Need assistance with what to purchase

[deathracer]

Okay here goes, I would like to listen to Anne Arundel Police and Fire. I would like to know what I should (best recomendations) purchase for a radio to do so. I want to be able to continue to be able to use this radio for at least a couple of years. Price max. of about 650. I would like a desktop radio not a handheld.

Looking for the best info out there. I don't know the ins and outs of the digital systems in my area; or what they will be a year or so from now, so help me out please. I'll take all ideas and suggestions, and if I am in the wrong price range let me know what I should be looking at to reach my goal. Thanks

 

[ka3jjz]

As written in the 'starting from scratch' thread, Anne Arundel will, probably at some point during the year, throw the big switch and go from an analog system to a digital one. To that end, the scanners listed in the link below will do the job...(just click on the blue link, then click on the model that you wish to check out)...

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Category:Digital_Scanners

There are a great many opnions of 'best scanner', and there have been extensive threads in the GRE, RS and Uniden forums detailing them. You basically have 3 to choose from - the GRE PSR-600, the Uniden BCD-996T and the RS PRO-2096. I'd start by getting familiar with each, asking questions in the indicated forums and digging. The PSR-600 uses Object Oriented Programming, the 996 uses what is referred to as Dynamic Memory Architecture (a subject that is detailed, to some degree in our wiki - look under 'Special Topics', then go to 'DMA Radios Hints and Kinks' then 'Uniden DMA FAQ' to get started if you are interested), and the 2096 uses a series of V folders which holds pre programmed information (which would need some updating - with the right software, this is not an issue). Our databases for Maryland are quite extensive; however, whether things will change when the new AA county digital system goes online is not known.

The message is...stay tuned...73s Mike

 

[troymail]

Mike's note is right -- don't waste your time on a analog-only radio -- GRE PSR600, Uniden BCT-996, or Radio Shack PRO-2096 are your options (non-handheld)

 

[maus92]

I agree, and amazingly enough, you have budgeted to correct amount of money. The radios are about $500, and you have $150 left over to buy an antenna (if you need one...)

CA
Annapolis