Need Help In L.a.

[robo21]

Hi Fellow Hobbyists,

It has been quite a while since I've been actively scanning. My first scanner was a Bearcat handheld BC-100 then I had a Regency base unit (I don't remember the model number but it was one of the first to pull in 800Mhz) and most recently a Radio Shack Pro 90. A lot has changed. I've been researching the new equipment, preparing to get a new digital scanner so I can monitor LAPD, LAFD, Glendale, LASO, Garden Grove (If I can pull distant signals), etc.

I have a few questions regarding the equipment and monitoring. Here is an outline of my situation:

First, I'm primarily interested in LAPD. We seem to have a lot of activity in my neighborhood and I'd feel a lot safer knowing what's going on. I understand that LAPD is now using a digital system called APCO-25.

Secondly, I think I'd like a handheld unit. I've been reading about the Uniden 396, the GRE 500, and the Radio Shack 96.

Now for the questions:

What will I be able to monitor on LAPD's frequencies? Just dispatch? What about tactical and air units? I read somewhere that LAPD is encrypting some of their tactical channels.

I've read that the GRE 500 is prone to overload, is this a problem in L.A. on the frequencies I'll be concerned with?

Are all 3 of the scanners I mentioned above programmable with PC software? And is this software included with all of them?

Thanks in advance, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Robin

 

[bigjstud1108]

Well first off all I know is that APCO-25 is Digital. Maybe some one else could fill you in with more info on this.

Second, the three handheld scanners you mentioned will get the job done, the Pro-96 is very user friendly, and easy to program with the software, this scanner dose not come with any software or PC cable, which you have to purchase separately, I would recommend StarrSoft Win96. The Uniden BCD396T is also a good scanner witch I would recommend, but beware it is a little more complicated to program when you start out, A lot of people get frustrated and confused especially with trunk systems, but overall a great scanner over all, and it’s small. This scanner comes with a PC Cable, but no Software. The GRE 500, I have not had any experience with this scanner but have heard good things about it.

Now onward, LAPD frequencies are all in the clear, I have not heard any encryption on any of the TAC’s. some people confuse Digital with encryption, maybe that’s what you have been hearing some people mention.

Oh, one last thing, I think you should get a Uniden BCD396T or a GRE 500 because of the Dynamically allocated Channel memory (No more Banks, Now called Objects) because there are plans for LAPD and LASD to go to a Trunking System in the future.
Both these scanners work well with Trunking System.

Hope this answers your questions.

 

[RobertW1]

Two words:

BCD396T

and

Arc396 software

 

[proquist96]

Clear Digital

My Pro 96 receives all LA digital perfect even from 50 miles away and programming is simple. I would like to get a new GRE and Uniden just to do my own testing. I think programming is part of the hobby i like doing even if its repetitive. I just add more freqs when i feel like it and listen when i want to relax.