Is the BC796D the cheapest digital trunking I can get. I only need 3 or 4 channels. It is not listed on the Freescan site though. Is there any free software I can use with this?
BC796D: Cheapest digital trunking
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scanmanmi, you may be asking the wrong question. I think what you really want to know is "What is the least expensive scanner that I can purchase that will enable me to hear what I want to monitor?" Of course, to answer that question, we need to know what you want to monitor. There is always the possibility that the one group that you want to monitor is fully encrypted in which case no scanner will enable you to monitor them. You probably already know this but I for one would not want to answer your broad question without knowing its intended use. Then once we get the least expensive scanner nailed down, and the one you mentioned may be it, then we can talk about programming software. Thanks for your anticipated understanding with my rationale.
Dave
<edit> Here are the specifications to that scanner: BC796D - The RadioReference Wiki
Dave
<edit> Here are the specifications to that scanner: BC796D - The RadioReference Wiki
I didn't say I wanted to monitor frequencies I stated channels (talkgroups). How can I monitor local police on a trunked system without a trunking scanner? They have a TGIDs that can pop up on any of the site frequencies.
doctordialtone
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All you can do is program all of the frequencies in the system.
IF your radio is capable and can monitor them, you can skip from frequency/channel to frequency/channel trying to follow the conversation.
You know how scanners work, right?
How does trunking work? | Tait Radio Academy
Trunked networks get their name from the world of telephony. Traditionally two cities would bundle their connections together into a single thick line like the trunk of a tree, which is known as a trunked line. The local household loop lines operated like the branches of a tree, one line for...
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If you look at my rack I use each scanner for a purpose (what it does good).
I am not sure if the 796D will track the new P25 sites that has 700Mhz in the system for me my 785D is being used as an Analog Scanner now.
What are your goals (Type Systems) you are wanting to work with?
Use a Scanner that is Designed to work the best with each System you want to receive.
Michigan MPSCS is 800
RBMTS
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The BC796 was a nice scanner - in the day. I still have one and it is very active, albeit on conventional frequencies now. You'll need to be aware that this scanner does not support 700Mhz frequencies - and some MPSCS sites use 700Mhz. Another thing to consider is that this scanner suffers big time on simulcast site systems (and it won't work at all on phase 2 systems). So depending on your location, it might not work due to the typical simulcast receiving problems. Finally (and most important), if you are buying one used, make sure it includes the digital card. The digital card was able to be taken out of the scanner from a door on the rear panel. I had seen some Fleabay sellers offer the scanner but the fine print would state that the card was not included. I knew a person that purchased a used scanner and discovered the card was not included. Those cards were tough to find and many people would sell them optionally as a way to hike up the price of the scanner OR to sell them individually at high prices. Without that card, the 796 was a analog scanner only.
The WIKI site listed some software for the 796.
The WIKI site listed some software for the 796.
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I see Lansing area is looking at Simulcast Sites as others near are depending on your location and intended use others may work for you but if you are looking at that system only then a SDSx00 is your answer as I said others may work but it all about LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.
A channel is usually referred to as a single frequency. Control channels are a frequency used to control talkgroups (multiple frequencies) on a trunked system. Proper use of terminology can make a big difference in the answer. You will need one of the latest radios from Whistler or Uniden. If they are using simulcast, the Uniden usually does better, but my situation works well with the Whistler radios.
I am not in a simulcast area. If the front display panel shows APCO25 does that mean the card is installed? I currently use a PSR600 that is fine but too expensive for a second one.
tvengr
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There are three screens when you turn the scanner on. The first shows APCO25 whether the digital card is installed or not. After the copyright screen, a third screen will tell you if the card is installed. If you remove the Phillips screw holding the cover labelled EXPANSION SLOT, you can see if the card is installed or the slot is empty. As warned earlier, the 796 will not even accept 700 Mhz frequencies. Surprisingly, the 796 actually receives some Phase 1 simulcast systems better than some of the newer scanners. At least, that has been my experience. Whether or not it works on simulcast depends upon your location.
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Looks like the PRO2096 is another viable alternative (it doesnt get 700 MHZ either). I notice in the comparison that it does not have NAC. What is that?
doctordialtone
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NAC - The RadioReference Wiki
I read a couple things about it but I don't see how it applies. What differrence is it to me if a scanner does or does not have NAC? If I want to only hear the DNR RAP4 decimal 1251 will the PRO2096 allow only that station through?
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You can receive the channel without entering a NAC. What the NAC does is restrict your reception to only the transmitter with the same frequency and NAC settings. Without the NAC, you could still receive what you are wanting, but you might also hear a different station, using the same frequency if one is close enough. Since neither the 796D, nor the Pro296 allow you to enter a NAC, your results would be the same. If there is not another user, on the same frequency, in range of your location, then not entering a NAC will not affect you at all.
But, actually, what you are talking about hearing, DNR RAP4 decimal 1251, is a talkgroup on MPSCS, not a conventional frequency. If the system, and sites, are correctly programmed, then you would only hear that radio traffic. No NAC code is needed.
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Steve if I travel 30 miles to the west I hear another Trunking System unless I have the NAC entered normally these sites are over 80 miles apart and coverage areas do not overlap.
Budd,
Back when both systems were still analog Motorola Type IIs, Arlington (about 20 miles west of me), and the East Texas Medical Center system's Ellis County site, maybe 20 miles south of me) had a common frequency. That also caused issues. Of course, at that time, we did not have a scanner that allowed entry of a NAC code for the sites. That caused confusion at times when transgressions overlapped. The OP is looking for an older, cheaper, scanner, so NAC entry is not an option for either conventional frequencies or a trunked system. His comment in post 13 that the 2096 did not have NAC capability is what somewhat derailed the conversations, as to what he actually needed.
For the two systems I mentioned, sharing a site frequency, Arlington has since converted to P25 Phase II, as part of the FWRRS system. The ETMC site was deactivated a few years back, after ETMCs system became part of the TxWARN system, and there were no longer any users for the system in Ellis County.
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