Worth The Purchase?

[Jkendr23]

I am about to purchase a SDS100 or SDS200. But I need an honest answer: Will I be able to monitor various agencies in the Savannah area? I live in Liberty County and have been monitoring since 1980. While in the Navy, I had the pleasure of monitoring in Japan (although I could not understand what was being said). My latest scanner is a PSR500 which is obsolete and at times will not scan. Again I want to be assured that I will not buy what may become an expensive paperweight. Thanks in advance. Mac are you still monitoring?

 

[rayvelcoro]

Have you ever been able to monitor the Savannah area with any device? Could distance be an issue?

 

[Jkendr23]

Savannah switched to Phase II and the PSR 500 is Phase I only. So I know that it is time to upgrade but I want to check before I spend the money for a Phase II scanner.

 

[KK4JUG]

It appears that Savannah isn't using anything fancy. The DB didn't show any simulcast but it did show 700 & 800 mHz, Phase II on the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network. I know it's kind a pricey but I'd spring for something in the SDS group to cover your bases now and in the future. Simulcast is becoming more common and for that you'll need SDS.

 

[BlackhawkCB]

I am about to purchase a SDS100 or SDS200. But I need an honest answer: Will I be able to monitor various agencies in the Savannah area? I live in Liberty County and have been monitoring since 1980. While in the Navy, I had the pleasure of monitoring in Japan (although I could not understand what was being said). My latest scanner is a PSR500 which is obsolete and at times will not scan. Again I want to be assured that I will not buy what may become an expensive paperweight. Thanks in advance. Mac are you still monitoring?

Im not sure about location but i am in Savannah and own an SDS200, firstly ill say for this area it is 100% worth it and id dare say a requirement, the only phase 2 users on the system is bulloch county.. everyone else is phase 1 but it never hurts to already have the capability. Youll be able to monitor everything in sav but PD, some smaller depts are clear and GSP is in the clear. CCSO officers use a mix, some are clear, some arent, i believe they switch out handhelds and cars as needed from what i can gather but I'm not sure. I really wish Savannah and Chatham county PD would drop the DE but it seems like thats not going to happen. I have a codeplig your welcome to use when/if you buy an SDS, its a really great radio and sooooo worth the price for this area!

 

[N8IAA]

As mentioned, Savannah PD is totally encrypted. So, if you were planning on hearing PD, you won't be able.

 

[BlackhawkCB]

As mentioned, Savannah PD is totally encrypted. So, if you were planning on hearing PD, you won't be able.

Yes, plenty of mil air though!

 

[jaspence]

A simple BC125AT works great on milair. I am listening to the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels practice for Thunder Over Michigan this week end using a BC125. It will leave some change in your pocket if that is your main interest.

 

[BlackhawkCB]

A simple BC125AT works great on milair. I am listening to the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels practice for Thunder Over Michigan this week end using a BC125. It will leave some change in your pocket if that is your main interest.

Yep, my 996xt was my main P25 scanmer until i bought an SDS. Now its for federal, state and military monitoring

 

[tvengr]

Although the system is Phase 2 capable, Liberty County Sheriff and Fire, Chatham County Sheriff, and Savannah Fire are presently using Phase 1 talkgroups which the PSR500 can receive. Depending on your location, the Liberty and Chatham County sites are both simulcast which may or may not give you receive problems. It is worth giving your scanner a try. What programming software are you using?