TRX-1 Whistler Police Scanner

The TRX-1 includes a hard case with two snap-in inserts in gray and green.

Whistler is the Apple of scanners in terms of protection and color options.

Right up until the Uniden SDS100 launched in June 2018, the TRX-1 was our top selling scanner of 2016 and 2017.

Customer feedback on the TRX-1 has been overwhelmingly positive.

All of our internal staff sampled this scanner when it launched in 2016...so that's why our stock count has been off by five for four years(?)

Battery & Powering Scanner

The TRX-1 is not powerful enough to charge batteries.

The solution is an external 4 bay AA battery charger, which you can add on this page.

We STRONGLY recommend all buyers add this. Some buy 2 sets of batteries so they always have a fresh set.

I need a digital scanner, why should I buy the TRX-1?

The TRX-1 was the best scanner on the market (2016-June 2018) and comes with upgrades over older scanners. NXDN is also a long sought after format to monitor and the TRX is the only scanner capable of monitoring this out of the box. The case and color inserts are nice free add-ons to protect your scanner. The overall user experience is great and Whistler continues to roll out new, free updates for their flagship scanner.

When will the TRX-1 go on sale?

We don't know. Whistler does not disclose when they will be dropping prices and even when prices do drop, it is usually only $5-10. You can sign up for our emails & we'll keep you posted.

Additional Memory?

You can add a larger memory (SD card) to increase favorites lists and recording space. Recording time by SD card size:

• 4 GB = 12 hours
• 8 GB = 24 hours
• 16 GB = 50 hours
• 32 GB = 100 hours
• 64 GB = 200 hours

How do I remove the case?

It's REALLY on there, but it comes off. Remove the color insert before removing the case this video shows you how to remove.

Can I charge the batteries from the scanner when it is on?

Yes, HOWEVER, this takes a very long time and the batteries will not fully charge. We recommend an external battery charger and 2 sets of rechargeable AA batteries; all of which can be added on this page. This way you can always have a fresh set of batteries. The batteries we sell last about 8 hours on single charge; Energizer/Duracell last about 5 hours.

External battery charger?

The TRX-1 is not powerful enough to charge the batteries we sell (or any battery) to full power. The solution is an external 4 bay AA battery charger which you can add on this page. We strongly recommend all buyers add this and the only reason we do not make it mandatory is some already have.

My screen is scratched.

The faceplate is not done with a fine finish and may appear to be scratched, but this is how Whistler scanners look. We cannot replace your unit due to the finish on the screen - this is how they ALL look. We are aware that the TRX-1 looks like they are damaged but this is just how they are done. We have brought this up with Whistler for years as it leads to upset users, but this is just how Whistler manufacturers them. This is one of the many reasons we recommend Uniden SDS100 over the TRX-1.

My Battery Life Display is Not Accurate.

The battery display on the TRX-1 does not function properly. Sometimes this works and sometimes it does not—the issue comes and goes with software updates from Whistler. This is an issue with the TRX-1 so we have this here to make buyers aware of this issue before they purchase and to state that we will not replace your unit due to this issue.

If you are experiencing this issue, we recommend making a software update. If updating the software does not fix the issue, wait until the next software update (usually monthly) and make the update again.

What do TRX-1 buyers say?

• Does not have WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Does not come with batteries (add above).
• AC adapter is not included (add above).
• Not GPS capable.
• Make sure AA batteries are fully recharged prior to putting into scanner.
• TRX-1 cannot fully charge batteries. We recommend 2 sets of batteries and external battery charger.
• The faceplate is not done with a fine finish and may appear to be scratched, but this is how all Whistler scanners look.

How is the Whistler TRX-1 different than the the other digital handheld scanners?

• The Whistler TRX-1 & TRX-2 are the only scanners on the market capable of monitoring the NXDN. NXDN is a version of digital.
• The TRX-1 is the only scanner that comes with a case ($34.99 value) standard. The color inserts are also one of a kind.
• The TRX-1 has several minor technical upgrades that, while not game changing, cumulatively they make the scanning experience more enjoyable and easier.

What’s the difference between the TRX-1 and the BCD436HP?

