Any point in buying scanner, when most transmissions are encrypted?

[mrgoodheart]

Is there any point in buying scanner, when most transmissions are encrypted? I understand that firefighting and EMS services in Maritimes are not necessarily encrypted, but I hear that may change. If that is the case, then it would seem the original purpose of having a scanner may be defeated.

A somewhat similar situation happened with short wave radio over the past 20 years or so. The reason for owning one disappeared, as there were no longer any broadcasts.

Thoughts?

 

[mciupa]

It sounds like you only like Public Safety monitoring. If you broaden your listening spectrum into Aviation, Railroad, Maritime services it might provide you with more to listen to and they likely will never encrypt. I don't know if you would find that stuff boring or not.

Maybe @Deziel0495 can chime into what you could listen to since he maintains the database out your way.

 

[mrgoodheart]

Thank you! I appreciate your reply.

 

[Deziel0495]

For Public Safety in the Maritimes the majority is on the MPSRN, and all law enforcement is encrypted. Most EMS agencies are too (NS and PEI) but NB currently remains in the clear. Unknown what NFLD's plan is but I'm sure they'll follow suit.

In regards to the fire service, I can't speak to other provinces but PEI will remain in the clear. I know in NS fire depts. do have access to some encrypted talkgroups for sensitive information.

As mentioned it all depends what you want to listen to. I was super bummed when police and EMS went silent in 2015 but have since filled the gap listening to other things. You can sometimes fill in the blanks if you will if those encrypted agencies are operating mutual aid, they sometimes forget everyone can hear them and say too much. That's why they don't stray from their regular talkgroups too often.

 

[ve1sef]

I've been a scanner user for over 40 years. When law enforcement became encrypted it was disappointing, but it was for officer safety.

 

[west5alpha]

SDS 100 scanner with NXDN and DMR upgrades, you can pick up tons of stuff in Halifax , even without upgrades there is lots to listen to. Even with an analog scanne, lots of scanner traffic in Halifax.

 

[ve1sef]

To complete my earlier post (interrupted by fire call). After law enforcement was encrypted, I realized how many other transmissions I had been missing. Likewise when EHS went encrypted.

Best examples I can use are the recent event of the last couple of months. The Tantallon Brushfire and the flash floods of last week. At times used multiple scanners to follow what was going on.
There's plenty to hear on scanners, if you take the time to listen. That's my 2 cents worth, although at current interest rates it's more like -0.05.