(BCD996XT) or (BCT15X) Scanner

[noaim]

Hello All,


I am not necessarily new to scanning just haven't done it in a really long time. I currently own a 16 channel base analog scanner. Its from years and years ago and barely picks up anything in my area anymore. I would like to purchase a scanner that is going to last me a while something that I can grow into and hopefully it will continue working for years to come. I live in Milwaukee county and its my understanding that they have switched to a new digital system (im not fully sure about this). Money really isn't a problem so the cost between the two isn't a factor. Which one do you think would be the best for me or is there another scanner out there that would be better?

 

[captclint]

Hello All,

I live in Milwaukee county and its my understanding that they have switched to a new digital system (im not fully sure about this). Money really isn't a problem so the cost between the two isn't a factor. Which one do you think would be the best for me or is there another scanner out there that would be better?

Welcome to RR. You didn't say what state, but I'm guessing it is Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
If so, then yes, you would need a digital scanner like the 996XT. The 15X does not do digital. I don't know the difference, but Milwaukee County Public Safety (Project 25) is digital, but Milwaukee County Public Safety Trunking System, is not. Perhaps someone from your area will explain the difference.

The 996XT is an excellent scanner, especially if you live in or near the city. The GRE digital scanner tends to overload in the presence of strong FM, Paging, TV, and other strong radio systems.

 

[NYRHKY94]

If budget is not an issue and your listening area is digital (or going to be), the decision between these two models is an easy one: BCD996XT. It's also a very nice scanner with a ton of features.

 

[russellmaher]

Hello noaim and welcome to RR.

I have to agree with the above posts. The 996XT is the way to go for digital scanning. Enjoy!

Russell

 

[noaim]

Thanks a Ton you guys.. I will now order the 996xt. Captclint you are correct I am in Wisconsin! I will be sure to come back here and join in on this community thanks a ton !

 

[Mojaveflyer]

996xt

I had a GRE PSR-600 for a couple of years and found the intermod very annoying (I live in the north Denver, CO area). I bought a FM trap from Radio Shack and found that vastly improved my reception on VHF - I listen primarily to railroads and air craft, two services that do not use PL tones to reduce intermod. I finally bought a 996XT for use around town and found it behaves much better in the area around town with the high RF interference. I still have the PSR-600 I'll use for road trips... I did find that while the 996XT behaves better around town, you do lose some sensitivity as well - it's all a trade off. If you're listening to public safety and live close to a big city, you're probably better off to use the 996XT. Have fun!

 

[noaim]

I had a GRE PSR-600 for a couple of years and found the intermod very annoying (I live in the north Denver, CO area). I bought a FM trap from Radio Shack and found that vastly improved my reception on VHF - I listen primarily to railroads and air craft, two services that do not use PL tones to reduce intermod. I finally bought a 996XT for use around town and found it behaves much better in the area around town with the high RF interference. I still have the PSR-600 I'll use for road trips... I did find that while the 996XT behaves better around town, you do lose some sensitivity as well - it's all a trade off. If you're listening to public safety and live close to a big city, you're probably better off to use the 996XT. Have fun!

Thanks. Milwaukee is a fairly big city which I live close to. I am sure I will be happy with my choice!

 

[ofd8001]

You'd be better off with the 996XT as more agencies are headed in the digital direction. I'm thinking the WISCOM system is a digital system.

Unfortunately the city of Milwaukee has an "Open Sky" radio system that cannot be received by any type of scanner presently on the market. However, Milwaukee county can be received.

 

[noaim]

You'd be better off with the 996XT as more agencies are headed in the digital direction. I'm thinking the WISCOM system is a digital system.

Unfortunately the city of Milwaukee has an "Open Sky" radio system that cannot be received by any type of scanner presently on the market. However, Milwaukee county can be received.

thanks. I did read that the city of Milwaukee did change to a system that can't be scanned for safety of the officers. Kind of a bummer but I should hear a ton around me anyway!

