A little basic info please

[macfire65]

Just about to buy my first scanner for police, fire and have been reading all I can on the web, but it gets a bit involved for a person just getting into this. I want to get a hand-held digital in good quality without going crazy, but something that will cover all the bases. I'm considering a Uniden 396T but can not understand the different model types all under the same model number. Trying to figure out if the "(FS)" or the "APCO" are good enough and what the differences are. I also am not clear over the possibility of adding software. Do these scanners come 'ready to use' or is additional software required? Can a person scan in the needed frequencies, or is this something that needs to be done by the seller or through a software app?

Would really appreciate anyone who can give me just the basics of what I need to get started.

Thanks,
RB in Carver Co. MN
rbborrell@gmail.com

[mmtstc]

I have the BCD396T and recently got the BCD396XT, both are excellent models and have made me a firm believer in uniden scanners. The 396T is cheaper, but for the beginning hobbyist, it will do fine for you. You will need software to program it (if you intend on staying sane). Uniden has free software that you can download to use with it, but it doesnt allow you to download information from RadioReference if you are a premium subscriber. freeScan is also a good option and is what i have been using, and like its name implies, it is free. I also began using ARC396 by butel and found ti to be an excellent program, but unfortunately not free.

[pseconds]

Keep in mind the 396t has been out for a number of years and has been discontinued. Although I love the one I have.