Clueless- looking for scanner suggestions

[shaynster]

Like the title says I'm clueless on digital scanners. I'm hoping you can recommend a few scanners that would work in my area and maybe were to buy. Being able to program with zip code would be nice. Can you buy them preprogrammed? I can still get my local police on analog, but the county has went to digital. I live in Indiana in Fulton County.

Thanks,
Shayn

 

[doctordialtone]

Can you buy them preprogrammed?

Buying pre-programmed has limited value. When the system changes, as they regularly do, you'll need to reprogram it.

Most of us program our own scanner. It takes time to learn but it's not bad once you learn.

The SDS scanners offer Zip Code programming, but they are expensive.

I use a 996P2 and a 325P2 to monitor my local systems. They are both up-to-date.

Here's a listing of scanners:

Uniden Scanners - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[trap5858]

Welcome. You can't go wrong by staring out at the top of the scanner food chain. Either of the uniden SDS products can handle digital transmissions plus a lot more.

 

[Enjoi19]

Looks like your area isn't on a simulcast site - which means you can save a few bucks, unless you'd like to shoot right to the top with the SDS 100/200. If you'd like zipcode abilities, the BCD436/536HP are a good choice for you though. You can spend a few bucks extra for programming but the software is free and you can download it right now and start playing around, called Sentinel. I would not spend the money on programming and learn it yourself. You can update the database in the scanner and use the zipcode functionality to get going and using quickly, then narrow things down with the programming as you learn.

 

[shaynster]

Thanks for the reply's and info. Kinda leaning toward the Uniden bcd536hp. Any good place to buy besides Amazon.

Shayn

 

[trentbob]

Well Shayn... good news no encryption except for some Federal Marshals. Fulton law enforcement? and fire is on VHF High. This is the system that looks like is going to be important to you. It's a p25 phase 1 system

I don't know what law enforcement patrols your local town but Fulton County Sheriff's Department dispatch and secondary channels are on this p25 phase 1 system. Also the state police. What ISP District are you in? Do they Patrol your area?

I would think the 996 P2 would be a good scanner for you. You're not going to get zip code scanning but to be honest with you that's not how you want to do it. You want to program the specific frequencies and talk groups that you need. The more you scan the less you hear. You could have the radio pre-programmed but they're not going to do a good a job as you can once you learn how to do it.

You don't need an sds100 or 200 but if you have the money it's a great scanner and a lot of fun. Even though they're kind of old in the tooth and I don't use them anymore the 996 P2 is an excellent radio and I think you will enjoy it. It's problem-free and will last forever. It doesn't use a data card so it doesn't have as much room or memory but it's surely going to be enough for you.

You can get a lot of help here from Members like doc who posted above. That's my two cents.

 

[shaynster]

You want to program the specific frequencies and talk groups that you need.

Thanks for the help. I have a lot to learn. I have no clue what a talk group is. I'll reconsider the 996p2

Shayn

 

[trentbob]

I understand, I've been doing this a long long time and it's hard to imagine what this must be like for someone who doesn't know anything about it.

It's something that comes to you with time. We all agree that no one should pay for programming by the vendor but you know I think a lot of people do and in your case it very well might be something to consider. You would just want to tell them you want all of Fulton County, I think they charge by county so you are entitled to the whole County. My guess would be is they would just put the safe-t system in but you would want to make it clear you want the entire safe-t system and the Fulton County VHF high frequencies. You can then hand pick what you want to listen to probably a total of about 25 items. Let us know what your decision is.

 

[shaynster]

The safe-t system, another thing I know nothing about. I ordered the bcd536hp. I'm not to bad on the computer so I'll figure it out and program it myself. I just wanted something to start with and learn as I go. So is Sentinel the best software to use or is it the only one?

Shayn

 

[trap5858]

The BCD536 is a great scanner- lots of capacity and once you get it set up it is fairly easy to operate. There are lots of sources for scanners. ScannerMaster, Ham Radio Outlet. Main Trading Company, of course Amazon and ebay. Be sure to look at their return policies, shipping costs and whether the equipment is in stock. Nothing is worse than getting revved up for this purchase only to find out the radio is on back order.

 

[west-pac]

There are a couple different ways to monitor a SAFE-T tower. One way is to program in the tower frequency and every talkgroup (channel) you want to listen to; or the other way is to program in the tower frequency and listen to everyone who uses that tower, without programming in ANY talkgroups.

Uniden calls that "ID SCAN", and "ID SEARCH".

With ID SCAN you have to program all of the talkgroups you want to listen to, and you'll only hear those talkgroups.

With ID SEARCH you only program the tower frequency, and you'll hear everybody who uses that tower. (I call this listening to the tower; versus listening to a selected group of talkgroups).

When programming by hand (without the zip-code feature or using computer software), ID SEARCH is much simpler, faster, and easier. You could be up-and-running within 5 minutes after receiving your scanner.

I've been listening to SAFE-T for 15+ years and have never programmed in a talkgroup. I'd rather listen to the tower instead of a selected group of talkgroups. You'll catch more radio traffic by listening to the tower itself, such as units from surrounding counties, or state or federal agencies, plus you'll hear unknown talkgroups, undocumented talkgroups, and new talkgroups before they're ever listed in the Radio Reference database, and you'll never have to reprogram your scanner to hear them.

In closing, programming a BCD996P2 (even without a computer) doesn't have to be as intimidating as it seems.

 

[west-pac]

As far as where to buy from, I've bought 3 times from the Bearcat Warehouse website, and it's been great all 3 times. The last time I ordered they even called me on the phone to make sure I ordered correctly.