I'm Baaaaack! Very quick question

[guruuno]

Getting old, I now have the time, so I turned on my BCD996P2 (firmware updated, + all additional upgrades [ProVoice/DMR] except NXDM), paid version of ARC XT PRO, got a subscription to RR (here), and has the entire scanning "scene" changed so much in the last 5 years that there is almost nothing of value to scan/listen to?
I'm in Central NJ (Middlesex County/Metuchen).
Is it time for some "other" scanner that is better, and does more? Has the entire spectrum gone digital with minimal capabilities of available content?
I really, really, really used to enjoy all the scanning as a hobby a long time ago, but I feel like I'm missing something here.
And PLEASE, don't "rip" me one for being so dumb. This is a very difficult hobby given all of the technical stuff....but if I now have the time, I'll consider it brain food.
Oh, and IF I did miss the boat and have overlooked some aspect, do I need the NXDN upgrade or should I just pack it all in and go to the legal weed shop and call it a life?

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Your county's system is linked below. Note: law enforcement in Metuchen is fully encrypted so you'll be unable to monitor them (or any talkgroup ID'ed as mode "TE") With that said I'd recommend either a Uniden SDS100 or SDS200 to overcome the detrimental effects of simulcast distortion which you'll likely face trying to monitor the system with anything else

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System, Middlesex County, New Jersey

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[Mboy00]

Getting old, I now have the time, so I turned on my BCD996P2 (firmware updated, + all additional upgrades [ProVoice/DMR] except NXDM), paid version of ARC XT PRO, got a subscription to RR (here), and has the entire scanning "scene" changed so much in the last 5 years that there is almost nothing of value to scan/listen to?
I'm in Central NJ (Middlesex County/Metuchen).
Is it time for some "other" scanner that is better, and does more? Has the entire spectrum gone digital with minimal capabilities of available content?
I really, really, really used to enjoy all the scanning as a hobby a long time ago, but I feel like I'm missing something here.
And PLEASE, don't "rip" me one for being so dumb. This is a very difficult hobby given all of the technical stuff....but if I now have the time, I'll consider it brain food.
Oh, and IF I did miss the boat and have overlooked some aspect, do I need the NXDN upgrade or should I just pack it all in and go to the legal weed shop and call it a life?

Hi.

I have recently set up in central jersey with the SDS100, due to multiple agency's using VHF & P25 here, I personally like the SDS100, but I don't see any reason in NJ that a BCD996P2 won't do it. If you need help getting the new things around NJ, just send me a PM I'll help you out.

 

[stwings]

The 996P2 is still very relevant. Once programmed correctly it should perform as well as the 436/536 in a simulcast environment. Simulcast distortion is a mixed bag depending on the location of the scanner, location of the towers, topographical issues. I have a 536 that I use on a simulcast system and results vary based on weather and environmental issues. My parents live in an non simulcast area and it works great. I programmed a 996P2 for a friend to use in a Simulcast environment and he says it works fine where he's at.