't say what it means, like "priority", or "AGC-controls the AGC function , which is what?" Some reviews have mentioned that this is the fun of finding out, but I don't want to spend over $200 on something that does nothing. What is the point of making something so difficult to use or even know it's working? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2023 by Juby Thomas

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