Based on my location, what are my best options?

[Facsimile]

Hello

I live near Fort Wayne, Indiana. 20 years ago I had a Pro96 and enjoyed it very much. Life happened and now I am back. I see much has changed over the years and am overwhelmed. I am hoping to receive advice with the following:

1. I need to buy a scanner:
   1. I'd like to spend less than $1000.
   2. What are my best options specific to my location?
   3. I'd prefer portable as I enjoy traveling but am open to base.
2. Is all public safety traffic really encrypted now in Indiana and specifically Fort Wayne. If so, is owning a scanner in the area obsolete if that is the main focus?

Thanks

 

[rk911]

accordimg to tne database, virtually all talkgroups im Allen county are encrypted. County fire and county services seems to be the only exceptions. Suggest you either re-post your query in the Indiana forum or request to have this post moved to that forum by clicking the 'Report' link in the lower right left corner.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Welcome to the RR forums: Fort Wayne PD & Fire operate on system linked below. Unfortunately PD & Fire are fully encrypted and therefore can't be monitored (mode "DE"). Only talkgroups tagged as mode "D" on this system are in the clear & can be monitored

Allen County P25 Trunking System, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Allen County P25 Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

Is all public safety traffic really encrypted now in Indiana and specifically Fort Wayne

All public Safety? No. Fort Wayne & Allen County? Yes

 

[Facsimile]

Welcome to the RR forums: Fort Wayne PD & Fire operate on system linked below. Unfortunately PD & Fire are fully encrypted and therefore can't be monitored (mode "DE"). Only talkgroups tagged as mode "D" on this system are in the clear & can be monitored

Allen County P25 Trunking System, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Allen County P25 Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

All public Safety? No. Fort Wayne & Allen County? Yes

Oh that's ok. With that confirmation, I'd still like to get a scanner for alternative listening. Does anyone in the area have a recommendation? Since I don't know where I will end up in the future, I suppose I would like to get a scanner that offers all the options within reason.

 

[KC9NEG]

The Uniden SDS100 (handheld) and SDS200 (portable) are currently the most capable scanners money can buy, and both are well under $1000. You can't go wrong buying either. They might represent the permanent pinnacle of scanner technology, as (this is a gut feeling of mine) encryption becomes more and more prevalent and ROI on R&D in consumer scanners decreases due to decreased sales. There's also the SDR (software defined radio) route, PC peripherals that stay at home you can listen to via web server, but that's another animal entirely, whereas the Uniden SDS's are largely "open the box, key in your ZIP code, and start listening" devices (though there are endless customization options).