Does any body know what kind of scanner I need to get to start listening to APD ,EMS ,AFD in Austin ,Texas .
APD ,EMS ,AFD in Austin ,Texas
- Thread starter viper59
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They are on a P25 digital system (Phase I) so any radio capable of receiving APCO 25/Project 25 will work. I personally use my Uniden BCD 436 for monitoring the Greater Austin/Travis Regional Radio System also known as GATRRS when I go down there, and use it for monitoring the Fort Worth Regional Radio System (FWRRS) at home. Great radio, however, there are several other good Uniden radios as well as Whistler and a few others. Scanner Master has a list of all of the compatible scanners. Digital P25 Phase II Scanners Happy scanning! 
Welcome to RadioReference, viper
As Chase has already noted, Austin & Travis County public safety use GATRRS, which is a P25 Phase I system. There are a large number of scanners, both current & previous models, capable of monitoring that system. However, if you can fit into your budget, I'd suggest you look for a P25 Phase II capable model instead. While the Austin system is curently Phase I, a number of current Phase I, and even some older analog, systems are converting to Phase II. That's the case in the DFW Metro area. Also, should you at some point travel with your scanner, you're likely to encounter Phase II systems in other locations. Besides the DFW area, you'd also find Phase II in use in the Houston area. From what I've seen posted, Bexar County/San Antonio are currently using an EDACS system, but eventually may move to Phase II. And you'll also see Phase II system in other cities and states. The information below has current and discontinued models that would monitor the Austin system as it currently is operated. Also included are Phase II capable scanners should you want to consider them.
Current Model Uniden:
Note that ALL of the scanners below will receive P25 Phase I & P25 Phase II signals. All (except the HomePatrol-2) can utilize paid upgrades to receive DMR systems or ProVoice.
Uniden BCD436HP (Handheld)
Uniden BCD536HP (Base/Mobile)
Uniden BCD325P2 (Handheld)
Uniden BCD996P2 (Base Mobile)
Uniden Home Patrol 2
This model can be used as a desktop scanner, or with optional available mounts, used in a vehicle. While not really designed as a ‘true handheld scanner’, it does run on batteries and can be carried in a coat pocket or in a small belt tool holster.
Previous Uniden Models There may be a few new units in dealers’ leftover stock, but these are primarily are going to be found in the previously owned markets, such as the Classifieds here on RadioReference, on eBay or Craig’s List, other online sites, garage or estate sales, or pawn shops. See this thread for ideas: Thrift Store Finds
Uniden BCD396XT (Handheld)
Uniden BCD996XT (Base/Mobile)
Uniden HomePatrol-1 (Base/Mobile)
Slightly Older Models (Discontinued, but can be found in used, but good, condition. These cannot utilize the NAC codes for P25 conventional frequencies):
Uniden BCD396T (Handheld)
Uniden BCD996T (Base/Mobile)
Current Model Whistler:
All of the scanners in this group can receive P25 Phase I & P25 Phase II signals. These also can utilize a free upgrade for receiving DMR systems.
WS1088 (Handheld) Has keypad.
WS1098 (Base/Mobile) Has keypad and a detachable head for mobile installations.
TRX-1 (Handheld) Has keypad.
TRX-2 (Base/Mobile) Has keypad and a detachable head for mobile installations.
The TRX-1 & TRX-2 also have an available free upgrade to enable reception of NXDN systems.
Previous Whistler Models that are also P25 Phase I & P25 Phase II capable, also have a free DMR upgrade:
WS1080 (Handheld) (Same as the WS1088, except lacking the numeric keypad)
WS1095 (Base/Mobile) (Same as the WS1098, except lacking the numeric keypad)
The scanners below have a paid upgrade available through Whistler, to make them DMR capable, as well as P25 Phase I & Phase II (all except the Pro-18 were already Phase II capable). This upgrade also makes them eligible for support from Whistler. All are discontinued units. Also see this RadioReference thread.
GRE PSR-800 (Handheld)
RadioShack PRO-18 (Handheld)
Radio Shack Pro-668 (Handheld)
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[/FONT] Whistler P25 Phase I capable (No DMR or Phase II upgrade available.)
WS1040 (Handheld)
WS1065 (Base/Mobile)
Other Discontinued Scanners:
These units are capable of P25 Phase I only. No Phase II nor DMR upgrade is possible.
GRE manufactured scanners (Discontinued, GRE shut down several years ago):
GRE PSR-500 (Handheld)
GRE PSR-600 (Base/Mobile)
RadioShack PRO-106 (Handheld)
RadioShack PRO-197 (Base/Mobile)
The above were manufactured by GRE, which has ceased production and disbanded. While a few new units may still be found, they are scarce. Don’t overlook the used market, either in the classifieds here, on eBay, other online sites, or occasionally local pawn shops or yard sales. For any GRE manufactured scanner purchased used, make sure it's complete (all parts included, including battery holders), and in good working order. With GRE now no longer in the picture, parts and service support are problematic. As a result of their second bankruptcy, Radio Shack no longer supports scanners sold under their nameplate.
Note that Whistler Group has acquired the intellectual property of the old GRE product line, and has started releasing units using those designs. However, there has been no commitment that they will provide parts and service support for the former GRE units, nor Radio Shack branded units, other than those listed above with the paid DMR upgrade. These were produced by Whistler for sale in Radio Shack stores, but parts and service support may be questionable.
Radio Shack Pro-651 (Handheld; Whistler equivalent WS1040)
Radio Shack Pro-652 (Base/Mobile; Whistler equivalent WS1065)
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