I am interesting in getting back into the 'scanning' hobby and have a few quick questions to make sure that I get started on the right track. For background, I have a Radio Shack Pro-96 scanner with a data cable for computer interfacing. Several years back, I briefly used the Win96 programming software, but only for the 30 day trial period. At the time, much of what I was listening to hadn't yet converted over to the digital trunked system.
Obviously, there is a lot of great information for me to start reading on the Wiki reference pages. In addition to that material, I have a few basic questions:
1.) Pro-96 Scanner itself - Is there any compelling reason for me to consider a radio upgrade right off the bat?
2.) Programming Software - It looks like Win96 and ARC96 are the software options for programming the Pro-96. Is one of these generally considered superior, or is this just a user preference question?
3.) Use of the Radio Reference Database - Is a premium subscription necessary or just the most convenient way of using the frequency database?
4.) Rebanding - Is this something I need to dig into for the Twin City Metro area, or are the frequency changes/shifts already accounted for in the Radio Reference database information?
Thanks for any help...it feels like I'm at the bottom of a steep learning curve.
rocketrob
Obviously, there is a lot of great information for me to start reading on the Wiki reference pages. In addition to that material, I have a few basic questions:
1.) Pro-96 Scanner itself - Is there any compelling reason for me to consider a radio upgrade right off the bat?
2.) Programming Software - It looks like Win96 and ARC96 are the software options for programming the Pro-96. Is one of these generally considered superior, or is this just a user preference question?
3.) Use of the Radio Reference Database - Is a premium subscription necessary or just the most convenient way of using the frequency database?
4.) Rebanding - Is this something I need to dig into for the Twin City Metro area, or are the frequency changes/shifts already accounted for in the Radio Reference database information?
Thanks for any help...it feels like I'm at the bottom of a steep learning curve.
rocketrob