996XT GPS Question!

N1SQB · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 7:17 AM

The ad says this GPS is used by the owner to "control" the scanner. I'm trying to understand exactly what type of control he is talking about. I have a question in to the seller but I was hoping someone on here knew.

Trimble Placer GPS 450 Aprs Kenwood TM D700 TM D710 Uniden BCD396XT BCD996XT | eBay

Manny

jiminpgh · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 7:38 AM

The 996 scanner can use the serial output of a GPS to turn on and off systems. As you travel, systems are automatically locked and unlocked based on the lat and lon values programmed in the scanner. If you are not aware of this feature, it is revolutionary if you travel long distances.
It looks like this GPS will work with the 996. $50 bucks is cheap, but that hardware is a bit much. Looks like you will require an external antenna and cable, adding to the $50 cost. I use a magnetic gps that sticks to the side of the scanner. This has less wires and fuss. Mine was from Universal Radio several years back for $100.

I hope this helps you on your journey.

N1SQB · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 7:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiminpgh

The 996 scanner can use the serial output of a GPS to turn on and off systems. As you travel, systems are automatically locked and unlocked based on the lat and lon values programmed in the scanner. If you are not aware of this feature, it is revolutionary if you travel long distances.
It looks like this GPS will work with the 996. $50 bucks is cheap, but that hardware is a bit much. Looks like you will require an external antenna and cable, adding to the $50 cost. I use a magnetic gps that sticks to the side of the scanner. This has less wires and fuss. Mine was from Universal Radio several years back for $100.

I hope this helps you on your journey.

Thanks for clearing this up for me. I am aware of GPS for APRS on the Ham side with mobile two way radios but not so much with scanners. As far as the hardware, you say is a bit much? What do you mean by a bit much? You mean like too much hardware to hook up or too bulky etc..? I want to try it out at home first getting to know the unit then use it when I travel long distance, which happens to be at least twice a month. I like what I hear so far, just want to make sure it's worth the money. I would not mind hooking it up undeneath a seat or hide it in a panel etc....

Manny

Dpritch · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 9:50 AM

I use this unit Amazon.com: Garmin 18x PC GPS Navigator Unit: GPS & Navigation
which I purchased from Amazon. It sits in the rear deck inside the car, no holes drilled and the cables are easily run under carpet and under the seats. It works really well. I travel quite a bit and have counties programmed from Minneapolis to Chicago that track perfectly with signal coverage. Good luck.

Dave
W9QL

ka3jjz · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 10:22 AM

Here's our article on Location Based Scanning - with lots of links - that should give you a pretty clear picture of what it does...

Location Based Scanning - The RadioReference Wiki

HTH...Mike

N1SQB · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 3:44 PM

Mike, thanks, I had no idea that there was a specific article on this in the wiki. I'll be doing some reading for sure.

Manny

jiminpgh · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 4:20 PM

[QUOTE=N1SQB;1910008]Thanks for clearing this up for me. I am aware of GPS for APRS on the Ham side with mobile two way radios but not so much with scanners. As far as the hardware, you say is a bit much? What do you mean by a bit much? You mean like too much hardware to hook up or too bulky etc..? I want to try it out at home first getting to know the unit then use it when I travel long distance, which happens to be at least twice a month. I like what I hear so far, just want to make sure it's worth the money. I would not mind hooking it up undeneath a seat or hide it in a panel etc....

Manny

Mr. Manny:
The ebay GPS hardware is bulky, yes. I like the link that was posted, this is what I had in mind. I placed my scanner in a camera bag, because I rent cars. I attached a picture of my setup. I had to collect the power for the radio and the GPS in to one cigar plug. It all fits in the bag, GPS stuck on the side of the radio, external speaker in the side pocket. It is easy to remove from the car for the hotel stay. I have a 12VDC converter and antenna for listening in the hotel room.

I have a lot of systems that are GPS triggered. May I suggest a mapping program such as Streets and Trips that you can lay out your systems, and get the lat and lon coordinates. Your maps can be saved for future reference and editing. I had marathon sessions for my setup and the wife would always ask why I make so many circles........

Once it is set up it's AWESOME. I never know how I did it without it. But then again there were not as many systems, and states only had a handful of channels that I knew off the top of my head. Its not like that anymore.

This will work out well for you, GO FOR IT!

kbehning · #8 (**permalink**) 02-06-2013, 6:30 PM

The Homepatrol with the Garmin GPS 18x PC gives all the benefits of the automatic GPS switching without the time-consuming upfront work. Something to look into...

N1SQB · #9 (**permalink**) 02-07-2013, 6:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiminpgh

Mr. Manny:
The ebay GPS hardware is bulky, yes. I like the link that was posted, this is what I had in mind. I placed my scanner in a camera bag, because I rent cars. I attached a picture of my setup. I had to collect the power for the radio and the GPS in to one cigar plug. It all fits in the bag, GPS stuck on the side of the radio, external speaker in the side pocket. It is easy to remove from the car for the hotel stay. I have a 12VDC converter and antenna for listening in the hotel room.

I have a lot of systems that are GPS triggered. May I suggest a mapping program such as Streets and Trips that you can lay out your systems, and get the lat and lon coordinates. Your maps can be saved for future reference and editing. I had marathon sessions for my setup and the wife would always ask why I make so many circles........

Once it is set up it's AWESOME. I never know how I did it without it. But then again there were not as many systems, and states only had a handful of channels that I knew off the top of my head. Its not like that anymore.

This will work out well for you, GO FOR IT!

I am seriously considering it! I have 2 996XT scanners so I could dedicate one for this purpose. It all looks and sounds very interesting! As far as my travel, I don't rent, I use my own car as it is for personal and not business purposes. So, wiring up a GPS, bulky as it may be, will not be an issue. Thnk you for the in depth information you have provided, I do appreciate it!

Manny