Last Updated: August 15th, 2023

Whistler TRX1 Review

Whistler Trx1 Review

With crime on the rise, more and more people are concerned about the safety of their families. With this whistler trx 1 review, you will learn how you can listen to police channels to stay informed when crime or weather events are happening in your area.

By having access to a police scanner, you can stay abreast of the events that are taking place in your community, so you can make sound decisions for yourself and your family. These devices come in different styles and prices. Keep reading to learn more about the Whistler TRX1.

Whistler TRX1 Specs, Pros & Cons

The Whistler TRX-1 Handheld Digital Scanner Radio features simple Zip Code programming, a preloaded USA/Canada MicroSD card, easy updating via the internet, user-upgradable CPU firmware, and a dedicated SKYWARN/Weather button.

  • Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop
  • Power Source: Battery, USB, AC, DC With Optional Adapters
  • Brand: Whistler
  • Number of Batteries: 3 AA batteries required
  • Item Dimensions: 1.06 x 2.12 x 5.31 inches

Pros

  • Excellent digital audio clarity.
  • Versatile digital signal decoding capabilities.
  • Portable and lightweight design.
  • Can be programmed using computer software.
  • This radio offers a rugged design with a rubber sleeve that helps to keep it from slipping in your hands.
  • The Whistler has amazing audio and does not have that “tinny” sound of some scanners.
  • Unlike many police scanner models, you can charge this police scanner while using it.
  • This scanner is loaded with user-friendly features.
  • You can program the colors of the LED, allowing you to know at a glance what transmission is being received.
  • With the signal strength meter, you can decide if you should listen in or will have problems with the transmission.
  • The setup is easier than with some radios because it comes with a very detailed instruction manual.

Cons

  • The display could be bigger and, in more colors.
  • Does not support P25 Phase 2 systems.
  • Programming might be challenging for beginners.
  • Volume on the unit’s speaker may not be loud enough in certain environments.
  • Battery life is not specified.
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Reasons You Need a Police Scanner

Police scanning is used as both a hobby and a way to stay informed. The following are some top reasons you should consider purchasing a police scanner for your home, car, or on the go.

  • You can learn about crimes in your area before they are announced on the news.
  • You will receive weather alerts that are affecting your area.
  • You can enjoy listening to all types of communication.

Design of the Whistler TRX1 Police Scanner

Before we delve too deeply into the features, pros, and cons, let’s discuss the aesthetics of this scanner.

This police scanner is a handheld model that fits nicely in your hand, with its ergonomic design. The flexible antenna is detachable.

The front of the radio contains the menu function buttons and the screen. Although the screen is not as large and brightly lit as some other models, it is easy to see in almost all light conditions because it is backlit.

The dimensions of this handheld are 5.31 in. H x 2.12 in. W x 1.06 in. L. It weighs .46 pounds.

Is This a Good Police Scanner for Beginners?

If you are new to police scanning, it is important to know what type of programming a police scanner requires before you make a purchase.

Programming can be a big hassle with some police scanners, leading to major headaches. Thankfully, the Whistler TRX1 could not be simpler to program.

It offers quick location-based programming. All users have to do is put in their zip code, city, and state. With the upgradeable firmware, you will have access to the latest databases at all times.

The features of this police radio are easy enough to use for beginners but offer enough function that even experienced scanners can appreciate.

What Will You Find in the Box?

You will find everything included in the box, so you can get started using this radio right away. The box will include the following items.

  • One digital handheld police scanner
  • One detachable antenna
  • One MicroSD card
  • One swivel belt clip
  • One USB cable
  • Two inserts
  • One 120V to 9v wall charger
  • One protective case
  • Owner’s manual
  • User Quick Start Guide

What Kind of Frequencies Does This Scanner Cover?

The Whistler TRX1 covers the following frequencies.

