best scanner for michigan?

wesm1957 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 01:20 AM

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but here goes. I am looking for some insight on the best scanner to purchase to use in W. Michigan, the PRO-96 or the 296D. I live in Grand Rapids and travel 4 days a week to Lansing and back, and now and then travel to Akron, Ohio to visit family. I am new to Trunk scanning, but have scanned comventional systems for years. Any advise from more experienced monitors will be a great help.

Thanks in advance

philkoz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 05:31 AM

For what my opinion's worth, might I suggest holding out a few months for Uniden's release of their 396 ?? My local PD just joined the MPSCS system, so trunking if fairly new to me also, but I've been into radios both professionally & as a hobby for about 27 yrs now. I was looking into an APCO-25 capable handheld when I heard about Uniden's plans for the 396. If you haven't already done so, check out the Uniden Scanner Forum's BC396 thread. UPMan just added some very interesting details about the radio.

Lemme know if I can be of anymore help... :P

-Phil

rdale · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 07:53 AM

If you need one today get the BC296D or 796D. The Pro96 is actually my recommendation, but Lansing Fire/Police and Ingham Co will leave the digital system and go to a new system that the Pro96 doesn't monitor in the summer.

But if you can wait til summer - wait for the 396D.

wesm1957 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 11:08 AM

Thanks for the input!!!! I am not sure I will wait till summer for the new 396d, HAHA i'd spend the money before then. I did read on the Advanced websight where Uniden has firmware updates for the 296D. I wonder if that will make it so features can be added in the future. I have download manuals for both the Pro-96 and 296D and have been going over them for more insight. Too bad we can't get all the features of both in one radio!!!!

rdale · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 12:42 PM

The Pro96 will never be able to function with the new Ingham Co system...

The BC296D does not have as good of audio on digital systems because it is missing the Pro96's AGC feature. The BCD396T will have better audio than the Pro96... You could always buy the Pro96 or 296D now and then EBay it for ~ $100 less in the summer and get a 396?!?

- Rob

wesm1957 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdale

The Pro96 will never be able to function with the new Ingham Co system...

The BC296D does not have as good of audio on digital systems because it is missing the Pro96's AGC feature. The BCD396T will have better audio than the Pro96... You could always buy the Pro96 or 296D now and then EBay it for ~ $100 less in the summer and get a 396?!?

- Rob

What type of system are they going to? I may get the Pro96 now and save up for the 396 later when it comes out.

rdale · #7 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 01:46 PM

EDACS Narrowband - the Pro96 only supports Wide (Normal.)

wesm1957 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-10-2005, 04:57 PM

Thanks rdale!! I think I am going to get the Pro96 when my tax return gets deposited, and then wath this summer for the release of the 396. Scanning has sure come a long way from when I first started monitoring!!
I need to start building a mount to hold my scanners in the car and decide whether to use an antenna for each scanner or use a spliter.

Thunderbolt · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2005, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wesm1957

I need to start building a mount to hold my scanners in the car and decide whether to use an antenna for each scanner or use a spliter.

Please make sure that you have either an Amateur "Ham" Radio license, or a permit issued by the Michigan State Police that authorizes you to have a scanner in your vehicle. Failure to have either one can and will result in confiscation of your radio and a misdemeanor charge. However, Ohio has no such laws and you can scan all you want to from a motor vehicle, unless there is a local city ordinance prohibiting such.

73's

Ron

wesm1957 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 01:19 AM

Thanks Ron!!! I do have mt permit from MSP, I found out 4 years ago that one was needed. I had a heart attack while driving and was ask by the officer that came to the accident scene if I had a ham license. When I said no why he mentioned the mobile scanner in my car. When I lived in Ohio I was a member of a REACT team that was mutual aid for the county I lived in and explained that was why it was in there, but at that time it wasn't even hooked up. He informed me of the state law, but did not issue a ticket. He didn't tell me though I was able to get a permit from MSP, I found that out this past summer from a friend, so I got one. Up until I got the permit I did all my monitoring at home. I know some of the departments in Ohio in the county where I lived, both police and fire were glad that members of our team monitored our scanners. That saved them time in getting help or refreshments at large fires or the need for help with traffic control. Especially during this time of year. While I was a member (almost 20 years) I was Operations Officer for 15 of those years. Which meant I was the one in charge on any detail we did. I said it was a full time volunteer job, but one that was well worth it knowing we were able to help anyone in need.