A question, please

[PhilY]

I have a -- now obsolete but brand new -- Radio Shack Pro 106 truncking scanner. Since it *just* became obsolete, I have been given the opportunity to swap it for a Uniden -- either the BCD396XT or a BCD996XT with a little boot. If you were me, what would you do? Keep the Pro 106 and pray for no trouble or swap for one of the Bearcats? If you would swap, which one would you choose and why?

Thank you in advance for any assistance offered!

(Why does *everything* have to be a problem)

 

[trap5858]

No way is that scanner obsolete. It is my understanding that they can still be serviced for the foreseeable future. Your personal comfort should be the guide but the pro-106 is still a very viable radio. The Unidens are also very nice scanners. I own both a 106 and a 396XT. I enjoy both and use both every day. The 106 is my primary scanner.

 

[PhilY]

No way is that scanner obsolete. It is my understanding that they can still be serviced for the foreseeable future. Your personal comfort should be the guide but the pro-106 is still a very viable radio. The Unidens are also very nice scanners. I own both a 106 and a 396XT. I enjoy both and use both every day. The 106 is my primary scanner.

I *just* got off the phone with Radio Shack Corporate. The Pro 106 is considered "obsolete" by them. If there are any issues, they are to be sent to Radio Shack Repair.

If the plant is closed (it is) and the supplier considers it obsolete (they do), then I have to agree with them -- it's obsolete. Don't get me wrong -- I like the scanner but it *is* obsolete. The Radio Shack folks would be glad to agree -- call them.

 

[n5ims]

Why do you say that the RS Pro-106 is obsolete? Not only is it still being sold and supported by Radio Shack, they even have it on sale when this was posted (RadioShack.com). Please note that this is a normal sale, not a clearance sale. If you're talking about the GRE factory being shut down by the government of China so they could use the land for some other planned development (this happens in a communist country), that doesn't say much more about the company's future than they need to find another location for their factory.

Support for this radio is through Radio Shack, not GRE so even if the factory shutdown causes them to liquidate, there'll still be support for the 106. It's quite possible that Radio Shack will start making it on their own since companies often have agreements to take over production of products they sell under their name if the maker of that product goes under.

 

[rdale]

I think he is using the term in a way different than most people would define. The scanner still works, it still does what it says it can do, and still scans all the systems any other scanner (except the 800) can. Nothing obsolete about it.

 

[PhilY]

Why do you say that the RS Pro-106 is obsolete? Not only is it still being sold and supported by Radio Shack, they even have it on sale when this was posted (RadioShack.com). Please note that this is a normal sale, not a clearance sale. If you're talking about the GRE factory being shut down by the government of China so they could use the land for some other planned development (this happens in a communist country), that doesn't say much more about the company's future than they need to find another location for their factory.

Support for this radio is through Radio Shack, not GRE so even if the factory shutdown causes them to liquidate, there'll still be support for the 106. It's quite possible that Radio Shack will start making it on their own since companies often have agreements to take over production of products they sell under their name if the maker of that product goes under.

I clicked your link -- the scanner is NOT there. Like I told the other guy -- call them.

Does anybody have a suggestion in answer to my question or does everybody just want to argue about the current status of the unit?

 

[xxdanielt3]

As of 3 days ago, you could still purchase the Pro-106 direct from Radioshack. The unit is not obsolete. They still repair them. Did they happen to try to talk you into buying a Pro-197?

 

[russellmaher]

Hello PhilY and I'll give you my opinion, if I may?

I'm a fan of the 396XT because the handheld unit takes less space (in the vehicle) than the 996XT, but in the home shack the 996 will sit on the desk nicely.

Both have the 25,000 capacity, so the question to you is...where do you plan to use it..base or mobile?

I guess more folks wanted to comment on your use of the word "obsolete" than give you an answer, so be it.

Russell

 

[rdale]

Does anybody have a suggestion in answer to my question or does everybody just want to argue about the current status of the unit?

Yes.

Figure out what scanner best serves your needs.

 

[n5ims]

I clicked your link -- the scanner is NOT there. Like I told the other guy -- call them.

Does anybody have a suggestion in answer to my question or does everybody just want to argue about the current status of the unit?

Call the Barnes Crossing Mall Radio Shack (662 844-1468), 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd #64, Tupelo, MS 38804. They show to have the Pro-106 in stock at their store. Based on your other posts, this appears to be close to you. If not, try putting your zip code on the "Find It Nearby" link on that page. Most of the stores near me (over 6 different RS stores using the closest distance setting) show it in stock as well. Past history shows that when they run a sale, the on-line stock runs out often and additional units show up once the sale is finished. Perhaps they only allocate a certain number of units for the on-line sale and once those are gone the web site shows "Not in stock".

 

[tglendye]

If it's working fine I would keep it unless you just want a new scanner. If you sell the 106, you're going to take a loss and pay out extra when you buy the 396. Both have been on the market for a while. I would probably hold on to it and wait and see what the next latest and greatest scanner to be released is. My expectation for the 106 would be that it wold be reliable for many years.

