Scanner/Software/Ant. Recommendations (New in Rapides Parish)

[lemuroverlord]

Hello all,

I am new to scanning in Louisiana. Years ago, I was set up in NC with an AOR 8000 and Pro-2006 but with the trunking they do me no good here. So now I have to purchase basically a new system and am seeking any and all input on what you would buy, especially if you are familiar with the area off Highway 28 about 15 minutes west of Alexandria; because that is where I reside.

I believe I want a handheld for versatility. It also appears I need an APCO capable scanner although it looks like LWIN is not fully deployed up here (or is it?) The choices look like a BCD396XT or GRE PSR-500. What do you guys think? I have not programmed or operated a trunking scanner before, but I am 29 and pretty good with a computer (that's how I intend to program the scanners) and will be determined to figure it out. I was a little kid scanning in NC!

What about programming software? The Uniden comes with some version, I have read a little about the others. I would like onscreen control, easy frequency/talkgroup programming entry, recording would be really neat, perhaps alphanumeric decoding off the discriminator "tap" which appears to be a high end feature nowadays and not a mod. I don't mind spending a bit if the software is quality, regularly updated and has support.

Regarding an antenna, I already have an Austin Condor and Radio Shack mid loaded expandable deal. What should I put on my house? I used to have a Grove Scanner Beam and that was nice. I suppose I could get another beam and just point it at Alexandria. What about a discone for whole area coverage?

Is it easy to pick up all the local Parish trunked traffic on a handheld's antenna just from the repeater picking it up and rebroadcasting over the whole Parish?

Guys I thank you all in advance for any input you might have, like I said I have some extensive simplex scanning experience and I vaguely understand the trunking concept but didn't need the capability until now.

Cheers,
Dave

[ka5lqj]

Dave,

Do you just want to receive 700/800 mhz trunked only? Since you live near Alex, there are several parishes including Rapides that still use VHF hi-band (150-174) and UHF (450-512) to communicate.

I'm having to stop my present "research" of the F.C.C. ULS database in making a spreadsheet/database of all the Part 90 - Public Safety- Conventional frequencies within a 225 mile radius of Shreveport, LA. My wife and I are in the process of moving to another home and we have 39 years of "treasures" to go through and determine their "fate", LOL! The new house is much smaller than what we have now. But, it will be comfortable enough for us.

I don't have a scanner that will do 700 mhz LAWIN, so I don't know if "Troop G" is real active there or not. I've been "told" by a State Police trooper friend there has been some "local" traffic, but it seems most of what's been transmitted here has been stuff from South Louisiana.

Now, depending on your location and surrounding trees, you might consider putting up a push-up mast, like the old, TV fringe antennas used to be on and mount your antennas there for best reception. Most of the discone's I've seen lately are not true discone's, as they have a vertical element, so they are basically a ground plane with 45º drooping ground radials, to match the 50 ohm coax. (If the radials are straight-out, the antenna has a 75 ohm impedance...yeah, I "do" antennas). You can build a better antenna, called a Slim Jim for VHF hi-band by going to: HAM RADIO - AMATEUR RADIO - HAM RADIO INFORMATION, LICENSE INFO!, PLANS - PROJECTS and clicking on Antenna Lab then the Slim Jim for the instructions and materials list.. If you have trouble, e-mail me at: KA5(dot)LQJ(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll help you.

Alex PD is on 800 trunked, but last I knew Rapides S/O was on VHF hi-band.

Good Luck,
Respectfully submitted,
73,

Don/KA5LQJ
Grid Square: EM-32