Mosques throughout the UK frequently broadcast their calls to prayer and relevant information to the Islamic community. Worshippers can access these broadcasts through the use of radio scanners. 

However, to get the most secure connection, you need to be selective about which scanner you use. It can be a little challenging to know what to look for when you're first getting started. Luckily, we're here to help.

In this guide, we'll take you through the best radio scanners for mosque reception at home. We'll take you through their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision. We'll also explain what you should look for when purchasing your radio scanner. Let's get into it. 

	EDITOR'S CHOICE
	UNIDEN BEARCAT UBC-370CLT	UNIDEN UBC-355CLT
Type	Desktop	Desktop
Frequency Range	25-960Mhz	25-960Mhz
FM Radio Bands	Yes	Yes
Digital mode	Analog	Analog
Channel Memory	500	300
Alarm Clock	Yes	Yes
	VIEW PRODUCT	VIEW PRODUCT

1. Uniden Bearcat UBC-370CLT Base Scanner

Our first recommendation from Uniden is the Bearcat UBC-370CLT. It's a highly durable radio scanner that also features a large speaker and excellent audio quality. You will likely use this as a desktop scanner at home, though you could make it portable thanks to its tough exterior. In terms of features, the Bearcat stands out, with a watch, alarm clock, and built-in FM broadcast radio.

If you were impressed with the number of channels and banks featured with the UBC-355CLT, then you will love the Bearcat. It provides 500 channels with ten banks, giving you easy access to your favourite broadcasts. You can save up to 30 preset FM broadcast channels to dip back into whenever you want. 

It's exceptionally user-friendly, which is why we recommend it to beginners. You'll be ready to go in no time! 

2. Uniden UBC-355CLT 25-960MHZ Desktop Scanner

The second of our recommendations is the UBC-355CLT from Uniden. It's a desktop scanner, meaning it is designed primarily for home use due to its larger size. The size of the equipment also means it provides a substantial speaker for feedback so that you can expect excellent audio output quality. You won’t have to strain to hear the call to prayer, and family members throughout the home can listen in and pray. 

This device is especially helpful for beginners because of the fixed channels across eight banks. It comes pre-programmed with seven channels that are already known frequencies so that you don’t have to spend time fiddling with the channels to find channels. It makes getting started a much smoother experience. 

Additionally, the Close Call function makes it even easier to tap into frequencies in your neighbourhood. This kit has everything you need right in the box, including an AC adaptor, DC power cord, window mount antenna, and owner's manual. 

What You Should Know Before Buying a Radio Scanner for Mosque Reception

As this may be your first time purchasing a radio scanner, we wanted to start with some absolute basics. If you already know some of this information, feel free to scroll past! 

Radio vs Radio Scanner

A radio scanner operates similarly to your standard radio, but it will often cover a wider range of frequencies because it can receive multiple signals. The equipment allows you to tap into numerous broadcasts that standard radio wouldn't grant you access to otherwise.

You can think about the function of a radio scanner in two specific ways: ‘search’ and ‘scan'. When searching, you are looking for any broadcasts that operate within a particular frequency band.  

Scanning involves listening to multiple broadcasts consecutively before deciding on one. Once you find a viable transmission, you can choose to listen to that particular one or continue scanning for more. 

The Different Kinds of Radio Scanners

There are two kinds of scanners, handheld and desktop. These are largely self-explanatory, and which you opt for entirely depends on where you expect to use your scanner. 

A handheld is better if you want to use your radio on the move. For example, professionals such as truck drivers and marine vessel operators might use a handheld scanner.

If you primarily use your device at home or in one fixed location, desktop scanners are your best bet. 

Both have their pros and cons. Which you opt for entirely comes down to personal preference. 

UK Mosques Broadcasting Frequencies

Religious broadcasts from mosques in the UK usually sit at 454MHz, with some slight variance. Many mosques will share their specific frequency via their website or other means to give worshippers easier access. If you are struggling to find the right frequency, try asking at your mosque about their broadcast. 

What is ‘Squelch’?

One term you frequently see when first learning how to use a radio scanner is ‘squelch’. It refers to muting a channel to block out unwanted white noise or similar disturbances. 

You can tune your scanner's squelch by gradually turning it up until you’ve eliminated all white noise. The mosque scanners from Uniden reviewed here offer excellent audio quality, so you don’t have to worry about interruptions to the prayer call. 

Conclusion

When it comes to a radio scanner for mosques, you want reliable equipment so that you can pray in peace. You can't go wrong with our recommendations. Hopefully, our guide has helped to clear things up so you feel like you can make an informed purchase. Remember, your first radio scanner doesn't need all the bells and whistles of a more complex radio. Try to prioritise ease-of-use and audio quality, and you should be happy with the results!

For more scanners and audio equipment from the leading supplier in the UK, shop Moonraker today.