Old scanner guys question

Baley · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 04:01 PM

Hello all,

I was hoping you guys could help me out.
I started scanning back in the early 70's, when you had to buy individual crystal chips for the frequencies you needed.
I got out of the hobby for a few years and got back in during the 90's when everything was starting to use the new "trunking systems", so naturally I had to get a new scanner. I used my BC780XLT for years and then drifted away from scanning again. Now its got me again and I want to start up again. Doing some research, I found now that in my area (Kennesaw / Acworth) everything has gone digital, so again that means a new scanner. This will be number 7 I have owned. I was looking at the BCD996XT. OUCH! These things have really gone up in price!! I'm an old retired LEO from Iowa and don't have an abundance of cash.
Anyway, now I'm reading all this about PD's gradually starting to use encryption. How long do you guys think it will take in this area? I really don't want to put out $500 for two or three years use.
At my age there is one thing I have learned. There are always a lot of people the know way more about a subject then you do.
Thanks,
Steve

N8IAA · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 10:29 PM

Hey, Steve. Welcome to the GA forum. I have good news for you--Radio Shack has the Pro-106 and Pro-197 on sale until 8/8/09 for $379.99. The 106 is a handheld, and the 197 is a base/mobile. They are the RS versions of the GRE PSR-500/600. If you decide to get one of these, make sure you get the RS USB programming cable- part# 20-047, and the thirty day free trial of Win500 to program the scanner. Would be happy to e-mail my file of MetroAtl to you to get started. The new radios are light years past what you were using last. Trust me, I know what it is like to live on a budget

Larry

b7spectra · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:03 PM

Ha Ha Ha! I knew Larry would be the FIRST old person to chime in!

Sorry Larry, couldn't resist! Seriously, Welcome to the group Steve!

Baley · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 08:40 AM

Thanks Larry & Mike.
I have looked at the RS scanners and like them. I have had three RS scanners in the past. I'm kinda leaning towards the BCR396XT. I have downloaded FreeScan. Is WIN500 better? Could I load your file on the BC using FreeScan?
Thanks again guys!
Steve

Baley · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 11:22 AM

Another question guys...
Would the grove scantenna or RS $99 discone work out better for me in the Kennesaw GA area.
Thanks again for all your help!
I'm getting excited to start up scanning again!!

rmiller818 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 02:58 PM

If you have not bought something already, use this link to the RS website and you will get an additional 15% off of the already discounted price.

RadioShack.com - the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers.

Baley · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 03:32 PM

Thanks a bunch for the heads up. I just ordered the BCD396XT about two hours ago from Scanner Master. I hope I don't regret it later! .......

Baley · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009, 11:11 AM

Well, I got the BCD396XT. WOW what a radio! I am SO lost it isnt funny. I downloaded the file for the Atlanta and Cobb area from this site. Loaded with no problmes. I just cant for the life of me figure out how to tell the radio which system(s) I want to scan...
I have read and read all the manuals, but I'm still lost...
I will report back when I get it figured out and all is up and running.
Thanks to everyone for all your help!!!

b7spectra · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009, 10:33 PM

With the 396XT, you won't be needing an external antenna. My 396XT has a 1/4 wave 800 MHz antenna on it and picks up great all over the metro area.

If you want a complete file, go to FreeScan YahooGroups and download my Metro Atlanta file. You will be pleased with what is in it!

Baley · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b7spectra

With the 396XT, you won't be needing an external antenna. My 396XT has a 1/4 wave 800 MHz antenna on it and picks up great all over the metro area.

If you want a complete file, go to FreeScan YahooGroups and download my Metro Atlanta file. You will be pleased with what is in it!

I did get your file Mike, Thanks it is great! How often do you update the file?
Your are right about the antenna. I bought the 800 MHz from RS. This thing pulles in the stations great! I really dont see a need for an outside antenna right now.

Now I'm just "tweeking" your file for my interests. Thanks again for such a great job!!

Steve

b7spectra · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 11:49 PM

I usually update it about every 30-45 days, depending on how many updates I see in the database here.