I'm new to scanning. Need any information, please ~~~

[Hobo_Shoestring]

Hello to all.
So far I haven't even bought a scanner because I'm not sure whether to buy analog or digital.
I've heard that Sioux Falls, SD, (where I'm located), has gone digital, but if I were to buy a digital scanner, would I still pick up analog as well?
I was wondering also, if I were to invest in a digital scanner, will I be able to plug it in and start listening right away? I've heard something called "Coding". I'm not sure what this is, either.
I'm just needing to know what all I need to know to get started.
I really do appreciate any information!
Thanks a million!!!

~"Shoestring"~

 

[burner50]

Moved to SD Forum...

 

[Hobo_Shoestring]

South Dakota railroad forums ?

Hello.
Exactly where is the South Dakota railroad forums located?
I can't seem to navigate this site very well, yet. Although it does look similar to another website I belong to; as far as its layout and all.

Thanks a million.
~ Mark ~~~~~~~

 

[B_Mitchell]

a digital scanner will pick up analog as well as digital,
I think that Radio Shack can program them, out here (in Rapid City) Radio Shack doesn't know how to program them correctly, in Sioux Falls it might be different though.
If you do happen to buy a Radio Shack scanner or the GRE version I recommend buying the programming cable and software. I don't recommend trying to program the SD State system by hand.

 

[guitarbrian30]

sioux falls rookie

You can get a 3 models that do everything you need for the state of south dakota.

uniden- several models, I know nothing about these. Ask another about these.

Radio Shack-older versions are pro- 96 sand 2096. both are great units. Newer models are tough on the new guys.

GRE- same as new radio shack units. GRE-600/500. tough also on new guys.

All units are easier to program with a computer and some software.

You can always listen to the feeds that a few of use have started for sioux falls. Way cheaper.

I would be happy to program your Radio shack or GRE unit you have or even make you a file for what you want to hear.

Breathe deep! The world of scanning has changed forever. I have a sneaking feeling that GRE will be releasing a newer digital scanner this summer or this holiday season.

You can always check ebay for someone that is getting rid of a scanner to get a newer one.

Happy hunting! Let me know if you need any help.

 

[eaf1956]

Uniden HOME PATROL

Hello to all.
So far I haven't even bought a scanner because I'm not sure whether to buy analog or digital.
I've heard that Sioux Falls, SD, (where I'm located), has gone digital, but if I were to buy a digital scanner, would I still pick up analog as well?
I was wondering also, if I were to invest in a digital scanner, will I be able to plug it in and start listening right away? I've heard something called "Coding". I'm not sure what this is, either.
I'm just needing to know what all I need to know to get started.
I really do appreciate any information!
Thanks a million!!!

~"Shoestring"~

You could just wait a few months for the Uniden HOME PATROL scanner to come out. It should cover everything you want.

 

[ScanWI]

I would take guitarbrian30 up on that offer that way you can get a few pointers and aren't totally cross-eyed by the new scanners. The PSR-660/Pro-187 is a very good choice for your area and if you want some more bells and whistles you could go for the Uniden BCD996xt for $100-150 more though.