Digital Scanner for Macomb County?

[K8PBX]

I live in Macomb County and although I'm a pretty avid scanner listener, I've yet to make the jump to any type of digital scanner.

I'd like to be able to listen to the MSP, DPD, along with the other LE agencies that will soon go digital in Macomb.

Not really wanting a hand-held... so I've been looking at the BC796D.

I'd like opinions on this unit's ability to suit my needs, best place to purchase, etc.

Thanks!

[seamusg]

Originally Posted by K8PBX

I live in Macomb County and although I'm a pretty avid scanner listener, I've yet to make the jump to any type of digital scanner.

I'd like to be able to listen to the MSP, DPD, along with the other LE agencies that will soon go digital in Macomb.

Not really wanting a hand-held... so I've been looking at the BC796D.

I'd like opinions on this unit's ability to suit my needs, best place to purchase, etc.

Thanks!

It looks like digital will be the only why here. Macomb should be going digital in a year, Warren is already, Romeo is on MPSCS along with a few other towns in Northern Macomb.
I have a BC796D and I like it. I don't think you'll be able to get DPD since all digital scanners have a problem with simulcast if your not close to a tower. Right now you should be able to get the Romeo, Richmond and Mt. Clemens Towers and Warren with your tower (I looked at your website).

[MacombMonitor]

Steve, I live just S.E. of you, in Macomb Twp. I've used all the currently available digital scanners, BC296D, BC796D, BCD396T, PRO-96, and PRO-2096. All have been used inside my home, with stock antennas, and seem to work equally well. The Radio Shack (GRE's) both have AGC which works well. I think the only Uniden that had AGC was the BCD396T, but I didn't find it worked as good as the Radio Shack's. If you're planing on using an outside antenna, I think the older Unidens (BC296D, and BC796D), are a better choice. The Radio Shack (GRE) scanners, as well as the Uniden BCD396T, seem to overload easily on an outside antenna, from what I read, and hear.

As seamusg mentioned, all of the currently available digital scanners are having issues with the City Of Detroit's simulcast digital system. So I wouldn't count on being able to receive them.

I'd say go for the BC796D! In addition to being a great digital scanner, you will be able to pick up MilAir from Selfridge Air Base! There is a local Uniden dealer in Warren, Michigan too! Gary will treat you right!

Public Safety Communications, LLC

Gary Watts
http://www.publicsafetycommunication...e/commerce.cgi


Bill Crocker

[K8PBX]

Thanks for the tips and information guys!

Much appreciated.

[fireball5211]

Steve, I also live in Washington and am a firefighter/paramedic here, I just recently bought a BCD396T and LOVE it! I know you said you do not want a handheld but this one is unlike any other I have owned, as you said all of macomb will be digital SOON, we just got our new digital radios in last week and will be going soon, with this one i can pick up the city of warren great as well as Romeo/Bruce Fire and P.D., Clinton Twp., Chesterfield, Shelby, and the state like they were sitting right next to me! you would not believe the clarity. I do sometimes get Detroit Fire's central dispatch. But the rest of the Detroit digital freqs I have yet to receive. This scanner is also VERY fast, switching between digital and uhf without a hitch!
The Butel program that you can buy for this is great too, it hooks to the computer and you can run it from your work station.
I will also be getting a BC796D next week and will be able to let you know a little about that later.
NOW is definately the time to buy one and sell your old before you are totally left in the dark here in Macomb Co.
I also bought mine from
Public Safety Communications, LLC
Gary Watts
http://www.publicsafetycommunicatio...re/commerce.cgi
GREAT TO DEAL WITH!

[seamusg]

Do you know what TG's you'll be using? I have a BC796D and can get the Romeo, Mt. Clemens, Richmond and Northville Towers from my apt. with the supplied antenna. Also Windsor, Wayne co., Warren and Livonia.
Jim
ps. Look at Steve's website, his tower farm and setup are cool.

[fireball5211]

IM new, what is TG's?

[seamusg]

Originally Posted by fireball5211

IM new, what is TG's?

TG is Talk Group- the ID number that describes a user group such as Washington Fire or Romeo PD.

[K8PBX]

Originally Posted by seamusg

Do you know what TG's you'll be using?

I'm still getting up to speed on the whole Talk Group thing, so I'm not entirely sure yet.

I plan to monitor pretty much all the local LE in Macomb County that I can - along with MSP, Romeo-Washington Fire (maybe Detroit PD too, if I can find a way around the current reception issues some listeners are experiencing).

[seamusg]

Originally Posted by K8PBX

I'm still getting up to speed on the whole Talk Group thing, so I'm not entirely sure yet.

I plan to monitor pretty much all the local LE in Macomb County that I can - along with MSP, Romeo-Washington Fire (maybe Detroit PD too, if I can find a way around the current reception issues some listeners are experiencing).

THe question was directed to fireball5211.

[fireball5211]

I listen to all of Macomb Co. MPSCS, State Police, Warren Public safety, & sometimes I get Detroit... Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, and Wayne County Fire & P.D. UHF freqs. Sometimes I scan HAM, FRS/GMRS, & AIR, and anything else interesting.

[netfire]

This messages is an answer for Seamusg. They need to send their radios out to Lansing to get them program. It will take 3 months till they get them back. My guess WTFD will be online withe MPSCS near summer. We'll see.

Nice to see a few locals on the Forum....