New to scanners - need help selecting model

[suicideguy]

Hey guys, I'm new to scanners and this whole scene. I'm looking at picking up an analog, trunked, handheld scanner that can pick up the typical police and fire bands.

I think it may have to be able to be rebanded since most of my time will be spent at Purdue University (Tippecanoe County, IN)

I'm not really sure what good brands and models are. I read good things about Uniden, but I don't know much else besides that. I'm also looking for a model in the ~$200 range

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Contact]

I'll just get it out of the way:

Unless you plan on stealing one, you're not going to listen to a trunked system for less than $500.00.

At least not to my knowledge (which is fairly limited).

Uniden BCD396T is capable of everything you're looking for, and it's handheld.

 

[kmacka]

I'll just get it out of the way:

Unless you plan on stealing one, you're not going to listen to a trunked system for less than $500.00.

At least not to my knowledge (which is fairly limited).

Uniden BCD396T is capable of everything you're looking for, and it's handheld.

You can get a trunk tracker scanner for way less than $500.00! I'm not going to list every scanner that is capable of trunking for under 500 bucks but I'm sure there are many of them. The RS Pro-97 is around 200.00, and sometimes 149.99 when on sale.

You might be thinking of a digital system. Now that is when a scanner will run you around 400-500 bucks.

Go to this site: http://www.scannermaster.com/

This will give you a good idea on different scanners, price and specifications. Hope it helps.

 

[Contact]

You can get a trunk tracker scanner for way less than $500.00! I'm not going to list every scanner that is capable of trunking for under 500 bucks but I'm sure there are many of them. The RS Pro-97 is around 200.00, and sometimes 149.99 when on sale.

You might be thinking of a digital system. Now that is when a scanner will run you around 400-500 bucks.

Go to this site: http://www.scannermaster.com/

This will give you a good idea on different scanners, price and specifications. Hope it helps.

Guess both the OP and myself learned something.

Thanks! I always associated trunking with digital. I wish I knew the ins and outs of these radios better.

 

[kmacka]

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Rebanding

At the end of that page there is a list of some scanners that will not work after rebanding occurs. I believe it is a partial list, but should help you find out which scanner will work for your needs.

 

[BaLa]

the 246t will prolly be a good choice..
might be a few $$s more than $200

 

[ka3jjz]

You can get a trunk tracker scanner for way less than $500.00! I'm not going to list every scanner that is capable of trunking for under 500 bucks but I'm sure there are many of them. The RS Pro-97 is around 200.00, and sometimes 149.99 when on sale.

You might be thinking of a digital system. Now that is when a scanner will run you around 400-500 bucks.

Go to this site: http://www.scannermaster.com/

This will give you a good idea on different scanners, price and specifications. Hope it helps.

A much better way to find out specifications and such on the trunktrackers is to use our Wiki, which has extensive articles on the subject. There are 2 groups; the Analog Trunkers and the Digital Trunkers . Just click on the blue text; then click on the model you want to investigate.

73s Mike

 

[midnightcaller]

You can get a BC-898 from scanmaster for about 190.00

 

[Patrick_]

If analog trunking is all you need, get the BR330T for around $250. Has so many more features than the 246T.

 

[suicideguy]

I'm currently deciding between the BC246T and the BR330T and I'm struggling to decide which. My main gripes about the BR330T are the NASCAR logo on it and the backlight...I find both to be rather ugly. I know they are both really nitpicky things but...I dunno. The BR330T also costs a bit more than the BC246T.

I've read a lot of reviews that say they are both outstanding scanners and there are very few cons about either of them. Do any of you have experience with both of these and which you prefer?

 

[iMONITOR]

I'm currently deciding between the BC246T and the BR330T and I'm struggling to decide which. My main gripes about the BR330T are the NASCAR logo on it and the backlight...I find both to be rather ugly. I know they are both really nitpicky things but...I dunno. The BR330T also costs a bit more than the BC246T.

I've read a lot of reviews that say they are both outstanding scanners and there are very few cons about either of them. Do any of you have experience with both of these and which you prefer?

Just an FYI...Uniden has discontinued the BR330T without an explanation. I guess it had it's 15 minutes of fame. They're still available from distributors that still have them.

 

[suicideguy]

It looks like I'm gonna have to get the BCD396T since it seems that, afterall, I'm going to need digital support.

Thanks for all of your help!