Buying a new scanner

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cdremy44

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Looking for suggestions on a good mobile scanner under 400.00 and someone to program it for me. Thanks
 

trentbob

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Welcome to radio reference, I just saw this post and I thought I would respond and set it up for others to step in and help. A scanner for under $400 won't be easy but it can be done if you live somewhere where it's all non digital, non simulcast..

..so others can help you, you need to let us know the exact state, County and Hometown that you live in and what it is you're looking to listen to. With that information, members can look up in the database and see exactly what your needs are. Good luck and hope you get back to us with that information, so people here can help you.
 

RaleighGuy

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Looking for suggestions on a good mobile scanner under 400.00 and someone to program it for me. Thanks

Read this post...

 

trentbob

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@cdremy44, there you go, you already have the attention of notable members and there are so many others that will help you.

I noticed you have had seven posts so I don't think you're being moderated anymore so your responses should be pretty immediate. Give us the information needed and you will get the attention of many experienced members as you already have a few.

Step up and let's see what can be done!.. Bob.
 

rk911

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you will need to please tell us where you live, (city/town, county, state) and what you want to listen to. that will determine which scanners, if any, will be suitable. at that point it becomes your decision.
 

morrisr3nd

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We found out from his previous posts that he doesn't like to give out where he lives so he can be helped. He has a PSR-800 which would handle most of what he might want to listen to (except DMR without sending it to Whistler).

 

trentbob

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We found out from his previous posts that he doesn't like to give out where he lives so he can be helped. He has a PSR-800 which would handle most of what he might want to listen to (except DMR without sending it to Whistler).

Well with the psr800 there's not much we could do for him anyway LOL. Got to be able to tell us where you live. Case closed.
 

Whiskey3JMC

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Looking for suggestions on a good mobile scanner under 400.00 and someone to program it for me. Thanks
Unless your area is still primarily analog you'll be hard pressed to find a "good mobile scanner" under $400.00, perhaps maybe the Uniden BCD325p2. As my "esteemed colleagues" have suggested, please reply back with your location so we can check the database & make a proper recommendation for you
 
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bearcatrp

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Have seen the 436 under $400 in the for sale section. Just keep checking. But if your area has a few simulcast towers, you may have issues receiving digital. Do your homework looking up your area on the database here. But for better assistance, post your general location and what you want to listen to.
 

morrisr3nd

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I have both of these kind of scanners and they work great. Like already mentioned if you are in an area with simulcast then even these would give you a bit of trouble.




 

fredva

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The reason people are asking for your location isn't to invade your privacy or stalk you. It's important to be able to look up what kind of systems you might be listening to so they know what kind of scanner to recommend. At least give the county and state.
 

morrisr3nd

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The reason people are asking for your location isn't to invade your privacy or stalk you. It's important to be able to look up what kind of systems you might be listening to so they know what kind of scanner to recommend. At least give the county and state.

I think you are talking to a wall. Just sayin'
 

bob550

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When members ask for your location, we're not looking for exact GPS coordinates or your full home address. A zip code would do fine. The scanner hobby has become too complex for us to make universal equipment recommendations that apply to everyone. Too often, new members have buyer's remorse after realizing they purchased a scanner that doesn't meet their specific needs. Just keep in mind that any recommendations from forum members are just recommendations. In the end, you're responsible for making your own choice.
 

Brales60

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Maybe this is Kevin from "Home Alone". OP, I gave my info to a few members w/o issues and a made a huge difference in my programming.
 

lu81fitter

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Marshall County, Illinois
Looking for suggestions on a good mobile scanner under 400.00 and someone to program it for me. Thanks

You can probably find a used Uniden BCD996P2 for around $400. Tell us what you want programmed in and we'll help you out. Your programming file will also help us with antenna recommendations. It's best to have an external antenna for that radio when using it in a vehicle.
 

tvengr

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The Ramsey, Washington, and Hennepin County sites are all simulcast which may be problem for the BCD325P2, BCD996P2, BCD436HP, and BCD536HP. Whistler scanners are usually worse with simulcast. You will probably end up needing a SDS100 handheld or SDS200 base/mobile. The 436HP and 536HP handle simulcast a little better than the 325P2 and 996P2. If you order a scanner other than the SDS100 or SDS200, make sure the dealer has a good return policy.
 

morrisr3nd

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wogggieee

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Here in Minnesota you're going to need a scanner capable of digital trunking which means they can get expensive. I dont think you'll find a new one within your budget. You may be able to find a used one if you look around for awhile. We're simulcast here so I'd avoid tge Uniden BCD396xt abd BCD996xt. I'd look at the newer Uniden models or the whistler models as they deal with simulcast better, but they may be out of your budget. If you're somewhat computer savvy a software defined radio is the less expensive route for you.

These around around $30: https://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Blog...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A37V0QGFC9C912

A higher quality and more capable option: Airspy R2 SDR – Airspy.US

These can be pair with free software like Unitrunker or SDRtrunk.

Since you mentioned a mobile scanner I should mention that in the state of Minnesota it is illegal to operate a scanner in you car unless you are a Amateur (Ham) Radio operator. The likelihood of getting in trouble for it isn't great but it's something to keep in mind.
 
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