Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
Here you can find some answers to the questions we get most often.
Which Systems do you Cover?
We cover:
All Sac County Fire
Citrus Heights PD
Folsom PD
Sac City PD
Galt PD
Elk Grove PD
Airport SMF Fire
Regional Transit PD
Sacramento Sheriff
How Delayed is the Audio on the System?
About 5 seconds behind live,
PLUS the length of the transmission.
IE: A 10 second audio clip will be about 15 seconds delayed by the time you hear it.
IE: A 45 second audio clip will be about 50 seconds delayed by the time you hear it.
Most systems like Broadcastify are delayed by 1.5 mins to 3+ mins or more by the time you hear it..
Why did listening selected audio jump back to the top after it got bumped off the bottom of the page on the Advanced Scanner?
If audio comes in too fast it can push your listening off the page at the bottom, if this happens the system will error out and may jump back to the top. To help prevent this select less systems to listen to. Usually this only happens when you are listening to everything with no filters.
What does it take to run this system?
We currently have 3 computers systems working together in-conjunction to make this site work the way it does. It’s a combination of Linux and Windows systems running SDR units, along with multiple commercial grade antennas.
How expensive is this system to run, and what did it cost to setup?
Honestly, we try to not think about it!
It was very expensive to setup, and expensive to run.
If you find it useful, PLEASE consider donating to help us offset the high costs associated with running this system.
Where is the System Located?
We currently have a single site located in Citrus Heights.
How many frequencies do you monitor?
Currently, this system is actively monitoring about ~30 individual frequencies for transmissions. Sacramento’s P25 system has 30 frequencies which we can monitor and record all 30 simultaneously! (Better than even the most expensive scanners sold by name brand companies!)
Will you add coverage for CHP in the greater Sacramento Area?
We wanted to add CHP Gold & CHP Black, but they recently went to a new digital and encrypted system. So unfortunately we will never be able to carry these channels now. 🙁
Which Browser is Best?
We recommend Firefox on a Desktop or Laptop, as this tends to have the least issues with the site. Chrome will work but, it has some annoying issues.
However any web browser will do. If you choose to use a mobile device or tablet this will also work, as long as the device stays awake. If the screen turns off, most of the time you will no longer get audio when new calls come in.
Do you have an App to listen with?
YES!!! You can now download RDIO Scanner app from your favorite app store. Then just enter Server URL below.
http://rdio.sac-radio.com:3000
No access code is needed, leave it blank.
Download Apple version of app HERE
Download Android version of app HERE
How long are recordings saved?
We typically save recordings for 30 days, but subject to change as needed. We find most people don’t want, or need to listen to recordings from weeks or months ago. So we have no desire to save them all for a long period when no one will need or use them.
Are you the same owner as Placer-Radio?
No, while our site looks very similar to theirs, we are not owned or run by the same person. We do know each other, and have the same technicians working on both systems. We also have our equipment installed at a completely different location vs Placer-Radio. 🙂
Can I hear encrypted radio traffic?
No, you will not be able to hear any encrypted traffic on this system. You will not even see that an encrypted transmission has been received. Most traffic is not encrypted, but several agencies use a lot of encrypted transmissions, to talk about a subjects history, birthdays, Driver License numbers, Etc. Also lots of undercover and drugs channels are encrypted.
How can I help?
You can donate at either
Paypal: Donate@Sac-Radio.com
Venmo: @Adam-Batzianis
How can we contact you?
Best way to contact us is via email:
Listen@Sac-Radio.com