Digital..Analog...BCT8 I am in need of some help

[Opsbear7]

Hi,
I was introduced to scanning by my friend and he suggested that i purchase the BCT8 and so I did. However, I am at a loss because i dont think it is digital and someone was telling me that everything is in digital now and I wont hear anything fun. Please help me with any information you may be able to offer

 

[crashcrew]

The BCT8 will not track digital. Not everything is digital, but many agencies are making moves towards digital. So if there aren't any agencies using digital in your area, you can enjoy your BCT8 for awhile.

 

[mam1081]

Even if the PD and FD and such is using digital - that doesn't mean there isn't good stuff to listen to. Try tow trucks, area businesses, mass transit, metro-area towns (if they aren't digital also), fast food drive-thru (especially fun!!), and many others. Digital Public Safety is not the end of scanning - there is much more out there.

 

[mciupa]

Even if (they)are using digital - that doesn't mean there isn't good stuff to listen to... there is much more out there.

To Opsbear 7
True enough ... especially if you are in a rural area still using conventional comms.

How is it performing so far ? Are you using it while mobile ?

 

[Forts]

I have a BCT-8 in my work truck and I'm really happy with it. It's well behaved and does what I need it to (conventional scanning and basic trunking). My Pro-96 rides along beside it in a cell phone mount to fill the digital void. My only gripe with the BCT-8 is the lack of alpha-tags, but you get what you pay for! I originally had a Pro-2067, but I needed a mobile unit that would properly do vhf trunking (the 2067 kept choking on the digital talkgroups as well). The BCT-8 works very well in this regard.

 

[Opsbear7]

Thanks for your help...I live just outside of DC. I asked a local officer and he said that they had made the switch to digital but some stuff is replayed over analog. But, it will go in my truck and I cant wait to see what I will pickup when I am driving out of town.

 

[ka3jjz]

Thanks for your help...I live just outside of DC. I asked a local officer and he said that they had made the switch to digital but some stuff is replayed over analog. But, it will go in my truck and I cant wait to see what I will pickup when I am driving out of town.

Depending on where 'outside of DC' you are, you might not have much choice. If you're interested in hearing DC police/fire, then you need one of the digital trunktrackers- the BCT8 won't cut it. If you're in Maryland, Montgomery and Howard counties are both digital
You might want to check the database for your area before you plunk down any money...if it says your area is digital, your choices are kinda limited - which it sounds like they may be. It would also be helpful if we knew what you are interested in hearing.

73s Mike