Hi Guys,
Considering purchasing a scanner and I'd like some guidance if possible. I'll list some background information for you.
Experience: Newbie, however very capable at adapting to and learning new fields and technologies. Electrical Engineer and computer programmer for a living.
Purchasing Power: I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford the best and I've started saving for those choices while I do my research. I'm in no hurry and won't be making an impulse purchase.
Zip Code: 49056 (I definately live out in the country). I would like to grab the Kalamazoo (City) area (~20 miles) in addition to my local county Van Buren, MI. If this is possible?
Portable vs. Desktop: I would rarely if ever use a portable scanner. However what am I actually giving up by choosing a desktop over a portable. Use the BCD536HP vs. BCD436HP as an example. Why "wouldn't" I buy a portable for the rare occassion I'd want to use one? What do I lose?
The Future: My biggest concern is what I understand the least about. I read that new radio technology may be making even the most highest end scanners obsolete. I don't want to buy a $600 scanner that will be a paper weight in 1 yr.
Antenna's: I know ZERO about them. So if I want to pickup up the city police (Kalamazoo) that is ~ 20 miles away will I need to install an antenna at my home? Or because of repeaters (Not even sure if this stuff exists) I'd be "okay."
I'm sure I'll have more questions later but they are summarized below.
1. Is my area using radio technologies that a modern scanner can monitor now and for a reasonable of time into the future.
2. Portable vs. Desktop. Which would you choose and why? (Knowing that I "may" never take it out of my house).
3. Antenna's - Please explan or point me to a solid resource.
Thanks in advance for any help you provide.
Considering purchasing a scanner and I'd like some guidance if possible. I'll list some background information for you.
Experience: Newbie, however very capable at adapting to and learning new fields and technologies. Electrical Engineer and computer programmer for a living.
Purchasing Power: I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford the best and I've started saving for those choices while I do my research. I'm in no hurry and won't be making an impulse purchase.
Zip Code: 49056 (I definately live out in the country). I would like to grab the Kalamazoo (City) area (~20 miles) in addition to my local county Van Buren, MI. If this is possible?
Portable vs. Desktop: I would rarely if ever use a portable scanner. However what am I actually giving up by choosing a desktop over a portable. Use the BCD536HP vs. BCD436HP as an example. Why "wouldn't" I buy a portable for the rare occassion I'd want to use one? What do I lose?
The Future: My biggest concern is what I understand the least about. I read that new radio technology may be making even the most highest end scanners obsolete. I don't want to buy a $600 scanner that will be a paper weight in 1 yr.
Antenna's: I know ZERO about them. So if I want to pickup up the city police (Kalamazoo) that is ~ 20 miles away will I need to install an antenna at my home? Or because of repeaters (Not even sure if this stuff exists) I'd be "okay."
I'm sure I'll have more questions later but they are summarized below.
1. Is my area using radio technologies that a modern scanner can monitor now and for a reasonable of time into the future.
2. Portable vs. Desktop. Which would you choose and why? (Knowing that I "may" never take it out of my house).
3. Antenna's - Please explan or point me to a solid resource.
Thanks in advance for any help you provide.