Choosing a Scanner

[atvguy585]

Hi,
I just want to first off say I looked around and didn't see any other post that had the info I was looking for but if I missed it, point me to it.

Now I'm wanting to listen to everything on the scanner and noticed that most of the signals are going digital. I also noticed that most digital scanners are no less then 450 or 300 used. How can I tell which frequency's are digital before I spend money on a scanner? How would I know if they plan on going digital in the future so I don't have an analog scanner with no analog signals to pick up?

This is the area where I will do most of my listing.

Maricopa County, Arizona (AZ) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Maricopa County, Arizona

[mciupa]

Welcome to RadioReference atvguy585

Originally Posted by atvguy585

Hi,
How can I tell which frequency's are digital before I spend money on a scanner?

Well,the database will show you in the listings in the mode column.
A for analog, D for digital and M for mixed. I see you have consulted the database as you have included a link in your original post.

Originally Posted by atvguy585

How would I know if they plan on going digital in the future so I don't have an analog scanner with no analog signals to pick up?

Until the official word goes out, no one knows unless they are privy to inside info.
I would suggest following discussions in the Arizona Radio Discussion Forum as your fellow monitors will no doubt be up on any forthcoming changes.

[atvguy585]

Well,the database will show you in the listings in the mode column.
A for analog, D for digital and M for mixed. I see you have consulted the database as you have included a link in your original post.

In the mode for me it shows FM, AM, and P25. Unless I'm missing something that is what is listed in the mode column on the link I provided. I don't see A, D, or M.

Until the official word goes out, no one knows unless they are privy to inside info.
I would suggest following discussions in the Arizona Radio Discussion Forum as your fellow monitors will no doubt be up on any forthcoming changes.

Alrighty, Good to know.

[Astrak]

It'll be easier to tell you what is still analog in Maricopa county than telling you what is digital at this point in the county as far as public safety goes. DPS/ChandlerPD(probably gonna go digital in the future)/ScottsdalePD(talking about switching to digital)/Fire/EMS(will soon be dispatching off of RWC digital)/Goodyear PD and MCSO posse will remain analog for awhile. You might as well get a scanner capable of P25.

[atvguy585]

You have a good point. I will just go ahead and save my money up for the digital tunner. That selection is very small especially if most of them plan on going digital soon.