 

[PhilY]

As of 3 days ago, you could still purchase the Pro-106 direct from Radioshack. The unit is not obsolete. They still repair them. Did they happen to try to talk you into buying a Pro-197?

What you people are failing to understand is I just *purchased* a Pro 3 days ago. Yes, they were for sale then as well as listed on the Radio Shack web site. The "obsolete" business just happened TODAY. I talked to their corporate people for crying out loud. If you search for the Pro 106 on their site NOW (after clearing your browser history), this is what you get.

RadioShack.com

Please don't simply say what you THINK about availability until you do a little research.

(I have always heard there ain't nothing you can do about other people's kids -- now I believe it)

 

[PhilY]

Yes.

Figure out what scanner best serves your needs.

Well, thanks for that, at least. I haven't touched or studied scanners in about 25 years so I have NO clue what I need. I typically try to get the best available.

 

[PhilY]

Call the Barnes Crossing Mall Radio Shack (662 844-1468), 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd #64, Tupelo, MS 38804. They show to have the Pro-106 in stock at their store. Based on your other posts, this appears to be close to you. If not, try putting your zip code on the "Find It Nearby" link on that page. Most of the stores near me (over 6 different RS stores using the closest distance setting) show it in stock as well. Past history shows that when they run a sale, the on-line stock runs out often and additional units show up once the sale is finished. Perhaps they only allocate a certain number of units for the on-line sale and once those are gone the web site shows "Not in stock".

Thanks for the tip, n5ims. Tell you what -- *you* call that store and ask for "Alex". He will be there until 9 central because he is closing up tonight. Ask him what HE knows about the Pro 106. It might be enlightening.

 

[PhilY]

Hello PhilY and I'll give you my opinion, if I may?

Yes!! Please do!! That's what I would love to have from experienced scanner owner/users instead of all this static.

I'm a fan of the 396XT because the handheld unit takes less space (in the vehicle) than the 996XT, but in the home shack the 996 will sit on the desk nicely.

Both have the 25,000 capacity, so the question to you is...where do you plan to use it..base or mobile?

I guess more folks wanted to comment on your use of the word "obsolete" than give you an answer, so be it.

Russell

Trust me -- it wasn't MY word -- it was Radio Shack's.

I have been thinking about the situation since my first post. Assuming this Pro 106 lasts through the weekend, it will probably last for a good long time. If electronics are going to crap out, they do it early on in the life cycle. I may just keep this 106 (I had a deuce of a time programming it) and add a top-o-the-line Uniden down the road.

Thank you for your opinion.

 

[PhilY]

If it's working fine I would keep it unless you just want a new scanner. If you sell the 106, you're going to take a loss and pay out extra when you buy the 396. Both have been on the market for a while. I would probably hold on to it and wait and see what the next latest and greatest scanner to be released is. My expectation for the 106 would be that it wold be reliable for many years.

Thanks for you post, Todd. I almost missed it in the middle of all the static.

As I just posted above, I think that is *precisely* what I am going to do -- keep the 106 and add a top of the line Uniden a little later.

However, I would not have to absorb any loss. Radio Shack is/was going to make it good since it obsoleted (ssssshhh -- don't tell anybody I said the "o" word) so soon after my purchase. I was genuinely surprised and pleased.

 

[rdale]

You're still using the word incorrectly for discussion purposes. But that's okay.

They aren't going out of their way for you. It was purchased 3 days ago, and they have a 30 day full return policy. It has nothing to do with "obsolete"

 

[jaspence]

Pro 106

Unless you are in a simulcast situation, the Uniden will give you no more or less to work with than a slightly smaller size. I have both the 396xt and the Pro 106, and the 106 has all you need unless you deal with simulcast. It does much better on conventional frequencies than the 396xt, and I find the programming and selection system simpler to use and understand. My 106 s a first year model and still works well. The only scanner that has a clear difference is the PSR 800 due to its ability to handle the next version of P25. I also have an 800 and it does not match the audio and conventional reception of the 106.

 

[PhilY]

You're still using the word incorrectly for discussion purposes. But that's okay.

No -- you are misunderstanding my (and Radio Shack's) use of the word "obsolete". But, as you say -- that's okay.

They aren't going out of their way for you. It was purchased 3 days ago, and they have a 30 day full return policy. It has nothing to do with "obsolete"

Ah -- I was unaware of that 30 day policy -- very good info to have. Thank you!

 

[PhilY]

Unless you are in a simulcast situation, the Uniden will give you no more or less to work with than a slightly smaller size. I have both the 396xt and the Pro 106, and the 106 has all you need unless you deal with simulcast. It does much better on conventional frequencies than the 396xt, and I find the programming and selection system simpler to use and understand. My 106 s a first year model and still works well. The only scanner that has a clear difference is the PSR 800 due to its ability to handle the next version of P25. I also have an 800 and it does not match the audio and conventional reception of the 106.

I *do* have a simulcast situation but it is in a very limited use area of the spectrum -- nothing to get excited about, I think.

As I have posted to others, I have about decided to just keep the 106 -- it is performing very well for me -- and wait to see what Uniden offers (or GRC if they find their way) down the road.

Thanks for the help!