New to scanning...looking for a better scanner...any suggestions?

[supertrain24]

Hello.
I am fairly new to scanning, and I have had my PRO-94 for around 2 years and I use is for mainly Railroading, but also occaisionally use it for airports, police/EMS/Fire, and The local Transit system.(Rarely use the latter) I am wondering about better scanners, and want you all to help me with opinions. As I said before, I use it about 95-97% RR'ing, and the rest is just occaisional. I'm looking at a better scanner that isn't too expensive. I would like to pick up more distance so I can hear more.

Thanks so much.

 

[sjcscanner]

you should look into the uniden base scanners. they have a lot more features like gps aided scanning, and more. you will also need a new antenna if you want to hear more.

heres the link to uniden scanners: http://uniden.com/products/index.cfm?cat=scanners

 

[N4JNW]

If you need a handheld, then I reccomend the Pro-97. The Pro-97 will do railroad, aircraft, plus military aircraft as well. The Pro-97 also has alpha tags, so instead of seeing "120.15" pop up for say, ground control, you'll actually see the words "Ground Control" displayed on the scanner. Try it once and you'll be spoiled.

A note though: If you're going to be listening to Motorola trunked systems, steer clear of the Pro-97, as it's not rebanding capable. For EDACS, and conventional frequencies, it rocks on though.

The Pro-528 is a newer scanner, but does not have the features of the 97. The Pro-528 is about like your Pro-94, except it will do LTR trunking, and is rebanding friendly.

Pro-97's are $199.99 when they're not on sale, and $169.99 when they are. I've seen them as low as $149.99. Pro-528's are $169.99 when not on sale, and are occasionally on sale for $149.99, but last Christmas, they were $99.99!!!

Another note: Both of these scanners are computer programmable! That's right, with proper software and the RadioShack programming cable, you'll never have to enter frequencies by hand EVER! You can fully program either one of these handhelds with your home computer, or laptop.

For base model scanners, I would reccomend the Pro-2055 or Pro-433. These are essentially the SAME scanners as the Pro-97 and Pro-528. They're just base/mobile versions. Pro-97 = Pro-2055, and Pro-528 = Pro-433. Here's a kicker though, while the Pro-528 will NOT scan military aircraft, it's brother, the 433 WILL! How odd is that?

Uniden also has some really sweet handheld scanners, such as the BC246T, which is a pint sized scanner that can fit in your shirt pocket! This scanner will scan aircraft, railroads, and military air too (I think), plus it IS rebanding friendly.

Uniden's newest base/mobiles to hit the market are the 996, and BCT15. These are essentially the same scanner, except the 996 is a digital capable scanner, which you may not need. The 996 is about $300 more than the BCT15, which is priced around $200-$250 depending on where you shop. The 996T is cutting edge, and is priced at $520 + or -.

On another note, if you want distance, put your money in a antenna, and not a scanner. A better antenna will bring new life into your Pro-94, and you'll be able to hear things you have been missing. I reccomend a ScanTenna, or Diamond Discone antenna, outside. The higher you go, the more you'll hear. At an average height of 15 or 20', and with decent terrain, you should be able to jerk stuff in from 40 miles away, no problem!

 

[supertrain24]

How much do those antenna cost usually. My current antenna is a digital enhanced antenna from Radioshack.

 

[N4JNW]

A digital enhanced antenna?? Does it say 800 Mhz in red on the side of it?

An outdoor antenna will get you the range you want. RadioShack has a dandy little antenna for about $25. It don't look like much, but people on here that own it are giving it rave reviews.

Word is, for 800 mhz, it ain't much pepper. But, it shines for VHF-Hi, in the 150 and 160 mhz range, as well as UHF, in the 450 mhz range. I'm sure it also will recieve VHF Aircraft, since it's range is just below 150 mhz. UHF Military Air should come is well also, being it's close to 450 mhz.

For $25 you can't really go wrong.

A word of advice though- DON'T skimp on your coax! having a good antenna and a hot scanner won't do you any good if you don't connect both together well! LMR-400 is seemingly the best stuff on the market today, but be prepared to pay for it!

Some folks use RG-6 as well with decent results, and it's cheaper too.

 

[supertrain24]

It does not say 800MHz, but if I get that, would it do well between the range of 159-162? B/c those are the main frequencies I use.

Thanks so much

 

[N4JNW]

Yes, it will do exceptionally well in that frequency range of 159 to 162. That's why 800 mhz suffers on this particular model. It's tuned more for VHF and UHF frequencies.

 

[supertrain24]

Thanks you so much for your help. Looks like I might get one of these when I head out towards Radioshack next time(conveintely located next to Amtrak Station here)

 

[N4JNW]

No problem dude!

 

[trainman111]

Well if you want to listen to the Richmond/Chesterfield/Henrico TRS, you're going to need a scanner capable of receiving digital communications. The 4 most common ones are the Radio Shack PRO-96, the Radio Shack PRO-2096, the Uniden BCD396tg, and the Uniden BCD996t. All of these scanners cost anywhere from $400 up, however, you might find a good deal on ebay or somewhere else where you can find one used. As for antennas, the rubber duckie defintaely won't get the job done. If you really want good results, you're going to need to use an outdoor antenna (mounted outside or in the attic) with good coax. However, if you would like a good antenna that you can attach right the scanner I'd go with the Diamond RH77CA which is sold by Universal Radio here. I've heard very good things about this antenna and, it's relatively cheap at $21.95. Hope that helps!