Whistler TRX-1 Review
While ham radio or amateur radio is great to listen for communications, there are times when a police scanner will be required for home situations, emergencies and public safety.
Crime is common in neighborhoods, and having a scanner can help you search or report any activity in your location.
Pros
- Boasts of good channel compatibility
- Allows review of recorded audio transmissions, in addition to the ability to listen to them
- Clear audio and very minimal static
- Allows receipt and skipping of encrypted transmissions
Cons
- Programming this radio may be challenging at first for beginners
- The display would be better if it’s a bit bigger
And the Whistler TRX 1 is designed for that purpose. In this review, we highlight its features, drawbacks, and consumer opinions as well.
- Zip Code Programming
- Backlit LCD display
- USB Interface 2.0
- Functional Keypad
- Object Oriented Scanning
The biggest issue with the scanner interface is the difficulty of adding in new channels.
While a lot of devices like the some Uniden and Radio Shack scanners allow toggling through frequencies with the press of a button, the TRX-1 model has users select an object from a menu and have it selected.
Also, if you prefer to program your channels manually, you should look elsewhere. Some users have complained that this model not easy to program.
The display system is still not up to par in comparison to competing brands. The screen is small, and the contrast is too low, which makes it difficult to read the menu set when using.
The Whistler TRX-1 scanner has a short battery life. On average, it runs for as little as 4-5 hours on a full charge. You can use rechargeable batteries if you don’t really like getting new AA ones.
Features
The Whistler TRX-1 is a digital trunking system that’s compatible with different systems.
These include X2-TDMA, Motorola P25 Phase I, P25 Phase II systems which makes it capable of monitoring unencrypted radio systems: MotoTRBO Connect Plus, MotoTRBO Capacity Plus, NXDN, and Hyerta XPT.
For those wanting better police communications and want digital instead of analog, look no further.
Frequency Coverage
The Whistler TRX 1 scanner covers frequencies of police scanners ranging from 25 to 1300 MHz. It skips cellular bands and broadcasts television and radio systems, which would be a standard for a lot of two-way radios.
Since it has this coverage of frequencies, users can find the right frequencies and hear different police conversations and reports in their area.
Miscellaneous Features
Alongside its systems compatibility, the Whistler TRX 1 gives additional features like an alarm clock function, intuitive controls, and extensive scan lists.
These features make the Whistler TRX-1 much more efficient than its top competitors (see best ones here: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/police-scanner/best/).
Note, this scanner radio is not a good choice for first-time users to take since you’ll find this device overwhelming.
Object-Oriented Scanning
While programming scanning receivers is difficult, object oriented scanning is a way to make the scanning process easier.
The programming is based on your location, so make sure you have the right logistics to ensure that it works properly.
Channel Compatibility
One great thing about the Whistler TRX-1 scanner is its channel compatibility. It’s compatible with X2-TDMA, Motorola P25 Phase I, Phase II, and more so you can monitor and listen to different unencrypted channels.
It’s one great device for having different multiple channels logged at once. See our choices of best police scanner antennas listed and reviewed here.
Transmission Review
Another feature we like about the TRX-1 is its ability to review recorded radio transmissions instead of listening to them. Users can search through the different recordings and only monitor their desired channels.
Audio Quality
Users got a positive reception when discussing the TRX-1 scanner audio quality.
When in use, the user can hear the signal of different channels clearly, without a lot of static or white noise on their end. Get this scanner if you want to experience clear communication and take it at an affordable price.
Encrypted Transmissions
You’re allowed to either receive or skip encrypted transmissions using this digital trunking system model.
One setting for the encrypted transmission is a telephone sounding tone the device makes once the private channel is operated.
Interested to know another police scanner which features encrypted transmissions? Read the review of the Uniden HomePatrol 2.
Consumer Opinion
We found that consumers still had a fairly positive opinion when they used the Whistler TRX-1 handheld digital scanner, as well as other handheld scanners from the brand such as the WS1040. Here’s what they had to say about the features:
While the scanner programming can be confusing at first even though there’s an included software and USB cable you can connect to your computer, there are resources online that may help you get started.
For instance, one consumer stated that YouTube videos and some sites have helped them understand the software and started to program channels faster than the manual way.
Compared to other devices (best ones here), this model is of high quality.
The scanner does come with the antenna, one good protective case for protection when used, easy to read buttons, extensive scan lists and scan sets, and good audio sound.
It’s even compatible with a micro SD card, but you want to format it with the EZ scan software first. Use the SD card to store millions of objects, including the USA and Canada radio reference database.
You can also update the radioreference database in the card.
Another thing, some also pointed out that DMR and NXDN in the TRX are free, while in some devices like the Uniden BCD436HP, DMR has to be bought.
If you want or need any support, please do send Whistler an email at any time of day to address your concern.
Whistler TRX-1 Review Conclusion
Get the Whistler TRX-1 if you want a high-quality police scanner.
Not only is this great scanner reliable, but it has a set of features (channel connectivity, audio quality, extended menu settings, etc.) that enhance a lot of operational duties compared to an analog product.
To see another top police scanner model around, read our review of Uniden BCD536HP.
Interested to learn more about the TRX-1? Check out comparison of the Whilster TRX-1 VS BCD436hp
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
