Which Scanner for Lake County, Illinois?

[peacefrog922]

I am new to this and also would like to know more about what scanner and antenna to get to get started. I am in Lake County Illinois.

 

[FFPM571]

The majority of police in Lake Co is now encrypted Fire is still VHF analog

 

[peacefrog922]

Thanks for the info.....

 

[peacefrog922]

I have a older Radio Shack Pro 2049 base scanner and I am using the antenna that came with the unit. I am not getting anything. Any suggestions on upgrading the antenna? Thanks.

 

[ab5r]

Not getting anything does not mean the radio isn't working, necessarily. You didn't mention what frequencies you were monitoring. Depending upon where you are in the country, everything MAY be digital and possibly encrypted. You might check the RR Database for you area to see what the status is.

 

[peacefrog922]

I just looked it up and seems some are on
155.26500 155.97000 156.18000 155.88000 ( I assume analog )
and others on StarCom21? is this digital?

 

[rk911]

the 2049 is analog only. the agencies you want to monitor may have migrated to digital. it would help to know which agenies you want to monitor.

 

[peacefrog922]

How do I know if the agencies are using digital or analog?

 

[peacefrog922]

I am not even getting any analog....could it be it is because I am using the antenna that came with the unit? ( the one that screws into the top ) Should I start with a better antenna?

 

[rk911]

I just looked it up and seems some are on
155.26500 155.97000 156.18000 155.88000 ( I assume analog )
and others on StarCom21? is this digital?

yes. pls name the agencies you want to listen to.

 

[peacefrog922]

Grayslake, Hainesville, Round lake Police and Fire are the one I am trying to listen to.

 

[K9DAK]

Some of those agencies may still be analog, look here: https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=639

PD should be on 470.5875 (if they have not moved to StarCom and encrypted). FD is on 154.400. Your PRO-2049 should receive these analog frequencies just fine even with the standard antenna.

You'll need a Phase II capable digital scanner if you want to hear the unencrypted TGs on the Lake County StarCom system.

Hope that helps!

 

[peacefrog922]

Yes...thanks!

 

[FFPM571]

Grayslake PD covers Hainesville and is Starcom21 Encrypted Round Lake PD and Fire are still VHF analog 154.400 FD PD 155.115 https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?inputs=1&ctid=639#cats

 

[peacefrog922]

Thanks for the info! I appreciate it.

 

[peacefrog922]

Anyone know of any CB shops in the north suburbs? I can't seem to find anything in the area.

 

[jaspence]

I spent part of last week in Lake County. I have a PSR 800 with the Whistler upgrade and heard both Starcom21 and analog traffice. I was using the import by county option, so I had a lot of frequencies. Some of the Starcom was encrytped, but most was clear. As money becomes available, the analog will disappear and you will need a digital scanner. You can also expect more encryption as the system grows.

 

[FFPM571]

Anyone know of any CB shops in the north suburbs? I can't seem to find anything in the area.

CB shops in general do not exist There is plenty to listen to on Starcomm in Lake CO.. ISP McHenry Co Sheriff Metra Police but 90% of the local PD and all of the County is Encrypted