  • 25.0000 ~ 54.0000 MHz
  • 108.0000 ~ 174.0000 MHz
  • 216.0025 ~ 512.0000 MHz
  • 764.0000 ~ 781.9968 MHz
  • 791.0000 ~ 796.9968 MHz
  • 806.0000 ~ 823.9875 MHz
  • 849.0000 ~ 868.9875 MHz
  • 894.0000 ~ 960.0000 MHz
  • 1240.0000 ~ 1300.0000 MHz

Features Of Whistler TRX1

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The Whistler TRX1 is packed with features that beginners and pros alike will appreciate. The following offers insight into the top features people find beneficial about this model.

The Whistler TRX1 offers quick location-based programming, a variety of grouping options, programmable alarms, recording capabilities, an alarm clock feature, discriminator output, a simplified keypad, service search, and the ability to scan most trunked radio system signaling formats. It also includes the entire United States and Canadian databases on a MicroSD card.

Unparalleled Grouping Options

With the TRX1, users will be able to create up to 200 scan lists and an additional SkyWarn scan list. You can map objects to as many lists as you like, allowing total flexibility in keeping up with your favorite channels.

Programmable Alarms

You have the option of setting up different types of alarms to let you know when your selected channels are active. You can also use this with the ALERT ID if you like.

Record

With the MicroSD card, you have the option of recording any received audios from searches. The Whistler TRX1 has a powerful playback option, or you can use the USB cord and transfer the audio files to your PC for playback.

The MicroSD card holds 2GB of memory, allowing you to record up to 50 hours of audio. If you use up space, you can always transfer the files to your PC for archiving. You can upgrade the MicroSD card up to 32GB.

Alarm Clock

With the alarm clock feature, you can program the police scanner to begin scanning automatically at a specific time each day. You will also appreciate there is a timestamp placed on audio recordings.

Discriminator Output

The Whistler TRX1 has a built-in discriminator output. This allows the device to send a raw discriminator signal to third party signal decoding software, so you do not have to worry about modifying your hardware.

Keypad

The keypad on this model has been simplified, making it perfect for beginners who want to get started on police scanning right away. There are scan, skip, and pause buttons, making it easy to operate the Whistler TRX1.

With Whistler’s pre-defined service search, you will easily find activity in your area. There is no complicated programming.

Trunked Systems

Unlike some police scanners, the Whistler TRX1 scans most trunked radio system signaling formats, including the following.

  • Motorola
  • LTR
  • P25
  • EDACS

This police scanner supports both individual call monitoring and talkgroup.

Backlighting

The backlighting of the device functions in two ways. First of all, it allows you to better see the functions. Secondly, it can be set up to flash when certain objects are active. This is yet another way the Whistler informs operators when important transmissions are occurring.

Databases

Included on the MicroSD card are the entire United States and Canadian databases. These can be updated through firmware updates.

LED Display

As we mentioned, the LED display is not overly large, but it is big enough to allow you to see clearly. The LED display is tri-color. You can set up the flashing indicators and activities with thousands of different colors.

SkyWarn Weather

Many people purchase police scanners because they want to be informed when serious weather threats arise in their areas. Thankfully, this police scanner doubles as a weather alert system.

The SkyWarn Software can be used to spot storms while you are using the weather alert feature. During listening, the radio shuts out all interruptions, allowing operators to focus fully on the weather information transmissions. All you have to do is press the SkyWarn button.

Technical Specs of the Whistler TRX1

This would not be a thorough whistler trx-1 review without including everything there is to know about this police scanner radio. The following are the technical specs of the Whistler TRX1.

  • Offers the following tuning steps: 2.5, 3.125, 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 25 kHz
  • Offers a built-in 36mm 8 Ohms, dynamic speaker
  • The display is a Full dot-matrix bitmap LCD and it is (132 X 65)
  • The frequency coverage includes: 25-54 MHz; 108-174 MHz; 216-512 MHz; 764-960 MHz (not including cellular phone ranges); 1240-1300 MHz
  • The weight is 7.4 ounces
  • The dimensions of this police scanner are 1.06 x 2.12 x 5.31 inches
  • Requires 3 AAA batteries

Does Whistler Offer a Warranty on this Police Scanner?

