Another Newbie Help Selecting Scanner

jbitzer · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 08:06 PM

I have been reading the various posts on what scanner to buy and seeing the different viewpoints. After reading the many many posts regarding new scanner selection I have somewhat narrowed it down (sort of).

To start things off I am located in Cherry Hill, NJ (Camden County). Many moons ago I had an old Bearcat 220 which was a good scanner in its day. A week ago a friend at work 'loaned' me a Radio Shack Pro-2021. This got my feet wet and ignited my interest again in scanners.

I was looking to purchase a Uniden scanner until I saw how nice this older Pro-2021 is. I was going to buy a Pro-2051 until I saw another post that the Pro-2052 was a better scanner because of the computer control. This sounds like a great feature and I'm sure there is a lot that can be done using a scanner and software however I'n not sure I want to buy a scanner solely on the basis of having the ability to connect it to my PC.

After reading some of the posts and information on this scanner, it appears that you can either scan in Trunked mode on traditional mode but not both. This would pose a limitation for me since the Cherry Hill PD is about the only trunked frequency I am interested in.

With this said, I am looking for a good 'starter' scanner that would give me more frequncies than the Pro2021 and let me listen to a good variety of channels. If There is a better choice on the Uniden side, then please also mention it. I don't want to spend of fortune for a radio. I would like to stay under $150 and preferably well under that. The scanner I purchase doesn't have to be top of the line or even brand new. I am willing to search eBay for specific models. Currently the Pro-2052 are going for around $75 on eBay and the Pro-2051 for around $90.

Below is a list of things I would like to listen to:

Central county communications: in the 150.xxx through 154.xxx range
Multi township police: in both the 150.xxx range and 500.xxx range
Aircraft communication (I live near PHL international)
Cherry Hill Police: 800.xxx trunked

If there is an advantage to sticking with the Pro-2052 and using a PC and by doing this I could scan both trunked and traditional then I will stick with it. I am also not opposed to older models that will cover everything I want to listen to.

Thanks in advance!

MacombMonitor · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 09:34 PM

The PRO-2052 is an excellent scanner. If you buy one used, make sure it is not an early generation one, as they could not scan trunked, and conventional at the same time. Later production of the same model had a firmware revision that corrected this, but it is not a user flash-able upgrade. And of course it doesn't do digital, but you didn't mention you needed that.

The only other concern is that after re-banding occurs, it could have an impact on the ability of the PRO-2052 to still be able to receive the 800MHz trunked systems.

h8tdigitalradio · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacombMonitor

The only other concern is that after re-banding occurs, it could have an impact on the ability of the PRO-2052 to still be able to receive the 800MHz trunked systems.

Hello,

Cherry Hill, NJ uses an 800 MHz M/A-COM EDACS system with some ProVoice TG's. The PRO 2052 may suit jbitzer needs, even after rebanding of NPSPAC. The LCN's would have to be reprogrammed, but should still work after rebanding.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

hoser147 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 09:58 AM

Helllo while trying to stay in a budget and for the items you discribed there are a lot of options out there. Anything digital is out of picture however Radio shack has some good priceses on scanners that would work for your area. Might want to check out the Pro 95 which you can get for under 100.00 bucks probably around 130 for the whole deal batterys and powerpack and you can get Win 95 for free to program the scanner for your area or where ever you are going to. Good luck and Good scannin Hoser147

jbitzer · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote from MacombMonitor:
"The PRO-2052 is an excellent scanner. If you buy one used, make sure it is not an early generation one, as they could not scan trunked, and conventional at the same time. Later production of the same model had a firmware revision that corrected this, but it is not a user flash-able upgrade."

Thanks for the info! If I purchase one used such as through eBay or other sources, how can I determine if it's an earlier generation or later generation? Is there some identification such as date code or revision printed on the unit itself?

Thanks!

rpowley · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbitzer

Quote from MacombMonitor:
"The PRO-2052 is an excellent scanner. If you buy one used, make sure it is not an early generation one, as they could not scan trunked, and conventional at the same time. Later production of the same model had a firmware revision that corrected this, but it is not a user flash-able upgrade."

Thanks for the info! If I purchase one used such as through eBay or other sources, how can I determine if it's an earlier generation or later generation? Is there some identification such as date code or revision printed on the unit itself?

Thanks!

jbitzer
04A03 and newer have firmware which will scan trunked and conventional
at the same time. Those date codes earlier than April 03 can scan
both, but not at the same time without the help of WinScanRS or Radio
Commander software. See the below link for Radio Commander - That is what I use
http://www.qsl.net/kd5lmy/software1.htm

jbitzer · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpowley

jbitzer
04A03 and newer have firmware which will scan trunked and conventional
at the same time. Those date codes earlier than April 03 can scan
both, but not at the same time without the help of WinScanRS or Radio
Commander software. See the below link for Radio Commander - That is what I use
http://www.qsl.net/kd5lmy/software1.htm

Anybody have a link on where to get WinScanRS? I get a page 'Under Construction'. I want to look at all software availalbe for this scanner (PRO-2052)

Thanks!

dfndr13 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbitzer

Anybody have a link on where to get WinScanRS? I get a page 'Under Construction'. I want to look at all software availalbe for this scanner (PRO-2052)

Thanks!

I like ScanControl by 3D Technologies. I use it for my 2052 and works great. I can't comment on others.

http://www.scannersoft.com/

CODE03 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 11:38 PM

I'm also now using Scan Control for my 2052.

I could not get Radio Commander to work.

ka3jjz · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2006, 11:48 PM

I don't have any specific knowledge of this - however, I think it's a reasonable guess. After the firmware change, some software apparently didn't work anymore - probably due to something in the protocol that changed. As far as I know, Scan Control is the only software to address this issue, as it supposedly works with both the old and new versions.
Pozilla, as far as is known, no longer exists. Scanner Master evidently bought most of their remaining stock of software and is now reselling it.
Supposedly, the expensive Trunkstar Pro also works with the 2052 - but I'm unsure as to whether it addresses the old/new firmware issues. I haven't seen too awful much positive about that software, but perhaps someone can add to that. Ditto on Scancat Gold on the old/new firmware issues 73s Mike

kd5dga · #11 (**permalink**) 01-20-2007, 09:32 PM

I contacted the folks of ScanStar how also supports TrunkStar. I was going to purchase TrunkStar but they informed me that TrunkStar does not go to good with the PRO2052 and to try the 15 day trial version first before I purchase.
I never did either.

GBF · #12 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CODE03

I'm also now using Scan Control for my 2052.

I could not get Radio Commander to work.

Same here, I'm happy with 2052+ScanControl. One thought to keep in mind, not a problem for me, but Country2 found that he had two nearby separate agencies on one freq, since 2052 does not do tones, he could not "lock out" unwanted agency.

Here is similar thread you might look at:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums...ad.php?t=56844

And Country2 has his 2052 FS in RR classifieds and I think he's looking for a BCT15 now.

country2 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBF

Same here, I'm happy with 2052+ScanControl. One thought to keep in mind, not a problem for me, but Country2 found that he had two nearby separate agencies on one freq, since 2052 does not do tones, he could not "lock out" unwanted agency.

Here is similar thread you might look at:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums...ad.php?t=56844

And Country2 has his 2052 FS in RR classifieds and I think he's looking for a BCT15 now.

True so true. I'm still using it along with my pro-97. I've still have it up for sale (also its on ebay now) it is a newer build and if it did tones I'd keep it. I also ran radiocommander it with no problem and just bought scancontrol which works great also(bought it to help on the BCT15 when I get it) The pro-2052 is a good scanner and I love the PC control part.