SDS100 and SDS200 -vs- old radios like the BC200XLT or 800XLT (an old timers opinion)

[Omega-TI]

Say what you will about these new wonder radios, but back in the day you didn't need to be a rocket scientist to use your new radio out-of-the-box. Those older radios could immediately be turned on, and used without even having to peek at the owner's manual... THAT was a major plus in my book!

 

[belvdr]

True, but back in the day, you didn't have digital modes or trunking systems either. It was analog on a frequency. Turn the dial, squelch, and volume.

 

[natedawg1604]

True, but back in the day, you didn't have digital modes or trunking systems either. It was analog on a frequency. Turn the dial, squelch, and volume.

Yeah this really has nothing to do with scanner manufacturers, it has to do with the underlying systems.

 

[WRQS621]

I had a 200XLT for 20 years. Could pick up anything. You need to be technically savvy now because radio isn’t just analog anymore. Same can be said about just watching TV or making a phone call

 

[sfb88]

I wonder if the requirement for tech savvy is to make up for the lesser cost of consumer radios. As far as I know, first responders using subscriber radios don't need a lot of savvy to operate them. I acknowledge that they have radio/IT departments to set them up though.

 

[PDXh0b0]

everyday, I wish i could go back too the good old days, with my sdr's and my laptop

 

[buddrousa]

Back in the REAL OLD DAYS you bought crystals then had to touch up tuning pots to get the frequencies centered to get better range.
That was real ROCKET SCIENCE.

 

[Omega-TI]

Back in the REAL OLD DAYS you bought crystals then had to touch up tuning pots to get the frequencies centered to get better range.
That was real ROCKET SCIENCE.

I remember taking an old transistor radio out of a drawer, adding a long wire and adjusting one of the pots to make the radio receive shortwave. It was shortly after that incident with my Dad's radio that I received a Radio Shack "Globe Patrol" shortwave radio kit for Christmas.

 

[Omega-TI]

True, but back in the day, you didn't have digital modes or trunking systems either. It was analog on a frequency. Turn the dial, squelch, and volume.

Yeah this really has nothing to do with scanner manufacturers, it has to do with the underlying systems.

I had a 200XLT for 20 years. Could pick up anything. You need to be technically savvy now because radio isn’t just analog anymore. Same can be said about just watching TV or making a phone call

My intent was not to blame or disparage anyone or anything, it was just an old man commenting on "simpler times". It's ironic though, when I was younger everything came easily, now when I'm slowing down, everything is becoming more complicated.

 

[buddrousa]

At 63 I still work 2 jobs 88 hours a week and keep up my Electronic and Medical Skills.

 

[belvdr]

My intent was not to blame or disparage anyone or anything, it was just an old man commenting on "simpler times". It's ironic though, when I was younger everything came easily, now when I'm slowing down, everything is becoming more complicated.

No worries! I didn’t take it that way. Just commenting back.

 

[ten13]

"Old timer"? "Crystals"? I'm still using my first radio!:

 

[Omega-TI]

My first scanner was an RCA 16S400. Man was that ever a great scanner! If I knew where to buy crystals, I might consider buying one in great shape for a decent price just for the nostalgia!

 

[GlobalNorth]

I just glad I no longer have to memorize 154.890 for the old Phoenix PD "chase" frequency, 418.625 for my old employer, 44.660 for CHP - black, 311.000 for SAC, etc. or thousands of other frequencies

 

[Omega-TI]

@GlobalNorth If/when I get my hands on another one, I'll probably only buy 3 or 4 crystals for it. The nice thing about this kind of scanner is no boot up time, no battery backup needed, just instant gratification and they work great with a remote switch to turn them on and off.

 

[bob550]

I remember taking an old transistor radio out of a drawer, adding a long wire and adjusting one of the pots to make the radio receive shortwave.

Now that you mention that, I have a vague memory of doing something similar a very long time ago. However, I don't remember where I would have found the suggestion to do this at that time.

 

[Omega-TI]

Now that you mention that, I have a vague memory of doing something similar a very long time ago. However, I don't remember where I would have found the suggestion to do this at that time.

I had a 100 In 1 electronic project kit from Radio Shack when I was a kid that I played with a LOT. I was always tweaking the circuits and one day picked up the VOA and Radio Nederland, very poorly I might add, which gave me the idea to mess with the old transistor radio in the drawer.

<<< This kit started me down the path.

 

[KC3ECJ]

The BC278CLT is a great scanner.
Really good VHF high reception and also has broadcast AM/FM. And is an alarm clock.

 

[Engine104]

We're missing the elephant in the room in this discussion... No "E" word back in the day.

 

[KevinC]

We're missing the elephant in the room in this discussion... No "E" word back in the day.

"The Big E"