This is always one of the most difficult questions to answer. It depends on three main factors:
1) Base/mobile or handheld?
In general, base/mobile scanners are easier to interface to a computer. Handheld scanners frequently cause ground loops ("hum") but can still be used. You need to decide whether you need a scanner you can take with you when you want to listen on the road. Handhelds can be great for planespotting at or around airports.
2) What else do you plan to use the scanner for when you are not providing a feed to LiveATC.Net?
Do you need 800 MHz trunking, for example, to listen to public safety communications in your town? If so, you'll want a scanner that has good support for trunk tracking. What other bands might you want to listen to? Answering these questions helps narrow down the choices.
3) How much money have you budgeted for a scanner?
You can spend anywhere from $40 to $500 or more for a scanner. It all depends on the features you need and whether you are OK with buying a used scanner.
In general, I suggest the following:
1) Bearcat/Uniden BC-780XLT, if you can find one and it fits within your budget. One of the best scanners ever made. Check on eBay since it is difficult to find new units for sale. The 780XLT has excellent sensitivity, covers the military airband, and has a computer control interface (via RS-232).
2) Bearcat/Uniden BC-350A or BC-350C. These are great scanners and represent great value. Lots of them on eBay. The BC-350C adds 800 MHz to the BC-350A (useful for listening to some public safety agencies).
3) Radio Shack has some great base scanners in the $80-$150 price range:
Pro-2052
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=20-432Pro-2018
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=20-424
Author
