Whats a good scanner for my location?

[RMH77]

Hi my names Russell i live in tampa florida. Im looking at buying a new scanner. My last scanner was a pro 2026. I know that old school now. I need a direction to go as far as buying the latest and greatest scanner. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[whooey]

Hi my names Russell i live in tampa florida. Im looking at buying a new scanner. My last scanner was a pro 2026. I know that old school now. I need a direction to go as far as buying the latest and greatest scanner. Any help would be appreciated.

Right now, a PRO-97 would work. But they may go digital, so a BCD 396T would be the ticket.

 

[Bolt21]

I live in the Tampa area and would have to agree with whooey. The PRO-97 works great for this area (TPD, TFD, HCSO, HCFR, civil and military air). However, there is a small percentage of HCSO talkgroups that are digital, but not enough to really keep you from missing anything.

Tampa is STILL conventional UHF, so it's only a matter of time before they switch to a trunked system. If I had to guess, it'll be something that's interoperable with the county's EDACS system. At least that's the route the Sheriff would like to see them to go.

It really comes down to what you can afford to spend.
Analog=affordable. Digital=expensive.

For analog, the PRO-97 is normally $200, but is on sale for $150 until Feb. 10th.

For digitals, the PRO-96 and BCD396T are $500 (or a little more for the 396), with the PRO-96 going on sale occasionally for $400.

 

[RMH77]

What would be a good base set up? And how do they program now? Will i need to check for certian things when ordering? Ive been out it for about 10 yrs other then using the internet scanners.

 

[newbie]

For the digital systems Pro 96 hand held with he Pro 2096 as the base version of it.
Uniden side 396 hand held with the 996t as the base / mobile version of it.

Programming use win 96 for the RS models and Uniden provides UASD for there models. Also for conventional you could use the BC15 from uniden.

 

[RMH77]

If i go analog will i be kicking myself for not getting digital in my area?

 

[newbie]

All depends on where the systems go and when. If you travel digital would be worth it. But you are looking at 200 or so for Analog around 500 for digital.

 

[RMH77]

How about the BC898T? Would this be one to look at?

 

[blackbelter]

Buy for the future. The only complete scanners are 996T and 396T(expensive but great tools for serious monitoring).296D and 796D are great radios as well. I never owned a RS scanner however I think some are good as well.

Thanks

 

[ctrabs74]

Tampa is STILL conventional UHF, so it's only a matter of time before they switch to a trunked system. If I had to guess, it'll be something that's interoperable with the county's EDACS system. At least that's the route the Sheriff would like to see them to go.

It really comes down to what you can afford to spend.
Analog=affordable. Digital=expensive.

IIRC, isn't Pinellas supposed to be going to a digital system in the near future? Considering it's across the bay from Tampa/Hillsborough Co, that might also make for some interesting listening...

 

[RMH77]

im pretty much in pinellas county area. I just use tampa an easier reference point. So i better go with something digital.

 

[RDCat]

look at for sale items on R.R.

dont forget ebay
somone is always selling good items on both !!!
i just bought a new pro2096 for 350.oo shiping included....from a R.R. user...
so not all radios are'500' bucks firm....... across the board for digital .....i'm proof right here and now.....
ron

 

[whooey]

So i better go with something digital.

I would, the 396 is a awesome scanner. If you can afford it, get it. Its a one time cost, and will last for years if cared for properly. :wink:

 

[newbie]

I would, the 396 is a awesome scanner. If you can afford it, get it. Its a one time cost, and will last for years if cared for properly. :wink:

Second that. I have both the 396 and 996