Digital Trunking Scanners

[scannerland82]

Hello all,

I'm currently researching digital trunking scanner desktop options. Based upon what I have read, there are 2 scanners that are catching my eye. They are Radioshack Pro197 and Uniden BCD996T Which radio do you guys think is the best in terms of performance?

Both models appear to be rated very good, but ima looking for some opinions on which one is the best to buy when it comes to quality and realibility.

Thank you

 

[loumaag]

The Pro-197 is the GRE PSR600, rebranded for RS and with less accessories in the box. Additionally, historically RS was very slow to update firmware after GRE released it and the GRE firmware for the PSR600 would not load in the Pro-197.

As for the difference between the GRE and Uniden models, it is highly dependent on where you live. GRE's typically have a very sensitive front end and are more prone to front end over load in RF rich environments. Uniden's have the capability to use GPS mapping with an outboard GPS, but since you are talking about desktop use, that really doesn't apply.

It is a lot like Ford verses Chevy when you ask the question you asked. All in all, if I were in the market for a GRE built scanner right now, I would buy the GRE model over the RS branded one for a couple of reasons, mostly dealing with the added cost of needed accessories that come with the GRE model but cost extra with the RS model.

Use our Wiki (see link at top) to review the various models available.

 

[k9jus]

the radioshack (same thing as a gre) has a better receiver. The uniden 996xt, i think, has a little better audio quality and it maybe a little easier to operate. Depends on what you want to listen to and your ability to program these scanners. Either way, you def want to program one with the computer. I have both and other than saying the receiver the the pro-106 is a little more sensitive, I don't really know that I could say I like one more than the other.

 

[K8TOB]

Treat yourself....Do what I did.... Buy both.... Glad I did, they both have their strengths. It would be hard to decide which one I would part with if I had to..... Probably keep the Pro197, it definitely has a more sensitive front end. No front end overload for me, not where I live.

Then again, the 996XT has features that the 197 doesn't have. i.e. skips encrypted transmissions...

The one thing I DON'T like about the Pro197 - The Mounting bracket does not balance well on its own. Required me to use Velco to stabilize.

 

[n5ims]

To scanner users, the choice between a Uniden scanner and a GRE (or most Radio Shack models) is like the choice between Ford & Chevy or Coke & Pepsi. Folks love the one they love and hate the other. They're both really good scanners and would make a good choice in most situations.

There are a few differences (like others have pointed out) so one may work better in your specific situation better than the other and unless they live really close to you and monitor the same system(s) you may not know for certain which will be the absolute best without trying them out yourself. Generally you'll have very good results with either brand's scanners.

 

[Tweekerbob]

Is it too soon to reinvent the wheel?

Radioshack Pro 197 Vs. Uniden BCD996T