First New Scanner in 30 Years

[gman4661]

Had a couple of scanners about 30 years ago. Been in law enforcement since 1978 and got tired of hearing radios all day. Now, for some unknown reason, I am looking at used scanners. Can someone suggest a good used scanner capable of picking up Palmetto 800? I'm especially interested in scanning GMRS as well. Any help would be appreciated.

[milf]

You want an digital capable to hearthe digital talkgroups in useage on the Palmetto 800, and also due to the fact that Phase II (P-25) of the Palmetto is slowly growing out. Youll want at least the Radio Shack PRO-96/2096 or better.

[gman4661]

A quick check of eBay tells me we are talking $200-$300, which is somewhat more than I care to spend at this point. If I can live without digital, what is a another good choice?

[milf]

Any trunktracking scanner will do. As far as digital.. that depends on where in SC you want to hear..... There are entire counties that are mainly digital, while there are large areas still analog too... In the next few years the second phase which is pure digital will be spreading. Also I would have to look and see what areas will be rebanding before then as that also can effect scanner choices.... For the short term if your only in an area that is using analog on the system, and have no digital needs at all... At least for the next few months lol.. Any trunking scanner will work.

[gman4661]

Any idea about the timetable for Aiken, Edgefield and McCormick Counties, also the Georgia sites?

[rvictor]

If you opt for analog at this time, be sure that you at least get one that can handle rebanded trunked systems. Many systems are in the rebanding process or will be soon and you could have problems if your scanner isn't capable of handling those changes.

Dick

[gman4661]

Can someone recommend a specific model? Also, could it be programmed with a computer?

[gman4661]

Another question. Are the counties in western SC still using UHF?

[rvictor]

Your questions about what frequencies and modes are being used by particular agencies and their plans for the future might get a better response in the specific state forum.

As far as scanner models, you might want to look at the Uniden models which have recently been replaced by newer models such as the 396T and the 996T. These are both digital.

Dick

[ac7xc]

Originally Posted by gman4661

Can someone recommend a specific model? Also, could it be programmed with a computer?

You can buy a Radio Shack Pro-164 for $169.00 on sale at Radio Shack.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2970547

or the PRO-163 also for $169.00
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2973252

and here is a list of available scanners at Radio Shack.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/ind...goryId=2032072

For programming the scanners 163 and 164 you can use Win 97
http://www.starrsoft.com/software/win97/default.asp

Which runs as shareware for 30 days so you can download it, program the scanner and not have to pay for it if you never need to use it again.

[gman4661]

Can someone recommend a (used) scanner that does the following: analog, trunked scanning, alpha display, computer programmed? Cost is a factor...

[rvictor]

Originally Posted by gman4661

Can someone recommend a (used) scanner that does the following: analog, trunked scanning, alpha display, computer programmed? Cost is a factor...

Uniden BCT15, BR330T, BC246T.

Dick

[jclarkr6]

Originally Posted by gman4661

Can someone recommend a (used) scanner that does the following: analog, trunked scanning, alpha display, computer programmed? Cost is a factor...

I have read many good things about the Uniden BC346XT and the BCT15X. The BC346XT and BCT15X are the latest analog trunking scanners produced by Uniden. They are both analog trunking scanners that have the features that you are looking for; each scanner usually costs around $220. Although I think you have to purchase a USB cable separately (if you need one) because the scanner comes with a serial cable.

There are several programs that you could use to program these two scanners. Personally, I prefer a program called FreeScan. It's free and it works great for me. There is a link to the Freescan download in the RR Wiki section titled "Software Applications."

I own the BC346XT's cousin, the BCD396XT, and I have been amazed at how well it performs. I think the BC346XT and the BCT15X are definitely worth a look.

[rvictor]

Originally Posted by jclarkr6

I have read many good things about the Uniden BC346XT and the BCT15X. The BC346XT and BCT15X are the latest analog trunking scanners produced by Uniden. They are both analog trunking scanners that have the features that you are looking for; each scanner usually costs around $220. Although I think you have to purchase a USB cable separately (if you need one) because the scanner comes with a serial cable.

There are several programs that you could use to program these two scanners. Personally, I prefer a program called FreeScan. It's free and it works great for me. There is a link to the Freescan download in the RR Wiki section titled "Software Applications."

I own the BC346XT's cousin, the BCD396XT, and I have been amazed at how well it performs. I think the BC346XT and the BCT15X are definitely worth a look.

While I agree that the BC346XT and BCT15X are fine scanners, he isn't likely to be able to find them used at this point..

Dick

[gman4661]

Will older scanners pick up GMRS? Years ago, I had a BC250, but I don't think it had very many "digits." In other words, 463.XXX instead of 463.XXXX.

[milf]

Most scanners will pick up GMRS fine... For the older models that only displayed 3 digits, you still can hear the frequency.. Just type in the full thing and it will round off to fit your display... For the answer about scanners that do analog trunking with alpha tagging.... Radio Shack's PRO-92/2067 (original models will work on rebanded systems) PRO-93, PRO-95 and their mobile/desktop sisters.... Though am not sure if they will work on rebanded systems... possibly with Win93, and Win95 software... Am not sure if Don Starr did updates to make them able to work on rb'ed TRS's or not... For cheaper digital the PRO-96 and PRO-2096 are great for the current Palmetto 800, and the new P-25 phase as it grows as long as you don't need 700 MHz capability. You can get the 96 for under 300 on ebay... Got mine a couple of years ago for $250.00 CPU v1.4, then upgraded DSP software to v 1.4.. Still works great. I am currently using it to run my online feed which includes an P-25 TRS. Also all the above are programmable using software from Don Starr's www.starrsoft.com

[marcotor]

There is a seller on eBay with a lot of 246T's for $109 shipped. When I inquired, they are refurbs that do come with all the accessories, which is a plus as many used scanners I see for sale are missing something - like the programming cable or the AC adapter. This would get you into action right away.

And Freescan for the 246 is.. well, free.

Pro-95's are all over for $50-75 and Win95 is also free to program, but usually you have to add $25-35 for a cable. They are not rebandable, so if I had to pick one I would go with a 246T. I have 2 246T's and a Pro-95 and all serve me very well.

[gman4661]

All great replies. I was all for the 246T until I saw that it is a HH, Any good deals for a similar mobile/base? Thanks!

[tommyscan]

my 2 cents would be to bite the bullet and spend the 200.00 for a new or clearance deal on a pro96 because once you start scanning again you will be hooked and have to spend it anyway.