Opinions needed please. To scan or not?

[bakdoor]

Hello. I had a scanner about 20 years ago. Was considering buying a new one (246t), but the more I read, the more convinced I am that maybe it's not such a good idea after all. With all the talk about digital (can't afford 500) and encryption, it appears that I would be throwing my $ away.

Is all of Florida going Digital/Encrypted? I live in Indian River County (Vero Beach) I don't want to spend good money for something that will soon be obsolete. Mostly interested in Police/Sheriff/Fire/NASA/FHP. I'm a mailman and it used to be fun listening while delivering.

So, Florida scanners, what do you think? All opinions welcome.
Tom
K4KMG

 

[bravo14]

You can try this below for your area. 800 is analog for now not sure if they are going to digital or encrypt yet. You will not able to scan or listen in on FHP or any State radios they are on the 800 SLERS Ma/Com. Nasa not sure on them

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=346 or

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=222


Brevard County page http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=320

 

[KD4JAF]

Buy a Digital Scanner

Spend the money on a good digital scanner, listening pleasure will be around for some time. Good reference page http://home.cfl.rr.com/scanner/irctrunk.htm alone with the database here at RadioReference. Enjoy your new radio !

 

[bakdoor]

Spend the money on a good digital scanner, listening pleasure will be around for some time. Good reference page http://home.cfl.rr.com/scanner/irctrunk.htm alone with the database here at RadioReference. Enjoy your new radio !

Thanks, but I can't afford 500 for a digital scanner at the moment. 250 is about my limit. Thanks for the link. One of the first places I went when I first got the urge to do this..
Tom
K4KMG

 

[321cm]

I live in south Brevard... scan IRC when something happens. I use a Pro-95, which has sense been replaced by the Pro-97, which seems like a pretty solid scanner for $149. Don't think you need digital, as the only way they can upgrade a EDACS system is to Provoice or some other thing like that. But anyway all you need is a good EDACS scanner for Police/Fire in Indian River. Only downside is it's got no I-Call.

 

[KD4JAF]

No problem Tom, misunderstood your initial post. Thought you could afford the 400-500 for a scanner, didn't realize you "can't". The only reason I mentioned getting a digital is you mentioned monitoring PAFB & NASA, they are digital. But for the EDACS system(s) the above mention is a great deal as well. Also the BR330T and the BC246T are great EDACS scanners. Good luck !

 

[grem467]

If you are going to stick with just analog, grab a pro-97.. excellent radio and can be programmed by don starrs win97.... if you are patient you can catch them on sale at the shack for 149.99

they will do just about everything the 246 does as well... including the EDACS, Motorola and LTR trunk

 

[KD4JAF]

If you are going to stick with just analog, grab a pro-97.. excellent radio and can be programmed by don starrs win97.... if you are patient you can catch them on sale at the shack for 149.99

they will do just about everything the 246 does as well... including the EDACS, Motorola and LTR trunk

They are on sale as we speak

 

[hoser147]

If ya decide to keep scannin hold off and save a lil more and look for a digital overall they can do anything analog scanners can....and more. At the 250 mark you arent far away from a digital and with interoperability coming youll be thrown that 250 away on a analog scanner. Good Luck and Good Scanning Hoser147

 

[urtenfifteen]

When I read you post I can remember thinking how I wouldn't be scanning anymore back in the early to mid-nineties because trunking was going to make having a scanner uselsess.

I had to monitor Winter Park only at night, after all of the other city business closed for the day, using their 5 or so dedicated frequencies outside of the simulcast on the O.C. system. But I could still monitor the system, so I kept on. Then I had to monitor only input frequencies for a while, and only near the scene, but it was better than nothing...and my scanner still had a use.

Then trunktracker came along and the hobby was revived.

Sure, we're quickly approaching the encryption *wall*, but as for right now...every day I continue to use my scanner and enjoy it immensely.

Go ahead and buy that Pro-97, a programming cable, and Win97. Even if it's only useful for a few more months, it will be well worth it for all of the hours of enjoyment.