Need recommendations on scanner for Northern VA

[Karnivore]

Hi all. I discovered this forum a few weeks ago while looking for information on what type of handheld scanner to buy. I want to be able to scan any and all available frequencies of police, fire, rescue, park, security etc. departments in Northern Virginia, specifically in Fairfax County and neighboring areas. I also travel a lot in Philadelphia, and I want to receive as many frequencies there as possible, too. I've been reading and researching a lot of documents here and in other places online to understand as much scanner technology as possible. I have never owned a scanner before, but I'm very technical and want to get the best equipment possible.

I understand from reading the database that Fairfax County police uses digital systems, so I assume I will need to purchase a scanner that supports digital trunk-tracking to receive all frequencies, correct? I plan on using my scanner both at home and in my car. I'm willing to spend as much as is necessary to get quality, top-end equipment that will last, without the need for many upgrades (i.e. compatible with current local radio systems, rebranding, etc.)

Important features I am looking for in a handheld scanner:
- Can accept both AC and DC power adapters
- Can accept a connection for an external antenna, such as a magnetic-base aerial for a car
- Ability to use rechargeable batteries (and charge them in the scanner) would be a plus
- PC interface cable with good-quality software
- Can receive CB channel frequencies, either as a pre-programmed bank, or will tune in to those frequencies (I assume most scanners can receive CB frequencies nowadays?)

I saw the Virginia-specific forum and read through a lot of the threads there, but I thought I'd post this here since the "general" forum looks like it gets more traffic. I'd like recommendations as to what type of handheld scanner would be best for my needs, any specific models that would fit. Also, any recommendations on accessories such as an antenna, software, etc. or any online/local shops that would be a good place to purchase equipment from. Thanks!

[click23]

Either a Pro 96 from Radio Shack or a BCD396T from Uniden would be what you are looking for. I personally would go with the 396. You can program the 96 with a computer but you cannot control it or log with the computer. With the 396 you can do all three. I have the little brother of both of them, a Pro95 and a BR330T, there are so many reasons that I prefer the BR330t. You can check out side-by-side comparisons of all modern scanners here http://tinyurl.com/pxdzx. As far as being a CB receiver both will do OK, but a CB with a CB antenna will perform much better

[freqhopping]

I would get the BCD396T. I'm actually teetering on buying one. My BC250D is serving my needs well for now.

[Towpro]

Here's my 2-cents.....

I have two R/S Pro2096's & one R/S Pro96, I use Don Starr's software: http://starrsoft.com/software/win96/default.asp

with the support cable, & a few different antenna's, although the RS 800mhz antenna seems to be a favorite(sold seperately).

I monitor Fairfax, Loudoun & Prince William Counties mostly & have no complaints what-so ever. The ease of uploading/downloading, do any changes in a matter of minutes is hard to beat with this system. I know the Uniden/Bearcat guys like their equipment, but I can only speak from using Rat Shack stuff. I live 20 miles to the west of Fairfax, & I recieve the dispatch/patrol unit's like they are sitting in the room w/me....& my wife wonders who I'm talking to...LOL

As well, with a donation to this wonderful, god sent R/R site, you can d/l from the data base with the "starrsoft" program.....just my thoughts to give a lil something to think over....good luck with your decision & welcome to the family.....Robert.

[Al42]

One thing to bear in mind - if the systems you'll be listening to are digital (Fairfax, for example), you'll need a digital scanner - Pro-96, BCD396T, BCD 996T, etc.

And yes, they all receive CB - equally poorly.