Best scanner for this system

Reesjk

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Jan 29, 2023
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3
Location
Middletown, DE
I'm looking to get a scanner capable of scanning the current Motorola type II smartzone used for the public safety channels. I would like one that i can program myself with the already available information online. I'm new to the game and was wondering if anyone had any cheap(er) but effective scanners/radios that would be able to accomplish this task.
 

Mr_Boh

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Oct 10, 2016
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542
Location
The Land of Pleasant Living
Your best bet for cheap but effective would be something like a used BCD996T or BCD396T.

The problem is SmartZone is beyond end of life and end of support system wise. Although no one has posted official news, there have been enough rumors about the system being replaced by a P25 system at some point within the next 1-3 years, at which point you are going to want a Unication or SDS100/SDS200.

So you can get a cheap, used scanner like those or invest now for when the system is replaced.
 

Reesjk

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Jan 29, 2023
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Middletown, DE
I actually already have a g5 pager that i intended to use to scan as well as page, as i thought that the county already used both the P25 and Motorola systems. But i will definitely look into one of those options, thank you.
 

Audiodave1

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Dec 27, 2001
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1,836
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Chadds Ford, PA
I'm looking to get a scanner capable of scanning the current Motorola type II smartzone used for the public safety channels. I would like one that i can program myself with the already available information online. I'm new to the game and was wondering if anyone had any cheap(er) but effective scanners/radios that would be able to accomplish this task.
Just note that very little law enforcement is monitorable on the DE system. Bridge police and DNR is pretty much it. All state/county/local PD is 99% encrypted. If you were closer to Wilmington City there is some clear LE on that site...but you have to be close to receive it.
 

de784

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Aug 14, 2004
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Delaware
Just note that very little law enforcement is monitorable on the DE system. Bridge police and DNR is pretty much it. All state/county/local PD is 99% encrypted. If you were closer to Wilmington City there is some clear LE on that site...but you have to be close to receive it.
DNR dispatch is full time ENC
 
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