Computer-Radio Receivers?

[mdickerson17]

Ok so lately I've been the market for a new scanner, I came across a catalog with a couple computer radio receivers like the WiNRADiO WR-G305e. My question is are they really worth the money? How are they with trunking and p25? They seem to have some really nice features but Im hoping for some input before I decide to buy. All replies appreciated, thanks in advance........

 

[majoco]

Have a look in the SDR forum. IMHO the G305 is not a scanner, it is a surveillance type receiver where you are mainly interested in specific frequency. You can make it scan, but it's pretty slow.

 

[DaveNF2G]

From what I have read, the nice features come from software that is not cheap.

 

[majoco]

The Winradio software is free - you can download it and run it in demo mode. It's the receiver that is expensive.

The 303 and 305 are getting a bit long in the tooth now - the 303 has largely been replaced with the "Excalibur" - I guess there will be a newer VHF/UHF receiver down the line soon.

 

[DaveNF2G]

Unless there have been major updates, the basic Winradio demo software cannot do trunking or other advanced monitoring functions.

 

[Token]

The Advanced Trunking Option software for the G305x is an add-on, and list at $199.95. The APCO P25 Decoder software for the G305x is also an add-on and list at $99.95. The basic scanning software is free to download and is no cost, but does not do trunking or P25.

If all you want to do is scan trunked and P25 groups/freqs/channels then I would say there are better options to be had. If you want that combined with a decent HF reciever and the ability to do any mode of demodulation (AM, FM, CW, SSB, etc) on any covered frequency then the G305x or G315x might be a good fit.

T!