need help picking a scanner

[oldcrow1]

I am getting back into scanning and I need help picking a scanner for my area. I live in Charles County Maryland and I have an old BC200XLT scanner. The scanner doesn't pickup the Police and Fire calls or I may be doing something wrong.
I think it is time for a new scanner anyway.I saw the BC246 on the home page and was wondering if that is what I need or any other ideas. I would like something that wouldn't be outdated before I figured out how to use it.(I went the computer route on being outdated)

Any help would be appreciated

oldcrow1

 

[madnachos]

I would spend a few bucks more and get a BR330T over the BC246, much better scanner IMO and the BR330T is only about $20 more.

Do you know if you need to monitor digital systems? If so you will want to get something like a BCD396T.

 

[rchalupajr]

Look's like Charles County is a Motorola Type II SmartZone system. Also appears to be mostly digital. You will have to spend the money on a Digital unit to be able to monitor most of those agencies

 

[hotdjdave]

Uniden BCD396T

Uniden BCD396T.

Check out the Uniden BCD396T here at the RR Wiki.



:wink:

 

[oldcrow1]

Scanner

I sure appreciate all the replies and now to make a decision


Thanks Again
oldcrow1

 

[N4JNW]

RadioShack Pro-96 is also an excellent choice for digital systems. If you're quick on the trigger, RadioShack usually puts them on sale a few times per year for $399.99 I think.

Keep your eyes on the For Sale forum here on RR, there's sometimes really good deals on Pro-96's there also. I've seen used one's go for as low as $300.00, but most are usually around $350.00 that are in decent shape.

I also reccomend computer programming software and a programming cable. Really saves lots of time and headache, and lets you program your scanner with a computer, which is major cool and has it's advantages.