Need advice from fellow Michigan Mil-Air Scanners

KMTC · #1 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 02:06 AM

Hello all, I was looking into getting a new scanner since my current one is ~10 years out of date. I listen to exclusivley Mil-Air (Selfridge). Since I know very little about scanners, I was looking for some recomendations from other Selfridge listeners on the best type. I'm looking for.... something not too expensive, recieves the largest domain of freqs, and is easy to set up / use. Any ideas???

Thanks

GreatLakes · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 09:59 AM

The best value in a new scanner that covers MilAir, and does it well would be the Radio Shack PRO-2055 base/mobile scanner. It normally sells for $199.99, but is often on sale for $169.99. It's handheld equal is the PRO-97, currently on sale for $149.99. I suggest Starrsoft's WIN97 software to make programming easier. The Radio Shack offerings are a little easier to program than the Unidens.

For a little more money, consider Uniden's BCT15 base/mobile scanner, or the handheld equal, BR330T. These are both in the $225.00 range, maybe less. Some advantages over the Radio Shack models are, Dynamic Memory (more space for frequencies, and better management), larger alpha/numerical fields for descriptions, you can also control them via computer, not just program them. Butel's ARC15, or ARC330 software is the best, however Uniden has their own.

CapnJon · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 10:00 AM

Looks like most are around the $250 price range...

http://www.scannerworld.com/content/...anner%20Radios

KMTC · #4 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 02:07 PM

Is there a disadvantage to getting a hand-held like the pro-97? Also, how much does software cost and is it possible to use the scanner with out it?

thanks again

GreatLakes · #5 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMTC

Is there a disadvantage to getting a hand-held like the pro-97? Also, how much does software cost and is it possible to use the scanner with out it?

thanks again

No disadvantage. The software for the PRO-97 is only $30.00. You can download a free 30-day trial.

KMTC · #6 (**permalink**) 12-25-2006, 03:20 PM

I got a PRO-97!!!
Where can I get the software for it?

And should the freqs be in AM?

GreatLakes · #7 (**permalink**) 12-25-2006, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMTC

I got a PRO-97!!!
Where can I get the software for it?

And should the freqs be in AM?

Starrsoft's WIN97, by Don Starr. A Google search will find it.

Most aircraft comms will be in AM mode, with a very few exceptions. I think the National Guard has some air freqs in FM mode.

GreatLakes · #8 (**permalink**) 12-25-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMTC

I got a PRO-97!!!
Where can I get the software for it?

And should the freqs be in AM?

You're going to want this link also:

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index...lAir_Reference

KMTC · #9 (**permalink**) 12-25-2006, 05:52 PM

Thanks, I've been collecting freqs for a while. I uploaded a new list to my yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MichMilSpotters/