bcd996xt Will it do digital

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matt_indy

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I am a HAM operator, I have the opportunity to buy a Undien BearTracker bcd996xt. I want to monitor local police, fire, ems, etc.

I know nothing about scanners. I understand my area uses digital encryption. Will this radio monitor that traffic?

Here is a link to my local frequencies and modes. Any help would be appreciated.
IMPD (Indianapolis Metro Police Dept) Marion County Indiana

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=741
 

troymail

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I am a HAM operator, I have the opportunity to buy a Undien BearTracker bcd996xt. I want to monitor local police, fire, ems, etc.

I know nothing about scanners. I understand my area uses digital encryption. Will this radio monitor that traffic?

Here is a link to my local frequencies and modes. Any help would be appreciated.
IMPD (Indianapolis Metro Police Dept) Marion County Indiana

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=741

It looks like that radio should work for you (for now). Others in your area can provide more specifics on what they know of local systems.

The 996XT is a "TrunkTracker" vs. a "BearTracker" but that's just a name that doesn't matter all that much unless you're really looking for a CB radio.

No scanner is going to receive voice from encrypted channels. Keep in mind that the database shows some talkgroups as in the clear and/or encrypted. This information may not be 100% complete or accurate so reports fro the locals is important in determining if you'll be able to receive/hear what you are intending to monitor (but it's all subject to change).

The 996XT is a fairly old model (released in 2009).
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996XT

This is a slightly upgraded version - BCD996P2 (released 2015) - which adds P25 Phase 2 and the ability to purchase add-ons for ProVoice and DMR - both of which you may or may not want or need.
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996P2

Of course, there is a big difference in price.
 

phask

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Actually - THIS is the link (to the trunked system)

Note few TG's are Enc - though that may be true... or not.


I am a HAM operator, I have the opportunity to buy a Undien BearTracker bcd996xt. I want to monitor local police, fire, ems, etc.

I know nothing about scanners. I understand my area uses digital encryption. Will this radio monitor that traffic?

Here is a link to my local frequencies and modes. Any help would be appreciated.
IMPD (Indianapolis Metro Police Dept) Marion County Indiana

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=741
 

iMONITOR

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It looks like that radio should work for you (for now). Others in your area can provide more specifics on what they know of local systems.

The 996XT is a fairly old model (released in 2009).
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996XT

This is a slightly upgraded version - BCD996P2 (released 2015) - which adds P25 Phase 2 and the ability to purchase add-ons for ProVoice and DMR - both of which you may or may not want or need.
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996P2

+1 Excellent advice. I own both, and they perform equally on the systems they're designed for.
 

INDY72

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All IMPD TG's are accurate as listed. If they show DE, they are indeed encrypted. *A few updated today to show new use etc...*
Monitored daily, as are all TG's on the IDPS System 1, and System 2, and when conditions allow System 3.
The BCD996XT will work fairly well on the IDPS Simulcasts, depending on your settings, location, antenna etc... I run its HH counterpart the BCD396XT, as well as an BCD436HP all day, every day on both IDPS, and SAFE-T systems.

Word of advice, DL and BUY ProSCAN to program, and set up the scanner, and do other functions with control, and logging data etc... You WILL love it, and everything it can do for ya. FreeScan is also useful, but ProSCAN has some extremely powerful apps you will fall in love with.
 
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