Future of Scanning

[Cbandguy]

Does anyone have any idea or opinions on what the future of scanning will possibly be like for scanning enthusiasts? It seems like the scanning hobby is becoming somewhat obsolete as the technology advances. The only thing I see keeping the hobby strong is the fact that it may just be too costly for cities and towns to utilize many of the advanced systems and are staying with the simple analog systems. But if towns and cities can afford these new systems and they are available and working properly for various services, sounds like it could be a wipeout for scanner enthusiasts. What do you think?

 

[kikito]

I personally think the hobby is as alive and active as it ever was, if not more!

I would say the hobby is healthy at the moment and the future still looks good! 8)

It has gotten a little more expensive and complicated through out the years but we always find a way.....

 

[JoeyC]

I've never been MORE active in scanning in over 30 years doing it. I have 6 radios, 2 of which are digital and sometimes thats not enough. Scanning may be coming obsolete for the guy unwilling to move up to trunking and digital scanners but as long as the majority of traffic remains unencrypted, the hobby has never been hotter, IMHO.

Joe

 

[Cbandguy]

I agree that the scanning hobby has become more challenging and more rewarding if you're willing to invest in the new technology offered to truly enjoy it. But what about when you begin to see such services going to LTR MultiNet (Johnson) systems where there is no scanner available to intercept such signals?

 

[scanfan03]

You can moniter LTR Multi net in conventional mode right now. Not many PS agencies use LTR so i don't think it will catch on that much.

 

[JoeyC]

I agree that the scanning hobby has become more challenging and more rewarding if you're willing to invest in the new technology offered to truly enjoy it. But what about when you begin to see such services going to LTR MultiNet (Johnson) systems where there is no scanner available to intercept such signals?

You can listen to all LTR Multinet systems conventionally. No scanner can trunk them though. I also don't know of any or have a desire to listen to any LTR Multinet system currently.

 

[kikito]

But what about when you begin to see such services going to LTR MultiNet (Johnson) systems where there is no scanner available to intercept such signals?

There's an LTR Trunker program floating around in this site, I think with two scanners and a computer you can effectively track such systems. I know, it's not quite portable but it's something....

 

[eyes00only]

My $00.02 worth. I have gone on spells with the hobby for 20 years. I live by a fire station, and love to be able to find out where they are going. Imagine how bummed I was when Denver went trunked many years ago. Then I got the $200 together for a Pro94 when they came out. There was a LONG period of time between Denver changing, and a scanner that would trunk. Now I can still monitor at home, but elsewhere I need a $450 scanner, which I just can't justify. Imagine the poor soul who lives in Aurora, that may have spent $450, and now can monitor NOTHING in Aurora. I still love the hobby, but the cost has become too prohibitive for the average guy. The profit margin is simply too much. You can now get a better version of my Pro94 for $80 less than I paid. OK, I know I need some cheese for my WHINE.................lol.

Jerry

 

[Scanning-Virginia]

I've been scanning for close to ten years now. I bought my first Scanner (A BC220XLT) and from day one I was hooked. I had already been a scanner enthusiast before that with my Grandfather up in Upper ST Clair/ Pittsburgh Area. As a young one I was always amazed at the dispatch sounds & the fire horn.

Now I have a Pro-96 after I scrapped $500 together & got what my friends termed a waste of money. Not for me though, I was happy to finally pick up Fairfax County PD, Manassas City and several others which were making the switch to digital.

I feel the hobby has gotten better since I first got my 220xlt back in 96. I'm also amazed at the power & range pickup for this scanner on a basic Rubberduck Antenna. I'm in Fredericksburg, Va and now pick up Washington DC, PG County, Montgomery County which is some 50+ miles to my north. I now have a listening range that includes Richmond, Va (58 Miles) to my south & Charlottesville almost 60 miles West of here.

I feel the hobby has been growing & will cont to get stronger over the next years to come. My $0.2 Cents Worth Anyway.

 

[SCPD]

I think that I'm more active in scanning than I use to be. I slacked off a bit when I got my Ham license in 1995 but I caught back up really quick. When I bought my BC780XLT that really set the hook in my mouth for monitoring trunked systems.

I really became interested in scanning in 1987 when I returned from being stationed overseas. I bought a portable Radio Shack 10 channel programmable scanner, don't rememeber the model#, and a R.S. PRO-2004. I've owned a total of 10 scanners since then and almost twice as many Ham radios. My future purchase is going to be a PRO-96. I'm going to purchse it not because there are digital systems in my area but there are some in areas that I travel to once or twice a year. That's how much I love scanning!

I believe in supply and demand. If we, the hobbyists, keep purchasing the scanners then the manufacturers will keep up with new technologies and produce them. So let's keep demanding those scanners so the supplies won't dry up!

 

[Pro-95]

From my point of view and I'm "new" to scanning as a hobby. I sell scanners. Our store averages 45-60 scanners a month. I don't think the scanning hobby is dead or even close to being in peril of dying.

Those I sell scanners to vary but for the most part can be listed as such:
Families of those on the calls.
Retired personnel that used to be on the calls.
Concerned citizens.
Volunteer workers.
Disaster and uncompensated emergency staff.
And the casual hobbyist.

I can honestly say that those I have sold scanners to DO NOT pose any threat to the security of any agency or agency representative. In fact they are those private parties that generally assist compensated users of the radio systems. I find the arms race mentality of radio devolution to be very counter-productive to the efforts of those who need to use the systems and to those who could be of assistance. But the last laugh will be on those poor souls left to try to use the systems when they need help but can't get out because of encryption, range deterioration or total lack of concern for interoperability amongst neighboring or common agencies.