Pro43 vs Pro164

[edb5]

Hi,

I'm new to these forums, but not to scanning (although I've not done much scanning for a couple years).

I'm looking for opinions. I have a Pro43 and a Pro2032, both of which still work fine. I live in
a semi-rural area of Massachusetts; the closest city is Worcester. I'm probably only interested
in what goes on in my local towns, none of which have gone to trunking or digital (and I don't see
that happening any time soon).

So - any thoughts on whether a new Pro164 (now on sale at Radio Shack for 4 days!!) would be
more sensitive/able to pull in broadcasts when compared to the old Pro43? Assume antennas
are the same on both.

Thanks in advance!

edb5

 

[trixwagen]

The Pro-164 more sensitive than the Pro-43? No. I have a Pro-43 and a Pro-106 and had a Pro-97 (which I figure has similar components to the 164, both being GRE manufactured roughly the same time) and it seems the Pro-43 is more sensitive on certain frequencies some of the time.

It's the other things that make the Pro-164 "better" than the Pro-43. Alpha Tags. Being able to program it on the computer. Much better lighting (back lit keyboard and screen) than the Pro-43's firefly. Better squelch tail than the Pro-43's "chop". Signal stalker. More memory. CTCSS/DCS abilities. Faster scan rate. Works with stereo headphones without an adapter. Doesn't need 6 batteries. And maybe someday you may need trunking.

But is a Pro-164 more sensitive? No. At least in my experience.

As much as I like my Pro-43, I put it on eBay this week now mostly because I am spoiled by all the "modern features" that newer scanners have. And the Pro-43 being able to unlock the 800 MHz frequencies is meaningless now. If you don't need any of the Pro-164's features I listed above, then save your money.

My Pro-137, which I picked up for forty some dollars, replaced my Pro-43 as my backup scanner...at least until I go to an airshow and can't hear any of the milair frequencies that the Pro-43 could pick up with no problem..

 

[N1BHH]

Get the new scanner. I have a Pro-164 and it works great, improved over the Pro-97 I had. Get it now that the sale is on. Be sure to check store availability, too and call them ahead of time so you won't waste time. Make sure they hold it for you and enjoy.

I am not sure where in the state you are, but the resources you find at Radio Reference and Scan New England have all the frequencies you will need. One recommended software selection is Win97 and be sure that you get the programming cable from Radio Shack while you are at it. Win-97 works with the 2055, 163 and 164. You may even find some Win97 files to download at Scan New England.

Statewide Portal - Scan New England Wiki
Scan New England Forums
Massachusetts Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference
Win97 - Data Management Software for the PRO-97, PRO-2055, PSR-300, PSR-400, PRO-164, and PRO-163 Scanners

 

[FrankJ]

Your better off keeping the PRO-43 just for the airband reception alone!

No other scanner has better reception on the civil and military airbands...