Advice needed for scanner purchase ?

[carlgrantsmith]

New to scanning and need some experienced advice. I live in the greater Johnstown area of western PA ( Cambria County ) and I am considering buying either the Uniden BCD-996T ( Base ) or the BCD- 396T ( Handheld ) digital trunking scanner and I have 2 related questions:
1. Would a sophisticated and technical scanner like these two be more than what I would have use for in my area of PA after I have learned how to program them? In other words, are there enough digital, trunking systems available in my area or would something less high end be more appropiate for me ?
2. Based on general knowledge and experience, would a Base or a Handheld variety be more useful to me ? Would a base unit provide better reception with a good antena ?

Thanks in advance for your input.
carlgrantsmith in the Johnstown, PA area

 

[mjthomas59]

From my limited experience the mobile/base units seem to lend themselves better to large antennas being attached to them than do the handhelds. I have a BCT-8 mobile, a 246t handheld, and a Pro96 handheld. Hooking them each up to the same antenna, in the same place, at the same time, etc etc i will still pull in weak signals better with the BCT-8.

As far as whether or not to buy a digital scanner, that for me has been an easy decision to make. It seems that every day you find more and more states switching over to digital. Nothing will ruin your day more then wanting to listen to some breaking action on your scanner only to find out that agency has gone digital.. trust me i know this first hand, thats why i bought a digital. So if the choice is to spend 200-300 on a good analog scanner, or 450-500(sometimes less if they are used) digital scanner, i would definetely go with the digital. It won't be outdated for who knows how long into the future, and it will work in every state you go through, and for every agency you listen to, minus the encrypted stuff of course.

As for handheld vs. mobile, that is really up to you and how you plan to use the scanner. If you only listen in the car or at home i would opt for the mobile/base(996t) However if you constantly find yourself switching vehicles, going in and out of your house, and always wanting to hear what is going on over the airwaves then a handheld would be in your best interest. I personally have a mobile in every vehicle i have, and a couple handhelds for when i travel and i'm not using one of my own vehicles. That being said, if pulling distant weak signals isn't a concern of yours, and your content with getting the action that is "near" you then i would go with the handheld because it can go everywhere with you.

 

[carlgrantsmith]

Thank you mjthomas59
I am thinking along the same line.... buy high end and then let my area catch up with the technology.

 

[kwrxxx]

FYI the the entire state of PA is supposed to switch to OPEN SKY so you will not be able to monitor them with any scanner.

 

[madnachos]

If you don't need digital, consider the BCT15, its a great base unit for about $220...otherwise the 996t is tough to beat.

As for base vs. handheld: If I could only have one scanner it would be a really good handheld. They both have strengths but being able to carry a portable around with you can be great fun, especially if you are new to scanning.