BC245XLT cable/firmware ?'s

[Porkchop]

Where can you buy the cable for this scanner that plugs into the remote port on the side? I've seen on Uniden's site where it's on back order or something. And where can you get firmware or is there none for this scanner?

OR...is it not worth my time worrying with either of these things?

Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

This is a very old trunktracker, and it doesn't have reloadable firmware like the newer Unidens do. Does basic Moto/EDACS trunking pretty well, but won't be supported when rebanding comes along. Too bad it doesn't cover milair....73s Mike

 

[Porkchop]

What would be a good scanner to get then? I am most interested in police, EMS, highway patrol etc.

 

[JnglMassiv]

What would be a good scanner to get then? I am most interested in police, EMS, highway patrol etc.

If you already have it, use it. I had one for quite a while and liked it just fine. If you're still shopping for a radio, consider the BC246T or, if you can find one, the 330T. Both are very, very nice analog radios.

 

[ka3jjz]

Assuming those services are in analog mode - it's a little hard to recommend a scanner when you don't know where the poster is. City/State/County will do very nicely. Many areas are moving to a digital platform, and neither the 246 nor the 330 will cut it.

73s Mike

 

[Porkchop]

Well...my bad... I live in Whiteville, North Carolina and that is in Columbus County. Right next to Bladen County where the HP Station and Communication Center is located.

Thanks.

 

[Porkchop]

Well...my bad... I live in Whiteville, North Carolina and that is in Columbus County. Right next to Bladen County where the HP Station and Communication Center is located.

Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

If we examine this URL, which has the listing for Columbus county...

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=1910

We see that the VIPER system is listed. Clicking on that shows in the system voice that it is a mixed mode system - that is to say both digital and analog are used. I didn't specifically scan for Columbus county in the listing, but if you travel somewhere where that system is used, no scanner mentioned so far will deal with the digital. Only the digital trunktrackers will do this. If you're not interested in hearing VIPER, it would appear that the analog trunkers mentioned previously will do the job.

Our wiki has an index for all the currently-available digital trunktrackers here If you go this route, be prepared for a little sticker shock - or wait for a sale. The NC forum would be the place to ask questions about VIPER, I'm sure, if you're interested.

73s Mike

 

[Porkchop]

Well if I looked at the list right, my 245 is said to stop working on the current banding. BUT I don't see any county close to me listed in the what is expected to change when the rebanding takes place.

But I see what you are saying about the digital stuff. I've been looking at either an AOR scanner or a BC396 scanner or BC396LT or something like that.

 

[ka3jjz]

The AOR unit you're thinking about does not do digital trunking; it will decode digital on conventional frequencies, such as those used by the TSA at airports.

The index for the digital trunkers is in my last message - the link for it is in blue. The 396 is a heckuva choice - I sure wish I had some money for one....73s Mike

 

[Porkchop]

Yeah I checked out all the links you gave, appreciate that too. I believe the 396 will be my next purchase. I want a handheld over a desktop type scanner. Not sure why I do, just what I like I guess.

I guess I was interested in the AOR cause I saw one that was listed as unblocked. Not really sure why I care about that either other than the cell freq's. But as stated many times, I know it's not legal to receive such. And I believe somebody said "boring". But I believe the next scanner in my stable will be the 396.

Now with that said, what about the 245 I have now? I know it's not digital. But I don't know if you have to have digital to listen to the VIPER system in use in my area? I know you need a trunking scanner but does it have to be digital? I still haven't figured out how to make it "listen" to the talkgroups and stuff yet.