Advice request from super newbie

[Rjt122]

Hi, I live in Cedar Grove, NJ Essex County 07009, my local PD and FD just switched to digital and the old scanner we found in the house when we moved in doesn't work. My wife and I enjoyed listening and found it helpful during floods etc. Any advice for a simple, easy to use scanner I can get? I'm not totally tech illiterate but I'm not that great either, simpler is better. Thank you and I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this.

 

[GTR8000]

If Cedar Grove remains on the 800 MHz NJSP, then just about any scanner which is capable of trunk tracking a Motorola Type II system with P25 voice will work. You have a lot of choice in that regard, including many older scanners that you can probably get for a really good price used.

Here's the rub...that old 800 MHz system isn't going to be around forever, at which point Cedar Grove will wind up on a true P25 system and possible using TDMA voice (aka Phase II). At that point, you'll need a more modern scanner that can decode P25 Phase II.

So the choice is to get something cheaper now and listen for X amount of months/maybe a year or two...or pay more to get a newer scanner and "future proof" yourself.

PS - Do not confuse "Motorola Type II" with "P25 Phase II", they are entirely different things.

 

[Rjt122]

If Cedar Grove remains on the 800 MHz NJSP, then just about any scanner which is capable of trunk tracking a Motorola Type II system with P25 voice will work. You have a lot of choice in that regard, including many older scanners that you can probably get for a really good price used.

Here's the rub...that old 800 MHz system isn't going to be around forever, at which point Cedar Grove will wind up on a true P25 system and possible using TDMA voice (aka Phase II). At that point, you'll need a more modern scanner that can decode P25 Phase II.

So the choice is to get something cheaper now and listen for X amount of months/maybe a year or two...or pay more to get a newer scanner and "future proof" yourself.

PS - Do not confuse "Motorola Type II" with "P25 Phase II", they are entirely different things.

Thank you. I'd much rather spend a little more to future proof myself and make life easier.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hi & welcome to the RR forums:
Any scanner listed here should do the job assuming their operations stay here. If they move here as seems to be the trend for various LE agencies in NJ (and choose not to encrypt their ops) then you'll need a Phase-II capable scanner

 

[trentbob]

For what it's worth I've had a conversation with somebody who knows but would not want to have his ID known that the old NJSP 800 MHz system will be phased out in mid 2022. Anything can happen. Deadlines with these kind of things are not necessarily etched in stone, the time could be extended for any reason.

You've got some excellent advice here, go used, go cheap, you shouldn't have any problem picking up this Type ll smartzone system while it lasts.

If you decide to purchase a more expensive radio to future-proof yourself, do your homework. Some scanners pick up the newer simulcast phase II systems like NJICS better than others, depending on your exact location... keep people posted as to what you're thinking before you pull the trigger. You might save a few hundred bucks but be disappointed down the line. Welcome to RR.

 

[GTR8000]

MSI is building a new ASTRO 25 core for the state, which will eventually absorb both systems. The SmartZone system's days are numbered, that's a fact.

 

[Rjt122]

Thank you everyone for the responses and info. Is it accurate to say The Uniden HomePatrol 2 handheld, seems to meet all the requirements both current and the near future?

 

[kd2pm]

MSI is building a new ASTRO 25 core for the state, which will eventually absorb both systems. The SmartZone system's days are numbered, that's a fact.

And be ready for some new sites to be added to the new system. I know of at least 4 in the 'build' status.

 

[rr60]

And be ready for some new sites to be added to the new system. I know of at least 4 in the 'build' status.

That is interesting. General locations? I did see a recent license grant for Bedminster.Perhaps one?

 

[kd2pm]

That is interesting. General locations? I did see a recent license grant for Bedminster.Perhaps one?

I can say that I know of 2 locations in the north and 3 locations in the south.

 

[APX7500X2]

I find it sad when people do the "I know something but I can't say post"

 

[GTR8000]

I find it sad when people do the "I know something but I can't say post"

Some people actually like their jobs, and it's not just a hobby like it is for some of you. Get over it.

 

[kd2pm]

Much easier for those that 'really' want to know to head over to the FCC website and do a query. The locations will be listed there. And yes....I do like my job and hopefully will retire doing it.

 

[APX7500X2]

Some people actually like their jobs, and it's not just a hobby like it is for some of you. Get over it.

So to fix that, instead of coming here and inflating your ego by saying "I know but I cant say".....Just don't say...
Simple

 

[magic_lantern]

"So to fix that, instead of coming here and inflating your ego by saying "I know but I cant say".....Just don't say...
Simple"

that would take all the fun out of it for some on here.

 

[Rjt122]

For what it's worth I've had a conversation with somebody who knows but would not want to have his ID known that the old NJSP 800 MHz system will be phased out in mid 2022. Anything can happen. Deadlines with these kind of things are not necessarily etched in stone, the time could be extended for any reason.

You've got some excellent advice here, go used, go cheap, you shouldn't have any problem picking up this Type ll smartzone system while it lasts.

If you decide to purchase a more expensive radio to future-proof yourself, do your homework. Some scanners pick up the newer simulcast phase II systems like NJICS better than others, depending on your exact location... keep people posted as to what you're thinking before you pull the trigger. You might save a few hundred bucks but be disappointed down the line. Welcome to RR.

I was thinking of The Uniden HomePatrol 2 handheld, seems to meet all the requirements both current and the near future? Should I pull the trigger? Thanks for any advice!

 

[trentbob]

I was thinking of The Uniden HomePatrol 2 handheld, seems to meet all the requirements both current and the near future? Should I pull the trigger? Thanks for any advice!

It's all personal opinion, the hp-2 is a nice radio. It's on the older side and I don't like the user format. Personally, to really future-proof yourself I believe you need a simulcast capable radio like the 100 or 200 or a unication pager or some of the other offerings that handle simulcast... Of course we are talking mo' money but it's the future. Again it's all opinion, depends on systems and location.

 

[kd2pm]

So to fix that, instead of coming here and inflating your ego by saying "I know but I cant say".....Just don't say...
Simple

At least there was an answer, actually better than saying nothing at all. If you want the LAT/LON info, antenna height and all that other good stuff....sure I could give it out. Its nothing that you cant already find on the FCC license. Its basically public info. But being in the Public Safety realm...its not something we just blurb out. Dont need copper thieves and the like scouting out the locations. Have enough issues with that already.

 

[wtp]

 

[trentbob]

View attachment 113163

Oh I can't believe you just posted that, I have a similar one of Sergeant Schultz... I know nuththeeeng. You beat me to it. lol.