Pro-163 vs Pro-197

Marcopolo456 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:42 PM

Hi all! I am very new to scanning and am trying to decipher the difference between the pro 163 and pro 197 Radio Shack scanners - besides $300. I basically want to listen to the digital trunked system in South St Paul, MN, which, according to the database here, is based on the ARMER system. Also, what kind of a range do these scanners have? And are they able to tune in Air and Rail traffic? (I'm a real newbie and very excited! Thanks in advance!!!)

dd364 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:14 PM

I have both.You will need the 197 to pick up anything digital.That's the biggest difference.The 197 also uses what's called "object oriented scanning" which just means that the data you program into memory is stored in one memory location as opposed to memory banks like the 163 .They both pick up air,rail and everything else you might want to listen to.Overall the 197 does more but it's up to you to determine if the extra $ is worth it.

Marcopolo456 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:49 PM

Thanks, dd364! I guess I would need the 197 to listen to SSP PD then, as according to the database, it is a D (digital...) Have to start saving my pennies