New Scanner Help

Chief-T · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2012, 5:01 PM

I have been using a RS PRO-32 since 1986. This has been a great scanner. I would like to get a new scanner that has more speed and a wider frequency range. I live in Eureka, Ca and I don't think we have trunked systems up here yet. Do I need digital or will analog be ok? I seem to receive all the agencies around here with this old pro-32, but I would like to upgrade to a base set up. I dont want to waste my money on something I dont need, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Redneck0410 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2012, 1:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief-T

I have been using a RS PRO-32 since 1986. This has been a great scanner. I would like to get a new scanner that has more speed and a wider frequency range. I live in Eureka, Ca and I don't think we have trunked systems up here yet. Do I need digital or will analog be ok? I seem to receive all the agencies around here with this old pro-32, but I would like to upgrade to a base set up. I dont want to waste my money on something I dont need, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

You are correct in that Humboldt County does not have any trunked systems. I have a Uniden BCT15X (Analog Trunking Scanner) that I use to provide my live audio feed and I haven't had a lick of trouble with it. Buying one new could run you in the neighborhood of 200 to 250 dollars. One disadvantage that comes to mind is, unless you have an abundance of patience, it can be quite the pain to program. I am actually considering selling mine, as there are a few P25 digital systems in my area I wish to monitor. You could also go with a RS Pro-163 which is a 1000 channel analog only trunking scanner. When compared to the BCT15X, you can track more with the BCT15X. One reason why is the Uniden is what is called a Dynamic Memory Allocation scanner. What that means is the term "channel" as you know it is eliminated. You have the capability, with the Uniden, to track 9000 "objects" or channels. That's a lot of memory. The choice is yours, my friend. The range on this scanner is pretty impressive living in the flatlands of Nebraska. I can get 40-50 miles easy on this thing, so imagine what you'd get in California. Feel free to contact me with any more questions you may have.

Hope this has helped you.

-Shawn

Chief-T · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2012, 5:06 PM

Thanks for the info. I was indeed looking at both the scanners you mentioned. As far as programming one, I do have plenty of time and patience. Not a problem. This handheld has always worked great with the factory rubber duck antenna up here. I guess it pulls in channels that are around 25-30 miles. This area I live in is mostly mountains and lots of large trees. Way back in 1986 I had a nice discone antenna mounted on the roof of the house. That thing worked great. Any how, thanks for your advise. Just joined this forum a few weeks ago, and as a scanner user for quite awhile I find this site to be one of the better ones I belong to.

T

Fuzy_GSXR1000 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2012, 8:16 PM

Wow chief 1986?!! That scanner dosen't you a dime huh?!

Chief-T · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2012, 11:32 AM

Well sir, Its been an outstanding radio, The only reason I want a new one is for faster scanning, and the 700-800 mhz range that I don't have now. I needed some parts fo it a year ago, so I brought it down to the local RS Store and the older guy at the counter wanted to buy from me. Ha Ha. I did get the AC ps I needed. Its still scanning. I think I'am leaning toward a Radio Shack Pro-163, because I don't need digital yet or trunking in this area. The pro-163 has trunking but I wouldn't need to use it. Since this old Pro-32 has been so good to me I fiqured I would stay with the brand. I also tend to live in small towns ,away from it all. These small towns tend to stick with analog. I do enjoy scanning obsqure channels for the weired transmissions hopfully.

Chief

Redneck0410 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2012, 1:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief-T

Thanks for the info. I was indeed looking at both the scanners you mentioned. As far as programming one, I do have plenty of time and patience. Not a problem. This handheld has always worked great with the factory rubber duck antenna up here. I guess it pulls in channels that are around 25-30 miles. This area I live in is mostly mountains and lots of large trees. Way back in 1986 I had a nice discone antenna mounted on the roof of the house. That thing worked great. Any how, thanks for your advise. Just joined this forum a few weeks ago, and as a scanner user for quite awhile I find this site to be one of the better ones I belong to.

T

I have been scanning since '91, have had a great many scanners and CB radios over the years, and I can say, by far, the BCT15X is the best scanner I've owned to date. I am actually looking to sell this scanner as I wish to purchase a digital scanner and I wouldn't have a use for this scanner afterwards. I've also got a RS Pro-164 that I've had for approximately a year and a half, has a few scratches and such from being beaten around in the truck, but it's a pretty rugged scanner as well. If you're looking to buy, I'm looking to sell. Send me a private message if you're interested.

-Shawn

jfhtm350 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2012, 1:39 AM

I had the pro-164 which is the handheld version and it is a great scanner. Since you dont have any trunking systems to program in and all you want to hear is conventional, it should be easy to program. The trunking systems is where you will have to have some knowledge.

You will need to buy the programming cable if you want to use the computer to program it and update the firmware. Programming by hand can be done but it will take you a long time.

It does appear by the database that you do not need a digital scanner. It also appears that you do not even need the 700-800 mhz range. Unless there are some state or federal frequencies in your area that use them.

Browse around this website at the frequencies. That might help you decide:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/General_Men...limit_select=4

Chief-T · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2012, 12:31 PM

Yes your right. After thinking it over, the only thing I will gain in a newer scanner would be faster scanning per second. I don't think the cost of a new scanner is worth it. The old Pro-32 works just fine. I guess it's good that I talked it through. I really don't need any programming problems. I have to manually punch in the channels I want to listen to, but thats pretty easy.