FNG... simple question

[txdistiller]

I hoping for a simple answer. I am not a serious scanner hound, But I am looking for some insight to what would be an inexpensive radio for the Bastrop county Texas, 78602 trunk system. I want a handheld unit, small, but I dont have to mess with alot. turn it on at night, let it scan and done. Thanks to anyone who is willing to help.

 

[chief21]

According to the RR database, Bastrop County is a subset of the Greater Austin/Travis Regional Radio System (GATRRS). This system is a P25 digital system, so you'll need a P25-capable scanner to listen. Since, as you say, you're not 'a serious scanner hound', probably the best radio for you would be the Uniden BCD436HP,

The "HP" (Home Patrol) line of scanners use a downloaded database of frequencies so that you can simply enter your zip code and scan all systems in your area. You can also select the types of services that interest you and you can, if desired, enter your own agencies of interest.

But be forewarned... modern scanners that are capable of monitoring the new digital trunked radio systems are not inexpensive and can require a bit of a learning curve. In addition, you'll need a PC in order to update the original database or make custom favorites lists. The good news is that you will likley be able to find help, if needed, from the helpful folks here at RR.

Good luck.

John

 

[captclint]

I hoping for a simple answer. I am not a serious scanner hound, But I am looking for some insight to what would be an inexpensive radio for the Bastrop county Texas, 78602 trunk system. I want a handheld unit, small, but I dont have to mess with alot. turn it on at night, let it scan and done. Thanks to anyone who is willing to help.

Unfortunately, it is digital, which makes is expensive. This is older, a little cheaper, but requires more effort to learn and program.
BCD396XT - The RadioReference Wiki
https://www.uniden.com/scanner/id-BCD396XT/BCD396XT_Compact_APCO_25_Handheld_Scanner
but this is almost "plug and play"
BCD436HP - The RadioReference Wiki
Uniden Bearcat BCD436HP Police Scanner | ScannerMaster.com

 

[txdistiller]

Thank you guys. Wow captclint, you were right, "Unfortunately, it is digital, which makes is expensive."

 

[txdistiller]

So I was looking and found the RadioShack® PRO-107 Handheld iScan, does this work on the Greater Austin/Travis Regional Radio System (GATRRS). I Don't really understand the systems in play in Texas, It say on ebay its digital and trunking. I don't have a need to completely understand the difference in systems this is why I am asking a group I am hoping that does

 

[captclint]

So I was looking and found the RadioShack® PRO-107 Handheld iScan, does this work on the Greater Austin/Travis Regional Radio System (GATRRS).

According to this, it is NOT digital
Pro-107 - The RadioReference Wiki

These ARE digital. http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Pro-106
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Pro-96
When you look at this list, you want to see P25 or APCO 25 shown at far right
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Radio_Shack_Scanners
Don't forget that none of these are plug and play, and will require quite a bit of effort to program. However, getting a radio that will download data from thiis site into the radio will help a lot, but can run $30-50 more including the cable. You would need to check any scanner to see if it has software capabilities AND can download from RR. You would also need to become a paid subscriber to this site to get the automatic down loads, but this is also very reasonable($7.5 for 3 months). This can save you countless hours of programming and frustration.

Here is an alternative.
http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/ctid/2533/?rl=rr
This lets you listen to a scanner channel of Bastrop County

 

[scansalot52]

"You would also need to become a paid subscriber to this site to get the automatic down loads, but this is also very reasonable($7.5 for 3 months). This can save you countless hours of programming and frustration. "
The newest RS/Whistler 668/1095 and similar do not require a subscription. The scanners download automatically when connected to the Internet. Not sure, but I imagine the Uniden's are similar. The older ones as stated require a subscription to import, plus a cable and perhaps 3rd party software. You need to compare total price given what accessories you need to purchase vs what a new scanner is capable of on its own.
I hope I didn't confuse the issue or misunderstand the question or answer.

 

[chief21]

If a NEW digital scanner is out of reach, keep in mind that a USED P25 scanner could also be an option.