Pinellas county.

[scubasteve1942]

I searched the database for pinellas county. At first I was going to get a radioshack pro-97. Then after looking at the database I learned that pinellas county was on the APCO 25 common air interface digital system. So I decided that I would need something like the radioshack pro-96 or the Uniden BCD 396T. Does it sound like im headed in the right direction so far? Will eaither of these scanners be able to listen to pinellas county police, fire and EMS? I also read somewhere about encrypting the APCO 25 digital communications. Is pinellas county an encrypted APCO 24? How do I tell If it is when using the database? Im sorry if what im trying to say doesnt make sense but I dont really know how to word it.

 

[bravo14]

I am thinking of selling my 396 not sure yet. I'll think about it in a day or 2. If I do I can program it and stuff.

 

[Bolt21]

I have a PRO-97 that I monitor Pinellas with when I visit my in-laws and I have no problems. When the database says APCO-25, it means that the system is digital capable. However there are a handful of channels that ARE digital. But MOST are analog - with a PRO-97 you'll catch about 95% of the action.

If you have the $500 (or less if you go used) to lay down on a BCD396T, then by all means do it! But if $150 for the PRO-97 sounds a little more affordable, then it's a good option.

Also keep in mind that Pinellas could go full-time digital in the future if they want. But again, fork out the $500 now, and you're all set - just cross your fingers that they don't start encrypting.