Best scanner for this system

[Reesjk]

I'm looking to get a scanner capable of scanning the current Motorola type II smartzone used for the public safety channels. I would like one that i can program myself with the already available information online. I'm new to the game and was wondering if anyone had any cheap(er) but effective scanners/radios that would be able to accomplish this task.

 

[Mr_Boh]

Your best bet for cheap but effective would be something like a used BCD996T or BCD396T.

The problem is SmartZone is beyond end of life and end of support system wise. Although no one has posted official news, there have been enough rumors about the system being replaced by a P25 system at some point within the next 1-3 years, at which point you are going to want a Unication or SDS100/SDS200.

So you can get a cheap, used scanner like those or invest now for when the system is replaced.

 

[Reesjk]

I actually already have a g5 pager that i intended to use to scan as well as page, as i thought that the county already used both the P25 and Motorola systems. But i will definitely look into one of those options, thank you.

 

[jwhite591]

The Delaware Motorola Public Safety System is scheduled to be Decommissioned Some time during the 4 Quarter of 2024 with a P25 System, I would go with a Scanner that Does P25

This is the Link to the from the last Meeting (March 09, 2023), That was Posted on the subject March 09, 2023
https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Document/74130_Minutes-Final.pdf

 

[Audiodave1]

I'm looking to get a scanner capable of scanning the current Motorola type II smartzone used for the public safety channels. I would like one that i can program myself with the already available information online. I'm new to the game and was wondering if anyone had any cheap(er) but effective scanners/radios that would be able to accomplish this task.

Just note that very little law enforcement is monitorable on the DE system. Bridge police and DNR is pretty much it. All state/county/local PD is 99% encrypted. If you were closer to Wilmington City there is some clear LE on that site...but you have to be close to receive it.

 

[de784]

Just note that very little law enforcement is monitorable on the DE system. Bridge police and DNR is pretty much it. All state/county/local PD is 99% encrypted. If you were closer to Wilmington City there is some clear LE on that site...but you have to be close to receive it.

DNR dispatch is full time ENC

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

DNR dispatch is full time ENC

If verified statewide, RRDB needs to be updated

 

[LeSueurC]

If verified statewide, RRDB needs to be updated
View attachment 147226

Pretty sure it is, hence the De next to the mode for SW-DNRPD

 

[magiclightman]

Negative, some DNREC is still in the clear

 

[de784]

Negative, some DNREC is still in the clear

Dispatch is enc

 

[Audiodave1]

DNREC discussion over here please: DNREC

 

[jodydee]

The Delaware Motorola Public Safety System is scheduled to be Decommissioned Some time during the 4 Quarter of 2024 with a P25 System, I would go with a Scanner that Does P25

This is the Link to the from the last Meeting (March 09, 2023), That was Posted on the subject March 09, 2023
https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Document/74130_Minutes-Final.pdf

Does this mean an SDS 200 would be a good choice to monitor DPS

 

[policefreak]

I'd say if you're monitoring anything off the 800mhz Motorola Smartzone system and WITHIN Delaware then an SDS 100 or SDS 200 will do fine. Actually for this type of system even the Whistler TRX 1 or TRX 2 or WS1080 should pick up fine. Same with the Uniden BCD536HP mobile or BCD436HP portable. If you're monitoring from OUTSIDE of Delaware then that Whistler scanner may honestly be your better choice. With the latest firmware the SDS scanners have improved on these type of systems, and I can monitor New Castle County site from parts of SW New Jersey fine on it. But it still is a little bit "off". Unfortunately a Unication pager cannot track this type of system either.

 

[maus92]

Does this mean an SDS 200 would be a good choice to monitor DPS

The new P25 system when it goes online? Probably the SDS 100/200 or Unication G4/5. The current SmartZone system could be monitored successfully with a 536, or an SDS with the most recent firmware set.

 

[Arthall111]

Just note that very little law enforcement is monitorable on the DE system. Bridge police and DNR is pretty much it. All state/county/local PD is 99% encrypted. If you were closer to Wilmington City there is some clear LE on that site...but you have to be close to receive it.

I'm just getting back into an old hobby and when you talk about encryption, are you saying that there is no work around? I am going to r&r communications Saturday thinking I was getting a nice new home base,but I don't want to put out $6-700 for a unit that is no fun to play with..

 

[u2brent]

I'm just getting back into an old hobby and when you talk about encryption, are you saying that there is no work around?

The only workaround is to work for the entity and have a subscriber radio issued.

 

[magiclightman]

I'm just getting back into an old hobby and when you talk about encryption, are you saying that there is no work around? I am going to r&r communications Saturday thinking I was getting a nice new home base,but I don't want to put out $6-700 for a unit that is no fun to play with..

A good way to get an idea of what you would be able to receive is to take a look at broadcastify calls and see whats in there. That all the non encrypted stuff that you'de be able to get.

 

[Arthall111]

A good way to get an idea of what you would be able to receive is to take a look at broadcastify calls and see whats in there. That all the non encrypted stuff that you'de be able to get.

Thanks I'm gonna look at it.