Can't Decide on TRX-1 or WS1088

[Davidlee_64]

I am contemplating buying a new Whistler scanner to move into the digital age. I was really looking at the TRX-1, but then noticed the WS1088. They appear to be almost the same scanner with a few subtle differences. The TRX-1 claims now capable of monitoring NXDN. Is this a deal breaker? The price isn't much different, but is the TRX-1 worth the higher price? Also is the ability to update the firmware for features going to drop off for the WS1088 in comparison to the TRX-1? It seems to be a hard choice for someone like me that doesn't know much about it either way. I am still trying to figure out my "smart phone" after 2 years, lol.

 

[allend]

I am contemplating buying a new Whistler scanner to move into the digital age. I was really looking at the TRX-1, but then noticed the WS1088. They appear to be almost the same scanner with a few subtle differences. The TRX-1 claims now capable of monitoring NXDN. Is this a deal breaker? The price isn't much different, but is the TRX-1 worth the higher price? Also is the ability to update the firmware for features going to drop off for the WS1088 in comparison to the TRX-1? It seems to be a hard choice for someone like me that doesn't know much about it either way. I am still trying to figure out my "smart phone" after 2 years, lol.

Honestly after what has been going on with newer technology coming out with Uniden and Whistler on new radios right now I would study and research what your needs are and what you really want. If you want a brand new radio and be happy right now and I mean now then buy the Uniden SDS100.

If you are a Whistler kind of guy I would just wait until Whistler releases their newer radios that are coming down the pipe soon. At this point I would just stay away from any older radios as you might get frustrated spending a boat load of money and then in a month or two or so the newest latest and greatest come out and then you might have regrets. That's my honest opinion but others might say different.

 

[BrianG61UK]

I bought a WS1088 about 18 months ago. Totally made the right choice since there is no NXDN here. There's actually no P25 either but the WS1088 was the cheapest way to get DMR.

You need to find out what modes you can receive at your location.

I'm in England.

 

[Davidlee_64]

I'm lost now. What are the "modes" and how would I know what I can receive? I heard something about "Simulcast distortion" too. I understand that concept, no problem. I can't find any relevance to it here in the Phoenix Metro area, but was told it was an issue here. Of course they were trying to sell me higher priced radios.

 

[vocoder]

First, start by looking up your state, county, and city in the RadioReference database. Click on databases at the top of the page and then click on your state followed by clicking on the county. Once you get to your location from there, you will see what radio systems are in use in your area. If you look at the right side column it will say what radio mode is used.
At the very bottom of the list, are trunked radio systems, usually statewide or metrowide. These systems are usually p25 modes for police and fire depts. The trx1 and trx2 work on these modes. These models also work with nfm police and fire depts. You will have to decide what you want to listen to and be more specific.

If it is a simulcast trunked radio system that you want to listen to, the trx1 trx2 would work depending on how close you are to one of the transmitter antenna sites. If you live close by one, it should work. Otherwise you would need another type of radio to listen to a simulcast system.

You should also visit the arizona forum on here to get more detailed info about the radio systems in your area and what others are using to listen, just ask.

 

[K9DAK]

I bought a 1088 a couple years ago when my county and village switched to a new Phase II system. Unfortunately about 95% of the system came up encrypted, so that didn't work out well. This past February, I got a refurb TRX-1 for the purportedly "tighter" front end and because I wanted to play with NXDN. I sold my 1088 to my wife's BFF who lives in Phoenix (northern outskirts); programmed it remotely from here in IL, and she loves it... works great for her.

Anyway, I liked the 1088, and equally like the TRX-1. But for me personally, I have no use for the SDS100 or the new I/Q Whistlers, as all I would be doing is perfectly decoding encryption... no joy.

That's my situation... as others have said, do your due diligence and find out exactly what you need/want to monitor and decide appropriately. YMMV.

 

[Davidlee_64]

With the research I have done, it seems that encryption will take a lot of scanners out of the game. It almost makes a person consider finding a new hobby.

 

[jonwienke]

People have been whining about encryption for decades. The sky is always falling, but yet most traffic is still not encrypted.

 

[vocoder]

With the research I have done, it seems that encryption will take a lot of scanners out of the game. It almost makes a person consider finding a new hobby.

I would ask in the arizona forum what is or is not encrypted. Cuz, as jon stated, there is a large amount that is not.

 

[jonwienke]

Or look up your area in the database. It shows if encryption is used.

 

[wbswetnam]

I would ask in the arizona forum what is or is not encrypted. Cuz, as jon stated, there is a large amount that is not.

I used to live in Flagstaff so I have a good idea of the geography of Arizona.

The main dispatch channels used by most police in Maricopa county do not appear to be encrypted, but most tactical channels are encrypted. Arizona DPS is still on UHF analog so you're in luck with them. Also, nearly all fire and EMS are unencrypted, too.

So, the WS1088 would be a good scanner if you're wanting to play around with monitoring some of the DMR business systems, too.

 

[Anderegg]

i have a TRX2 and WS1098...the TRX2 is unable to clearly receive my local LSM system, the WS1098 receives MUCH BETTER. This was surprising to me, as I assumed they were basically the same radio but the newer one would/should have newer firmware and memory available.

Paul