Newbie Question..

[espnty]

Ok so I work for my Local Dept as a 911 Op and I was wanting to get a Scanner for my Car for on the way and leaving work to listen too. They just switched to MARCS which is Ohio Digital radio. I know I need a Digital but I was wanting to get advice for one that is not gonna break the Bank and would be easy to program or get programmed and One that does not Require a HUGE Antenna that would be on my Car.
Thanks

 

[DPD1]

No, you shouldn't need a a large antenna. I see they operate in 800, so you just need an antenna made for 800. And that shouldn't be very big. In fact, you can get a low profile one that's just a little can shape. On the radio... You have a lot of choices. Most aren't cheap, and most aren't easy to program for a beginner. But you can probably get help on here from people. Some of the new models might even have your system pre-programed... such as the Uniden Home Patrol model.

 

[W8RMH]

I recommend the Uniden Home Patrol 2 (very easy to program and operate), and is what I use for mobile monitoring of the Ohio MARCS-IP system. Depending on your location and the simulcast status a mobile antenna may not even be necessary. Digital scanners are not cheap, I would plan to spend around $400.

I use a Laird Phantom Antenna 760-870 MHz. on a mag mount on the inside rear deck which works very good. Since Columbus went to MARCS-IP their sites have a multipath distortion issue and sometimes even this setup is too much antenna.

 

[espnty]

I recommend the Uniden Home Patrol 2 (very easy to program and operate), and is what I use for mobile monitoring of the Ohio MARCS-IP system. Depending on your location and the simulcast status a mobile antenna may not even be necessary. Digital scanners are not cheap, I would plan to spend around $400.

I use a Laird Phantom Antenna 760-870 MHz. on a mag mount on the inside rear deck which works very good. Since Columbus went to MARCS-IP their sites have a multipath distortion issue and sometimes even this setup is too much antenna.

So i might do the home Patrol 2 and the Antenna you posted for the vehicle will work for the Homepatrol correct?

 

[Nasby]

You can get nicely used scanners for 150-200 right here in the Classified section.

All will work well on MARCS.

 

[espnty]

Aslo real quick on the home patrol. I think I need to buy the first one, Our Area does not do Phase 2 and never will. So i need a Mobile scanner too do phase 1.

 

[Nasby]

What part of Ohio?

 

[W8RMH]

The HP-1 would work too as any digital scanner will. You can shop around for better used prices as well. I was just advising what I use. Antennas are frequency dependent, not for any particular radio. Any 760-870 MHz or similar antenna will work but I found the Laird to work very well for me and I travel all over the region.

 

[espnty]

What part of Ohio?

Richland County, I contacted our guys who do our Patrol cars and they said Phase 2 will never happen here to much for the area!

 

[Nasby]

Richland County, I contacted our guys who do our Patrol cars and they said Phase 2 will never happen here to much for the area!

I don't know about "never" but I would agree that Phase II should not be a consideration when looking for a MARCS IP capable scanner.

And I do agree that Phase II is many, many years away (if ever).

 

[Nasby]

So in addition to the classifieds here, you might want to also check your local Craigslist ads for digital scanners.