Basic radio recommendation

[gmac3]

My old school ~20 year old Uniden radio died. I'm looking for a recommendation for a basic handheld radio. I don't think I would spend the money to pickup the encrypted police frequencies. I generally listen to analog transmissions (usually Edison and NB fire dispatch, etc.).

Thank you and happy new year!

 

[railtrailbiker]

Regardless of how much you spend, you would not be able to listen to anything that's encrypted. That's why they encrypt; so you can't listen. I have a Uniden 396XT that I would highly recommend. Receives analog & P25 digital just fine. Does not receive Motorola Phase II trunking though.

 

[kd2pm]

You're time is limited on how much longer you will hear analog in NJ. Many agencies have hopped on their local county trunked systems or even the state NJICS system. Yes there are still a few analog agencies out there but if thats all you are interested in...perhaps a used scanner will do the trick versus paying big bucks for a new scanner. Lots of folks usually put their PSR800 or BCD436HP up for grabs when they upgrade to a newer radio. At some point, you may be forced to get a scanner that has to do P25 phase 2 for the most part, while others agencies move over to DMR or NXDN (or TETRA)

 

[hardsuit]

gmac3 - I recommend getting at Least a Digital Capable P25 ( 1) or II for future proofing. preferably with a SD card for memory , as Programming by hand is NOT feasible with Digital Trunking systems. I have a Pro-668 (whistler 1080), is got a SD card and I can access the Radio Reference database and program the Entire USA database in my scanner , as I like to Travel. check Whistler out frequently, Refurbished, Clearence and Scratch & Dent for 1080/1088 scanners. buying a NEW TRX-1 can be expensive and Whistler is coming out with NEW scanners that are SDR based that receive Phase II LMR simulcast better. Whistler top of the Line scanners get FREE DMR and NXDN.

 

[spongella]

My old school ~20 year old Uniden radio died. I'm looking for a recommendation for a basic handheld radio. I don't think I would spend the money to pickup the encrypted police frequencies. I generally listen to analog transmissions (usually Edison and NB fire dispatch, etc.).

Thank you and happy new year!

I'm in NJ also, was in the same boat as you, had an old Radio Shack scanner for many years, just got a new Bearcat BC125AT and using radioreference's frequency database am up and running, listening to first responders in my county. The BC125AT sells for a reasonable price, around $90 if you shop around. 500 channels, easy to program manually, well written instruction manual. Nothing not to like for those interested in analog comms. I had shopped around for used scanners but why bother when a new one is available at such a low price and with free shipping? Happy New Year to you too.