 

[scannersnstuff]

i 8th the vote for the bcd996xt. it is a great scanner,with a boatload of features. i don't want to start the old bcd996xt vs. psr-600 argument. if interference is an issue where you are,definetly go with the 996 over the 600.

 

[noaim]

i 8th the vote for the bcd996xt. it is a great scanner,with a boatload of features. i don't want to start the old bcd996xt vs. psr-600 argument. if interference is an issue where you are,definetly go with the 996 over the 600.

thanks already ordered! should be here early next week

 

[One13Truck]

I love my 396XT and 15X and will most likely purchase the 996XT to replace an old scanner I have here as well. As others have said the 996XT is the one for you. You'll love it once you get it and get the hang of using it. It is quite different from that 16 channel scanner. I would suggest becoming familiar with this site or one like it and don't hesitate to ask any questions if you get stuck.
Easier to Read BCD996XT Digital Scanner Manual

 

[noaim]

I love my 396XT and 15X and will most likely purchase the 996XT to replace an old scanner I have here as well. As others have said the 996XT is the one for you. You'll love it once you get it and get the hang of using it. It is quite different from that 16 channel scanner. I would suggest becoming familiar with this site or one like it and don't hesitate to ask any questions if you get stuck.
Easier to Read BCD996XT Digital Scanner Manual

thanks for the link! I am sure I will run into issues here and there and Will come here if I have anything major!

 

[Boatanchor]

The 996XT really is an amazing piece of technology for the money. Yes, it's expensive, but lift the hood (take the covers off) and you will see what your money is buying..

I'm actually surprised nobody has done a 'real' performance review on this thing yet since it has been out for a couple of years now.. It's a shame the ARRL lab doesn't do 'proper' reviews on scanners too.
Anyway, the RF & IF filter performance, sensitivity and band coverage are just outstanding and are just light years ahead of it's only supposed competitor.

 

[ofd8001]

You'll probably also want to get computer software to do the programming which will make your life easier instead of hand-keying information. I use ARCXT Pro which you have to buy, though there are many fans of FREESCAN which I think costs nothing.

I don't know what cable ships with the scanner these days. Back when I got mine it was the the kind that had the big serial port connector. I ended up getting the USB-1 which plugs into the USB port on my computer.

 

[noaim]

You'll probably also want to get computer software to do the programming which will make your life easier instead of hand-keying information. I use ARCXT Pro which you have to buy, though there are many fans of FREESCAN which I think costs nothing.

I don't know what cable ships with the scanner these days. Back when I got mine it was the the kind that had the big serial port connector. I ended up getting the USB-1 which plugs into the USB port on my computer.

I already have the usb cable ordered and also have the trial of arcxt installed. I plan on purchasing the software because it has a direct connection to this website! I checked out freescan but it did't look like it had a direct connection to this site!. Thanks!

 

[noaim]

The 996XT really is an amazing piece of technology for the money. Yes, it's expensive, but lift the hood (take the covers off) and you will see what your money is buying..

I'm actually surprised nobody has done a 'real' performance review on this thing yet since it has been out for a couple of years now.. It's a shame the ARRL lab doesn't do 'proper' reviews on scanners too.
Anyway, the RF & IF filter performance, sensitivity and band coverage are just outstanding and are just light years ahead of it's only supposed competitor.

I am super excited to check this scanner out! I looked at a ton of scanners before coming on this website and asking. It looked like the BCD996xt is one of the best ones out there!

 

[russellmaher]

I do believe ALL of us are as excited as you and can't wait for you to get it and begin using it.

We're all waiting to get your reviews of it. Keep us posted, please, and good luck with it.


Russell

 

[noaim]

I do believe ALL of us are as excited as you and can't wait for you to get it and begin using it.

We're all waiting to get your reviews of it. Keep us posted, please, and good luck with it.


Russell

I will for sure let you all know! I am happy I found this community! Thanks!

 

[SCPD]

Welcome, great site, great people. BCD996xt is an awesome radio, have one myself. The forum's here as well as your own state forum will offer you plenty of info. Take the time and go through them, many smart and professional advice in RR.