Purchasing a portable scanner

[revclstoner]

Hey. So I am still purchasing the RadioShack Pro-197. I still have my Pro 2096, which is still operable. I am planning on purchasing a portable scanner, but don't know which brand to go with. I've heard some great reviews on RadioShack and GRE portable scanners and Uniden portable scanners.

I work with children and would like to stay in the know on what's going on in the area. I believe this will help keep the children and staff safe.

[JnglMassiv]

Cedric, it is largely a personal preference decision. Some people prefer Chevy, others Ford. You will have a difficult time finding a clear consensus as opinions widely vary.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by JnglMassiv

Cedric, it is largely a personal preference decision. Some people prefer Chevy, others Ford. You will have a difficult time finding a clear consensus as opinions widely vary.

You're right. Guess I'll have to choose for myself. Thanks for your response!

[vans113]

I like all of them myself, but during some tests I've seen testing them side by side monitoring the same traffic the GRE scanners do pick up traffic quicker, and that's from test I've watched online.

[Spitfire8520]

If you enjoy and understand your Pro-2096 or Pro-197 when you get it, you could always consider getting the handheld versions of either (Pro-96 or Pro-106/GRE PSR-500 respectively). The perks of doing that is that you already have experience with the base version and the handhelds work exactly the same way so you already know how to use them. If you want some variety to the scanners you have, you could totally go with a Uniden just to spice up your collection.

[Rt169Radio]

Originally Posted by Spitfire8520

If you enjoy and understand your Pro-2096 or Pro-197 when you get it, you could always consider getting the handheld versions of either (Pro-96 or Pro-106/GRE PSR-500 respectively). The perks of doing that is that you already have experience with the base version and the handhelds work exactly the same way so you already know how to use them. If you want some variety to the scanners you have, you could totally go with a Uniden just to spice up your collection.

I agree too.

[tglendye]

I did the same. I had a PSR500 and went with a Pro-197 for a second digital scanner. There were 2 considerations that made my choice easy. 1st... RS had an awesome sale on the 197 the Thanksgiving before last, 2nd... I already understood the scanner and the software. The 197 did not come with a cable, but the 500's cable was the same so I also did not have to purchase another one..

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by Spitfire8520

If you enjoy and understand your Pro-2096 or Pro-197 when you get it, you could always consider getting the handheld versions of either (Pro-96 or Pro-106/GRE PSR-500 respectively). The perks of doing that is that you already have experience with the base version and the handhelds work exactly the same way so you already know how to use them. If you want some variety to the scanners you have, you could totally go with a Uniden just to spice up your collection.

I just may consider getting a Uniden BCD396XT. I always thought about having a variety; I had 3 Windows 7 computers, but sold one of them and bought a MacBook Air.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by tglendye

I did the same. I had a PSR500 and went with a Pro-197 for a second digital scanner. There were 2 considerations that made my choice easy. 1st... RS had an awesome sale on the 197 the Thanksgiving before last, 2nd... I already understood the scanner and the software. The 197 did not come with a cable, but the 500's cable was the same so I also did not have to purchase another one..

I'm also thinking about getting a Pro-197 later this year.

[Techy]

Rev, Im sure you would love the BCD396XT. I had the earlier 396T and it was a great scanner.
Plus you can also use the free software, "FreeScan" to program it. That would be a help in saving a few bucks for software programming options Rev. Just my 2 cents.

[Techy]

Originally Posted by revclstoner

I'm also thinking about getting a Pro-197 later this year.

The more the merrier Rev lol.

[reconrider8]

that the only real downside to gre/rs to me is theirs no free software but with a mobile its better to know how to program on the run so you can add/subtract from a scan list

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by Techy

Rev, Im sure you would love the BCD396XT. I had the earlier 396T and it was a great scanner.
Plus you can also use the free software, "FreeScan" to program it. That would be a help in saving a few bucks for software programming options Rev. Just my 2 cents.

I appreciate the help! I'll look into the FreeScan program.

[n5ims]

Originally Posted by revclstoner

Hey. So I am still purchasing the RadioShack Pro-197. I still have my Pro 2096, which is still operable. I am planning on purchasing a portable scanner, but don't know which brand to go with. I've heard some great reviews on RadioShack and GRE portable scanners and Uniden portable scanners.

I work with children and would like to stay in the know on what's going on in the area. I believe this will help keep the children and staff safe.

Since you indicate that you'll be getting a Pro-197 shortly, you probably should get the Pro-106 for your portable since it uses the same software, firmware, and hardware (note the wall-wart is different though so don't mix those up!!!). If you get another model (save the associated GRE cousins the PSR-500/600) you'll need to learn another interface, software, etc. With the 197/106 combination, you can load both with identical programming so your favorites will be in exactly the same place on both. You may have to remember <Menu> <Mode> <F1> on one and <Pgm> <Trunk> <TSys> on the other to accomplish the very same thing if you mix brands or model lines. The keystrokes will be identical using the 197 for your base/mobile and the 106 for your handheld.

[Bob3655]

Hi--Uniden Bearcat is much more durable!!
It is really a matter of personal preference.
73's


Bob

[W5JER]

I've owned a couple different kinds of scanners. I think the Uniden are easier to program but the GRE seems to have a few more features that I like. Some may disagree and maybe I think Uniden are easier to program because I have owned more of them than any other scanner type.

Like others said, you will get mixed reviews. Read up on the scanners and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Good luck!

[revclstoner]

I've made up my mind! I just invested in the Pro-106 and will get it soon!

[W5JER]

Cool! My only question after looking at it is does the number pad illuminate? The keys look solid black so its hard to tell. Other than that looks good!

After watching a video, it appears it does. It is very similar to the GRE PSR-500. Nice looking scanner.

[revclstoner]

Originally Posted by KD8CHM

Cool! My only question after looking at it is does the number pad illuminate? The keys look solid black so its hard to tell. Other than that looks good!

After watching a video, it appears it does. It is very similar to the GRE PSR-500. Nice looking scanner.

The keys do illuminate. It is a nice scanner! Since I have programming cable for the Pro-2096, I went ahead and purchased it. Photos will be posted after I program it!

[W5JER]

Awesome grats!