Btc15x

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

I'm a home health nurse I travel all over the county I am looking to buy my first mobile digital radio. I have come across the uniden btc15x. It's cheapest than others so I'm a bit sceptical. Anyone have any thoughts on this scanner?

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

The BCT15X isn't a digital radio, analog only

 

[ka3aaa]

i would not but it because if you travel around the country like you say you won't know what types of systems you will cross or even of you can listen to them. i would recommend the bcd996p2 which will run around $400.00 wherever you get it. its a good scanner to learn on and won't break the bank like the sds100 or 200 will, they are around $800.00 and is very difficult to use. do some homework before jumping into something you may regret later.

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

The BCT15X isn't a digital radio, analog only

That explains it thank you.. can you suggest a starter mobile?

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

i would not but it because if you travel around the country like you say you won't know what types of systems you will cross or even of you can listen to them. i would recommend the bcd996p2 which will run around $400.00 wherever you get it. its a good scanner to learn on and won't break the bank like the sds100 or 200 will, they are around $800.00 and is very difficult to use. do some homework before jumping into something you may regret later.

County not country

 

[sallen07]

County not country

If you tell us what county you live in, we can give suggestions.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Yes, please reply back with location so we can get eyes on the database and make an informed recommendation for you

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

If you tell us what county you live in, we can give suggestions.

Mason co wv

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Thank you. Your county operates on WV SIRN. Lucky for you both sites listed for Mason County (Point Pleasant North & Point Pleasant South) are single-cell so simulcast distortion shouldn't be a factor. Also in your favor, although the system is P25 Phase-II, all talkgroups in your county known to the RRDB are Phase-I FDMA (mode "D") so you should be able to bring them in just fine with a P25 Phase-I trunking scanner. Only one fully encrypted (Sheriff private) talkgroup in your county (mode "DE") you won't be able to bring that one in. Unfortunately the BCT15X you had your eye on won't do you any good for this system

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

Thank you. Your county operates on WV SIRN. Lucky for you both sites listed for Mason County (Point Pleasant North & Point Pleasant South) are single-cell so simulcast distortion shouldn't be a factor. Also in your favor, although the system is P25 Phase-II, all talkgroups in your county known to the RRDB are Phase-I FDMA (mode "D") so you should be able to bring them in just fine with a P25 Phase-I trunking scanner. Only one fully encrypted (Sheriff private) talkgroup in your county (mode "DE") you won't be able to bring that one in. Unfortunately the BCT15X you had your eye on won't do you any good for this system

Could you suggest a scanner?

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What's your budget? Base unit only? If you're looking for Phase-I, you can't go wrong with the BCD996XT

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

What's your budget? Base unit only? If you're looking for Phase-I, you can't go wrong with the BCD996XT

I am window shopping now, I'm just looking to listen when I'm driving

 

[ve1sef]

A Uniden BCD325P2 would be a good choice for your needs.
It's a handheld model that will monitor the systems you're interested in.
Will also allow you the flexibility to move between vehicles if nesseccary.
Requires some programming, Most retailers offer programming services.
It's also the least expensive scanner option.

 

[tvengr]

If you're looking for Phase-I, you can't go wrong with the BCD996XT

A Uniden BCD325P2 would be a good choice for your needs.

I would go with the BCD996P2 for a base/mobile. In some areas, WV SIRN is being upgraded to P25 Phase 2 which the BCD996XT cannot decode. The BCD325P2 handheld also receives P25 Phase 2.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I would go with the BCD996P2 for a base/mobile. In some areas, WV SIRN is being upgraded to P25 Phase 2 which the BCD996XT cannot decode. The BCD325P2 handheld also receives P25 Phase 2.

True but...
1. OP said they were only interested in their own county
2. Very little on SIRN as it exists today is TDMA (Phase 2)
3. Seemed like from OP's first post that price was an issue so I gave them a relatively "cheap" recommendation which still should do the job

 

[tvengr]

True but...
1. OP said they were only interested in their own county
2. Very little on SIRN as it exists today is TDMA (Phase 2)
3. Seemed like from OP's first post that price was an issue so I gave them a relatively "cheap" recommendation which still should do the job

I totally agree that the BCD996XT will currently do the job. If the OP opts to take the chance that the area will not be upgraded to Phase 2 in the near future, that is his/her choice. The BCD396XT is the handheld version of the BCD996XT and will also work for P25 Phase 1.

Mason co wv

The database also shows a number of conventional frequencies used in Mason County in addition to the SIRN trunked system. You can use FreeSCAN software to program the BCD396XT, BCD996XT, BCD325P2, and BCD996P2 and it is FREE! You will need a Windows computer and a programming cable to do that. I will be happy to share a file with you for programming whichever scanner you get.

 

[Ubbe]

A Uniden BCD325P2 would be a good choice for your needs.

Just install a holder for it so that its antenna are visible above the dashboard and perhaps also the display can be seen more easily. Then it probably have some sort of charger cable that can be attached while driving and it will be easy to take the scanner with you to prevent it from being stolen.

/Ubbe

 

[bearcatrp]

Better to pick up a used 436. A few in the for sale section under $400. It will serve you well.

 

[DrUnKeN_TiGeR]

Better to pick up a used 436. A few in the for sale section under $400. It will serve you well.

What is the model name 436?

 

[Brales60]

What is the model name 436?

BCD436.