Whistler WS1040 good choice for an affordable digital scanner?

[Aviation_Scanner]

Not planning on buying another scanner anytime soon, but I was curious as to if the Whistler WS1040 is a worthy upgrade from my Radioshack Pro-164?
If not, are there any affordable digital scanners that would be considered an upgrade from the Pro-164?
I do notice that from the photos on the page, the casing of the WS1040 looks similar, if not exactly the same to my Pro-164. The only difference is the key layout.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Not planning on buying another scanner anytime soon, but I was curious as to if the Whistler WS1040 is a worthy upgrade from my Radioshack Pro-164?

Not for you, because the system you mentioned (in another thread) you want to listen to is P25 Phase 2 which this scanner will not handle. Check the below link for more information...

APCO Project 25 - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

If this is for home use you might want to look into using a SDR and software like DSD+ FL

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Not for you, because the system you mentioned (in another thread) you want to listen to is P25 Phase 2 which this scanner will not handle. Check the below link for more information...

APCO Project 25 - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

If this is for home use you might want to look into using a SDR and software like DSD+ FL

I prefer handhelds so I can take it on the go with me.
Will any of the scanners mentioned in the link manage to pick up a majority of the trunked systems in use today?
I wish I could afford an SDS100 or other digital scanner, but alas, I just cannot afford one.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Will any of the scanners mentioned in the link manage to pick up a majority of the trunked systems in use today?

These scanners will do P25 Phase 1 & 2, some (Uniden) require paid upgrades for DMR and NXDN, some (Whistlers) will handle NXDN and DMR but not true tracking of trunked systems.

• Uniden BCD325P2, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, HomePatrol-2, SDS100, SDS200
• Whistler WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, WS1098, TRX-1, TRX-2

However, the only scanners designed for simulcast systems are the Uniden SDS scanners, others may or may not work, it depends mainly on location.

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

These scanners will do P25 Phase 1 & 2, some (Uniden) require paid upgrades for DMR and NXDN, some (Whistlers) will handle NXDN and DMR but not true tracking of trunked systems.

• Uniden BCD325P2

Have my eyes on the one above.
Goes for $343 on Amazon vs. $449 on the uniden website.
I realize I mentioned that it will be a while before I get another scanner, but is there a way to tell if the scanner will need to be upgraded for DMR/NXDN just so I can factor that into the cost of the scanner?

 

[RaleighGuy]

Have my eyes on the one above.
Goes for $343 on Amazon vs. $449 on the uniden website.
I realize I mentioned that it will be a while before I get another scanner, but is there a way to tell if the scanner will need to be upgraded for DMR/NXDN just so I can factor that into the cost of the scanner?

Yes there are a number of websites, including Uniden and Scanner Masters where you can find the information. Google is your friend and you should do your research before buying.

 

[tvengr]

The BCD325P2 comes with P25 Phase 1 & 2. For DMR and NXDN you will need to purchase the upgrades. It is less expensive if you install the upgrades yourself rather than have a dealer do it.

 

[Aviation_Scanner]

Yes there are a number of websites, including Uniden and Scanner Masters where you can find the information. Google is your friend and you should do your research before buying.

Now that I have been steered in the right direction, I can do more research on my own.

The BCD325P2 comes with P25 Phase 1 & 2. For DMR and NXDN you will need to purchase the upgrades. It is less expensive if you install the upgrades yourself rather than have a dealer do it.

Will have to remember that in the future.

Thanks to all for the repl8es.