sorry - which scanner?

[royta]

Back in the early 90's, I used to have a rather old Radio Shack <20 channel scanner. Wow, I had no idea how different the technology is now. I'm moving to Morgan County in about three weeks and was thinking of picking up a new scanner. I've looked at the databases for Utah, but can't seem to determine whether I need a digital or only an analog capable scanner. It does appear I need a trunking scanner.

My wife has family in Southern California and Arizona, and I have family in Northern California and Washington. I'd like the scanner to cover the highway patrol & other safety frequencies to and from those locations.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[qlajlu]

Welcome to the Utah Forum on RR.com

Oh, yes, the technology has definitely changed. I am not an expert on all the different scanners available; I'm lucky to have one that works. That being said, most everything here is analog, but having a scanner that is digital capable would certainly be worth the money because we do have some talk groups that are digital, however, your scanner MUST be trunking capable. To my knowledge, all trunking capable scanners also allow you to still scan VHF/UHF for those areas that have not made the change to trunking...yet. The Morgan area is trunked.

Another thing you will want in a scanner purchased today is to make sure it is flashable. We are in the midst of rebanding where all the systems we listen to today are going to be changed to different frequencies as mandated by the FCC. We are one of the first in the nation chosen to make that change and it was to have already taken place but we are still on the "old" systems as they iron out problems. You will also have to have someone else explain "flashable" to you because I am not a tech by any stretch of the imagination. I can tell you that if it is flashable you will be able to use it after the rebanding is completed.

All scanners sold today have the ability to scan hundreds of channels/frequencies so finding one that will serve your purpose when you travel should be relatively easy.

I know that this is not an answer, per se, but I did want to acknowledge your post and to welcome you to our little world of madness. Great to have you aboard, royta! Check back often, post your questions, and add your comments on different discussions. Don't just hang out in the dark corners observing, get involved.

 

[royta]

Thank you very much. It sounds like the Uniden BC246T can't be beat for Utah.

ETA - Will it cover the frequencies of Hill AFB? Or is that not possible with any scanner?

ETA2 - A little searching showed me I would need a digital scanner. Hmm, that's a lot of money to spend just so I can get the jump on running to my bunker in the hills.

 

[gldavis]

The BC246 will work with the rebanding. If you want to listen to Hill, you will need a digital scanner. The digital scanners that are on the market today are reflashable for the rebanding, but as you have allready found out, they are expensive.
Welcome to the group.
Gary