View the 'Compare' table below to see technical differences or watch this comparison video. The main differences are:

• TRX-1 can charge while powered on; BCD436HP must be powered off to charge.
• Whistler regularly upgrades their scanners for free; Uniden charges $50+ for upgrades.
• Whistler has knowledgeable staff you can call; Uniden does not offer phone support and has limited email support.
• BCD436HP came out in 2013; TRX-1 in June 2016. Like all new technology, there have been several upgrades.
• TRX-1 has a free case, BCD436HP does not.
• The BCD436HP has been recalled a few times since it launched.

1. 4 GB SD Card
2. Antenna (Rubber Duck)
3. miniUSB to USB Cable
4. Belt Loop
5. Case with green and gray inserts
6. Guide
7. EZ Scan Software
8. 4 AA Batteries NOT Included
9. AC Adapter NOT Included

Looking to deeeep dive?

We took the time to scour the internet for you.

• Download TRX-1 EZ Scan Software. Download the software for this scanner for free. Set up scanlists, configure for your area & see if you're comfortable operating before you buy. If you buy, you'll have everything set up & ready to go.
• TRX-1 Owner's Manual.
• Radio Reference is the largest police scanner radio forum with over 850k users. There are several threads about the TRX-1 where just about every question imaginable has been asked and answered by TRX-1 owners.
• YouTube playlist for the TRX-1.
• This Facebook group of TRX owners is private, but they are very good about accepting new members, usually within minutes. This is a good place to chat with folks that actually own the TRX.
• Mark's Scanners compares digital scanners.

4 Part Whistler Programming Video Series:

• #1 How to download and install EZ Scan Software
• #2 How to connect scanner to PC
• #3 EZ Scan software overview
• #4 How to program your area

Deep dive on programming here.

We HIGHLY recommend letting our experts program your scanner.

Programming issues are, by FAR, the #1 reason for...

• Returns
• 99% of any negative comments about the TRX-1 you'll read while researching
• 99% of any negative comments about us
• 90% + of all support questions
• Our receding hairlines

Basically, you're about to spend hundreds of dollars on a snappy new gadget, might as well spring a few extra bucks so it will actually work right out of the box.

What is "One Touch Start Up"?

Adding this with programming allows our technicians to make hardware, software & frequency updates prior to shipping your scanner. You can buy only the programming, which will give you everything needed to listen in your area, but "One Touch Start Up" ensures a smooth experience right from the start with zero technical know-how. "One Touch Start Up" is a popular gift item as this allows the scanner to simply "work" by powering on.

Air, Rail & Race programming?

Each of these will count as "1 County." If you want to listen to Air and Rail you would buy "2 Counties" of programming and in the text area, type the name of the Airport and Rail you'd like to hear.

How long does this take?

Programming adds 1-2 additional business days to delivery.

What if this does not work?

We have a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not happy with your programming.

How are you so much cheaper than other scanner programming places?

We’re awesome.

Can you program X, Y, Z?

We can program anything that is in Radio Reference. If you have frequencies that are not in Radio Reference, as long as you can put them in a CSV file, we can program them. 

What if I need help?

We’re always here to help.

Can I program this scanner myself?

We created a programming decision tree as well as programming videos (above) to help you decided on whether you should include professional programming with your scanner, but we HIGHLY recommend adding programming. 

Can't I just punch in my zip code for programming?

When you type in your zip code, it scans EVERYTHING in your area, which is kinda like getting the phone book thrown at you. This is why over 95% of orders include programming & why we highly recommend it. Our professional programming filters the junk out so you don't have to listen to things such as the dog catcher, repo guy, power company & such. 

How long does programming take?

It takes our scanner tech over an hour to program each scanner & this is ALL he does. For new & moderate scanner users, we estimate 3-12 hours of programming. Setup time varies wildly based on scanner, area, scanner experience & general tech familiarity.

Why should I buy programming?

Programming is the #1 reason police scanners are returned. While scanner programming is much easier than the days of crystal scanners, there is a learning curve like any other electronics purchase. Some scanner enthusiasts are highly technical and want to learn the ins and outs of programming, but others simply want their scanner to just "work" right out of the box.

95% of all scanner sales include programming, so unless you’re familiar with scanners, scanner terminology, own a PC (Macs do not work), and want to learn the nuances of programming, we highly recommend having your scanner professionally programmed.

Scanner technology is fairly user friendly, but scanners are not smartphones or iPads. If you're spending hundreds on a scanner, we recommend springing a few extra bucks so it works right out of the box.

Can't you teach me programming with your lifetime technical support?

No. Lifetime technical support is not unlimited technical support. We are always here to help and love to do so. We made how to videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.