As with most police scanner manufacturers, Whistler offers a one-year limited warranty on this model. It is important to note that you may void the warranty if you mod the unit or use it outside of the normal instructions for usage.

If problems arise outside of the covered warranty period, Whistler will charge you for repairs, but it is wise to rely on their repair services and not on your DIY efforts.

Does This Police Radio Pick Up Analog Signals?

Some stations still use analog, so many users want to make sure the police scanners they purchase will as well. Thankfully, the Whistler TRX-1 does. It scans all AM, FM, and digital frequencies, giving users the best of both worlds, so they can pick up any type of frequency out there.  

What Do People Love the Most About This Police Scanner?

Reading customer reviews can give you a lot of information on the TRX1 and how it operates. As a part of our research, we scoured online forums, looking for customer experiences.

While no police scanner is going to be rated perfectly, this Whistler model has received sound reviews from thousands of users. One of the things people love about this scanner is the ease of programming. Even if you are new to using police radios, you will find, with the included instructions, that programming is straightforward and fast.

Users also like that there are so many ways to customize the scanner. There are many color combinations and flash options available, allowing users to make this radio their own.

Whistler Trx1

Tips for Using the Whistler TRX1

To overcome any issues with this model, the experts recommend the following. With these tips, you will be able to get the most out of your new police scanner.

  • Make sure to purchase rechargeable batteries.
  • Setup a Radio Reference account because this will give you access to every available frequency.
  • Download and use Butel ARC500. (They offer a free trial.)
  • Look up tutorial videos on YouTube.
  • Make sure to read the entire user’s manual and Quick Start guide to understand how to use this police scanner properly.

How Should You Care for the Whistler TRX1?

Although you will receive care instructions in your user manual, it never hurts to know before you even purchase. As we always say, the more you know, the better equipped you will be to make a purchase decision.

Never use the radio in wet conditions, and make sure to never submerge it in water. Getting the unit wet could destroy it and will void your warranty.

If the radio becomes dirty, you can wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth. Never use cleaners or too much water.

FAQ

We love hearing from our readers, and they often have a lot of questions regarding the devices we review. Here, we would like to answer a few of the top questions we have received regarding the Whistler TRX1.

What are the power sources for the Whistler TRX-1 Handheld Digital Scanner Radio?

The Whistler TRX-1 Handheld Digital Scanner Radio can be powered by a battery, USB, AC, or DC with optional adapters.

What kind of frequencies does the Whistler TRX1 cover?

The Whistler TRX1 covers a wide range of frequencies including 25.0000 ~ 54.0000 MHz, 108.0000 ~ 174.0000 MHz, 216.0025 ~ 512.0000 MHz, 764.0000 ~ 781.9968 MHz, 791.0000 ~ 796.9968 MHz, 806.0000 ~ 823.9875 MHz, 849.0000 ~ 868.9875 MHz, 894.0000 ~ 960.0000 MHz, and 1240.0000 ~ 1300.0000 MHz.

Does this radio offer Closed Call?

Closed Call is a feature that is available on Uniden models. Whistler includes a similar feature called Spectrum Sweeper.

Can you hook up this police scanner radio to an external speaker?

This police scanner does have an auxiliary jack, so you do have the option of hooking it up to an external speaker if you like.

Does this police scanner come with an AC adapter for your car?

Although this comes with a wall adapter, it does not come with an adapter for your car, but you can purchase this separately.

Final Thoughts

As promised, we have now given you all the details you need to know about the Whistler TRX1. As you can see, it is packed with beneficial features that will make using this police scanner fun and informative.

Now that you have read our whistler trx 1 review, you should be armed with the information necessary for feeling confident in making your purchase. You will love using this radio and will find it an impressive addition to your inventory.

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