Don't know what I am doing

[chackras]

I am new to using a scanner, I know nothing about them and all the information I have been reading is confusing I am thinking of buying http://support.radioshack.com/support_electronics/doc62/62184.pdf
is this a good model for my area in north west arkansas? Here is a list of the frequencies in my area Washington County, Arkansas (AR) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference I am in fayetteville area and would like to get the police and emergency stations here.

Thanks for your help.

 

[poltergeisty]

The scanner should be fine unless you live in Fayetteville which uses LTR and Motorola Type II SmartZone. LTR and Motorola Type II SmartZone are not options for that scanner. I mean you could hear Fayetteville public safety, but the scanner will not track the channels properly.

 

[chackras]

Thanks for the information. I am in fayetteville so I guess it wont work for me. Do you have any suggestions on a scanner that would work well in my area? I wont to stay under a hundred dollars; I am a college student so the cheeper the better. I am noticing a lot of police calls to my APT complex and want to know whats going on around me. Thanks for the help.

 

[chackras]

Would the $100.00 scanner at radio shack on sale for black friday RadioShack Weekly Ad work on all the frequencies in my area?

 

[poltergeisty]

That scanner looks like a Pro-164, and yes, it would work for your area. Pro-164 - The RadioReference Wiki Note that there is a base version as well. Pro-163 - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[JStemann]

wait just a minute

I just took a look at the database. There isn't really any information updated on the LTR system. The moto smartzone system looks like PD has digital talkgroups issued. You should probably post in the arkansas forum to see if anyone can shed some more light on this. If PD has made a move to digital (p25) you will not be able to hear them on the scanner mentioned.

But, like I said, post in the Ar. specific forum, maybe they aren't using digital much or enough to justify the extra cost. A new digital capable scanner will cost in the $400-$500 range. Pro-106 or 197 look like about the cheapest NEW ones.

Jeff.

 

[chackras]

Thanks for all the help guys. I talked to the guy at radio shack in fayetteville today they said that the police went digital three years ago for about three months, but then switched back to analog which they have been using ever since. He said the one on sale was a triple trunking model therefore, it will work with all the police, fire, airport, ext. In the area except the bentonville police he says they don't even sell a scanner that will pick up their broadcast. I am going to grab the $100 one on friday. Thanks for all the help guys, when a person first gets into this it is really confusing and I did not want to spend money on a useless product. Thanks again.

 

[Astrak]

From what's listed in the database you'll be able to hear fire but not police as they are or will be digital.

 

[chackras]

Okay I got an update for you I bought the scanner on sale at radio shack today. It works very good gets all the police, ems, ext. in my area. It was well worth the $100 bucks I paid. I even found that on A.M. you can hear the digital stations in my area not as clear but you can make it out just fine. This thing is a pain to program however I found this website it walks you through it in a clear cohesive manor. Easier to Read Pro-97/2055 Scanner Manual Thanks for all the help I got the right tool for the job.I am surprised how much I like listening to this thing. Thanks again guys.