Scanning P25 Phase 2

[W2PSK]

Hello. The volunteer rescue squad that I am a member of wants to purchase 3 scanners to monitor three specific P25 phase 2 system talkgroups. Each would monitor only 1 talkgroup. At home I have the BCD996P2 which obviously do the trick, but for only monitoring 1 talkgroup, it seems overkill. Is there another desktop scanner from any manufacturer that costs less than that scanner and can still do the P25 Phase 2 monitoring or do we just bite the bullet and buy 3 of those scanners?

 

[RaleighGuy]

Hello. The volunteer rescue squad that I am a member of wants to purchase 3 scanners to monitor three specific P25 phase 2 system talkgroups. Each would monitor only 1 talkgroup. At home I have the BCD996P2 which obviously do the trick, but for only monitoring 1 talkgroup, it seems overkill. Is there another desktop scanner from any manufacturer that costs less than that scanner and can still do the P25 Phase 2 monitoring or do we just bite the bullet and buy 3 of those scanners?

Check this list

APCO Project 25 - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

 

[W2PSK]

Lots of out of production and handheld scanners in that list. I don't see any alternative to the BCD996P2 in that list that is still in production.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Lots of out of production and handheld scanners in that list. I don't see any alternative to the BCD996P2 in that list that is still in production.

There are only a few still in production, a used scanner works, as does a handheld. But as you wish, it's your parade not mine.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I don't see any alternative to the BCD996P2 in that list that is still in production.

"Alternative" how? The SDS200 is still in production...

Is there another desktop scanner from any manufacturer that costs less than that scanner and can still do the P25 Phase 2 monitoring

As far as desktop scanners go, not really. How much is your rescue squad willing to pay? RTL-SDR dongles are really the only viable option for Phase-II trunking if you want something currently in production cheaper than a 996p2. Drawback is you'll need a computer and software to drive them

 

[W2PSK]

"Alternative" how? The SDS200 is still in production...

As far as desktop scanners go, not really. How much is your rescue squad willing to pay? RTL-SDR dongles are really the only viable option for Phase-II trunking if you want something currently in production cheaper than a 996p2. Drawback is you'll need a computer and software to drive them

The SDS200 is obviously much more expensive than the BCD996P2 so it's not a consideration.

I'm not sure a dongle is what they want to use because that would require a computer to run and they want stand along scanners. I don't have the budget for it. I just figured instead of paying around $340 per scanner to monitor 1 talk group, there might be a cheaper alternative without so many bells and whistles to accomplish that.

We might go with 1 BCD996P2 at first and monitor the three talkgroups on scan to see how it works first.

There are only a few still in production, a used scanner works, as does a handheld. But as you wish, it's your parade not mine.

They aren't looking for a handheld scanner, as it'll be on 24/7. They also aren't looking to buy used scanners.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

They also aren't looking to buy used scanners.

Why not? Especially if money is an issue, they're posted on the RR classifieds sometimes in mint condition

 

[W2PSK]

Why not? Especially if money is an issue, they're posted on the RR classifieds sometimes in mint condition

Too much potential for problems with used units. With new units, if there's an issue there's a warrantee.

 

[KC1UA]

Hate to be "that guy", but if I'm doing my sleuthing correctly are you referring to the Middlesex County/Sayreville system?

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System, Middlesex County, New Jersey

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

If so that is a simulcast system and could as such be a problem for the BCD996P2 in any case. Any simulcast system will potentially cause that scanner grief.

If not, I'll just shut my yap!

 

[W2PSK]

Hate to be "that guy", but if I'm doing my sleuthing correctly are you referring to the Middlesex County/Sayreville system?

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System, Middlesex County, New Jersey

Middlesex County/Sayreville Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

If so that is a simulcast system and could as such be a problem for the BCD996P2 in any case. Any simulcast system will potentially cause that scanner grief.

If not, I'll just shut my yap!

No, I am not referring to the Middlesex County/Sayreville system. It's the NJICS system.

 

[KC1UA]

No, I am not referring to the Middlesex County/Sayreville system. It's the NJICS system.

Okay. Many, but not all, tower sites on NJICS are also simulcast. Just trying to help; this is a well documented issue, and if they are being bought for professional purposes, it is something that likely needs to be taken into consideration.

 

[W2PSK]

I can monitor NJICS with no issues from home, which is just a few miles from the rescue squad where I volunteer at so it won't be an issue to receive it.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hate to be "that guy", but...

Usually I'm "that guy" too but OP said their 996p2 worked so I shut my yap in that respect

 

[KC1UA]

Sometimes a few miles can make a world of difference. Easy solution would be for the OP to take his BCD996P2 to the actual location they're going to be used, put it on the actual antenna (if there is one) they're going to be used with, and see what happens.

That's el cheapo insurance for what could otherwise be a problemo!