1088 First Impressions

[DaveIN]

Well, I didn't anticipate being first again...Well,maybe...:twisted:

First off.Sadly the battery life has not improved over the GRE PSR-800/WS1080 linage. As far as I can tell, it's the same.

Backlight setting has much to do with this, as well as the memory write functions.

If I turn everything off to bare simple screen with no backlight, the battery will last about the same amount of time as my *gasp* BC436HP...OH (Insert expletive here).

The keypad is first and foremost the best thing about this radio. Everything else, to me, is the exact same as my GE PSR-800 from 2011.

People, I'm not bashing it, I'm just telling you what I am seeing it as a "new" owner.

Let's see, whats new? The keyboard. Ability to drill down and import via the keypad "easier". What else? So far nothing that I can find, sadly.

Recommend it? Over the PSR-800/Ws1080? Absolutely.

Is it a replacement for the PSR500/Ws1080? Sure is!

Is it as good as the BC436HP. For me, nope. For GRE/Whistler fans, yes absolutely!

It's worthy of my scanner collection. Yes, analog and digital P25 decode is loud and clear. I have the whole database available via zip code and general search, CTCSS,DCS, NAC search is quick. Caveat, battery life is still poor, IMHO. Anyone want to buy a used iScan-NON-keyboard model?

Thanks to Zip Scanners for their prompt service and love of the scanner hobby. Their a top notch reseller.

Merry Christmas and Happy Scanning to all, and to all a good night

Thanks to Zip Scanners for the fast shipment and love of the scanner hobby!

 

[freqhunter]

Battery life, side by side with the 436, is better. The rubberized coating is gone, big plus. Display is primitive compared to the 436 but easier to see head on. Tilt it slightly and you may or may not see it. Reception is not that of a 500 but better than that of a 436 on 700/800 systems.

 

[DaveIN]

Thanks, but I humbly disagree. I like the rubberized feel of the PSR-800. Can't compare to the 1080, don't have one (or the 688 Radio Shack version for that matter), but it IS equal to the BC436HP reception, "IN MY AREA". It's also faster when scanning and recording captured audio.

 

[DaveIN]

By the way,we really need a better battery option. The battery drain on the current flagship models for both manufacturers is poor, IMHO. The 1088 is no different than the original GRE PSR-800, and that's not a good thing four years later, so we haven't progressed in that respect.

 

[DaveIN]

I like this feature.

 

[freqhunter]

My reply may be confusing... The 1088 is easier on batteries than the 436 is.

In the area I live I find the 500 to hear the best then the 1088 and on to the 436. That being said in other areas like NYC or Chicago I have found the 436 to be a better option. In MI, Detroit and Troy area, the 396XT seems to work well.

There is no perfect scanner... Your mileage may vary.

 

[freqhunter]

By the way,we really need a better battery option. The battery drain on the current flagship models for both manufacturers is poor, IMHO. The 1088 is no different than the original GRE PSR-800, and that's not a good thing four years later, so we haven't progressed in that respect.

Best battery consumption I have found is my Icom R6. That puppy will sip on a set of batteries for days!

 

[DaveIN]

Mine also, but it's conventional only, and minimal display, so the battery life, two AA batteries will last for hours. Even with the backlight on for lengths of time.

 

[freqhunter]

I do wish they would have added some style to it. It looks like a 1960's transistor radio. All we need now is a brown/tan leather snap case to go around it to finish the 1960 look.

And why have a squelch knob on top instead of the volume!?

Looks aside.... I am overall happy only having 72 hours into it so far.

 

[DaveIN]

I like the analog/digital squelch, but I think they could add the volume to the top knob as well, as an option. As a switchable operation, unless its a patented feature.

 

[TexScan780D]

P25 Phase II simulcast system

Any information on how this news scanner performs scanning a P25 Phase II simulcast system?

 

[KCoax]

I wounder if they used the same cheap paint on the buttons. Nice button layout, though.

 

[SCPD]

Anyone that expects ANYTHING different than a 1080 and 1095 with a keypad (and ability to use that keyboard to access scanlists etc) is fooling themselves. As long as they know they are getting the exact same radio .. they will be happy.

But given the 4 choices .. the newer 1098 and 1088 are winners compared to the older models and would definitely be my choice given a choice.

 

[SCPD]

Any information on how this news scanner performs scanning a P25 Phase II simulcast system?

+1

Also did we ever find out if it has the AMBE+2 vocoder or are they emulating one as with the PSR-800?

 

[pinballwiz86]

Thank you for posting your mini-review and pictures!

How does the P25 audio decode compare to the 396XT or the other Uniden scanners?

 

[DaveIN]

On my networked system the P25 decoded voice sounds the same as on the 436.

 

[DaveIN]

I wounder if they used the same cheap paint on the buttons. Nice button layout, though.

So far it seems to resist the finger oils better on this new keypad.

 

[radio3353]

On my networked system the P25 decoded voice sounds the same as on the 436.

P25 phase 2 simulcast system? It is helpful to fully describe the system you are listening to. Simulcast systems are particularly troublesome for some. Thanks.

 

[WILSON43]

Let me get this straight....

You can pick up a new Radio Shack Pro 668 for $170.00 to $220.00 which is the same radio (receiver) as this "new" Whistler 1088?

But fr another two or three hundred dollars you can get the same radio with a keypad? That's it?

Looks to me like the smart money is with a Pro 668.......

 

[Ed6698]

I would like to know where all these new $170 scanners are at, that you claim are available.