BCT 15 or BCD 996T

[fireant]

I know I really don't need another scanner or at least my wife doesn't seem to think so am debating between the two models against her wishes. I currently own the following radios PRO 43, PRO 2030, PRO 2045, PRO 95, PRO 97, BCD 396T, BR 330T, and the 246T. I would like a mobile/base unit for the home and vehicle and then use my handhelds when I am away from the vehicle/home like at work. Which radio would be the best for our area? I know currently there is not alot of digital but don't know if there is more coming soon any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Fireant

 

[mam1081]

If you take any road trips (or commute a long way to work), the GPS function is excellent, so either scanner would work there. I have not used the P25 a whole lot in my 996, but what I have heard sounds pretty nice. It seems like if the state system starts using P25 more and more, you'd be in a better position to listen to them with the 996 - not to mention you get an extra 2,000 channels with the 996 (mine is up to around 3,900 now - that would almost max out the 15).

Ask yourself when you expect to get another "new" scanner. If that is later than about 2 years, I would probably go with the 996. I have bought the "cheap" versions of radios before only to wish I had bought the best radio in the past. I end up selling the "cheaper" radio to someone else for a loss, and going to get the high-end radio eventually, so buy what you want straight out!

What an evil little voice!

 

[freqscout]

so buy what you want stright out!

i think he meant to say straight out. Gotcha.

 

[fireant]

After much consideration and debating decided to go with the BCT-15. I just cannot justify letting go the $ also will hopefully be a newer digital model at that time and then will get another digital radio. I love my 396 and it will cover all my digital needs. Also the wife was not hip on me getting another digital scanner since that cost about $520 so will buy the BCT-15 and some other things. Maybe by the time there is more digital in our area and there is a need for me to buy another digital scanner they will have come up with a APCO-25 scanner that will also decode Provoice. I can only wish.

Fireant

 

[WX5JCH]

Since it appears from threads here that the OK DPS system is testing digital, and that I live 32 miles from the Texas border, and they are going digital, I opted for the 996. It was a tough choice, but digital is coming, ever so slowly...

I travel quite a bit, giving speaches, tv, radio etc. in support of my 3 books. So, I plan to use it quite a bit in the future on the road. It replaced my ol' bct-8. I'll be in CA next month for a test run

Jim
KE5FEK
www.hickmanreport.com