With all due respect to kwrxxx I do not think scanning will be obsolete in 10 years. True, adjustments and newer technology are being produced that are making it harder and more expensive for us to keep up with our hobby, but I can't forsee it stopping completely just as you would turn a garden hose. I do think however his assesment could very much be a reality in some of the larger markets, but as a whole, I can't see that happening. allow me to illustrate. I live in Sweet Home Alabama. The county i reside in is Jefferson, which happens to be the largest county in the state. We just went digital. Birmingham, the County seat, and the largest city has already tried the Southern Linc Walkie Talkie. Big Mistake. Most all other counties with the execption of 5 or 6 are rural counties taht are just getting by. Our state is just getting by. All of these other counties are on VHF frequencies. The state Troopers are on a system that goes back for years. We are way behind on our road projects. Get the picture? We are so conservativethat we do not like the sweepstake arcades. I love our lifestyle. Change is not always good.. Bottom line? There are lots of state just like us that are content with non encrypted systems. One more example. I was in Tampa a couple of weeks ago. I took my Pro 96, they have an EDACS system. I thought it sounded great, and worked very good. But, The big question is when they change will they follow FHP'S lead? Only time will tell. I said all of that to say this. There are alot of people just like me. I'm 44, and I truly believe that when we have to face all of these issues here I will be so old that I will not care. Happy New year to All!
Clay
P.S. I did read where Calhoun County recieved a large grant for a Pro voice system, but I believe those will be few and far between.