do I need a 296/396 for baltimore city

[pcool69]

I thought I had it all figured out but the more I read, the more questions I have?

I am in the market for a scanner and have pretty much decided on a 396. I made that decision based on my understanding that in order to listen to Baltimore City Police and Fire, I had to buy a 296 or 396. Is that true?

I want to listen to commercial aviation and occasionally balt city police and fire.

 

[ka3jjz]

Those are indeed 2 choices, but not the only ones. There's the Uniden BC796D, or the GRE/RS Pro96 or 2096.

Without getting too technical, I'd avoid the BC250d and the BC785d. There are major frequency shifts coming for which these scanners will not be able to be upgraded. In addition, both of these need the BC25i optional card to enable digital reception.

All 5 models will handle commercial aviation just fine, with the right antenna. 73s Mike

 

[Admin0140434]

for what its worth... fork out the $525 for the BCD396T. even thought the 296 is a little cheaper ($500?), the 396T tracks the new 380MHtz and 700MHtz systems that are coming... and are the best value when the new rebanding takes effect (do searches on this website for more information)

 

[cohenner5377]

Admin,

I was uer the impression that the 296/796 was capable of tracking the new freqs as well. Am I wrong?

David

 

[mmartinfan]

They will be able to track the rebanding. But they will not be able to scan the newest 700mhz systems coming out soon. As well a trunking the 380mhz area