The scanner will do the job for the ham VHF and UHF bands , but not for the HF ham frequencies. For that you will need a communications receiver, which is really just a high performance shortwave radio. The frequencies of particular interest to you w...
where in the world are you? if in the UK, its a wonder the thing hasn't blown up! if in the USA - look on the back of the radio you are powering from the adapter and look at it's power consumption it will say something like " input 12VDC 900mW" or 75...
Does this help?