Picked this up today from the local pawn shop. It had been checked by the local Police and was free and clear for re-sell.

its a UNIDEN MHS550 digital scanner, covering AIR, MARINE, FRS, AM, FM and NOAA (weather). Its also capable of full transmit mode in the MARINE (VHF) and FRS modes. Adjustable transmit wattage 1W, 2.5W, & 5W. Fully submersible and shock proofed. 10 hour li-ion batt life longer if the transmit, backlight etc is not used.

I would have preferred this to have UHF instead of VHF, as i am not in a boat......most of my stuff is on land....but since the local Police/Fire/Ambulance and other agencies here have digitally encrypted their communications and banned the general public from listening, it doesn't matter. Besides, its fun to listen to the PORT AUTHORITY announcing when vessels are leaving or arriving. And since i spend time near the coast a lot, i can monitor the emergency channels (9/16)

The main reason i got it was the bomb proof construction, and the FRS feature. I know GMRS is the newest family radio choice, but a lot of people still have FRS radios. I can listen for transmits when in the woods, and transmit back if need be. Plus there is the AM/FM benefits. This unit will transmit to any FRS/GMRS radio, up to chan 14. since i already have three FRS/GMRS radios i can equip friends for communications when we're out in the woods.

Now thats very cool, I wouldn't mind scavenging for one my self.

how much do those go for new?

about $270 CDN funds....i got it for $150

Nice. Congrats.

Thats a nice addition for a bug out bag