I plan to use a new 396XT or use the 996XT [when it is for sale]. I have heard about how you have to run some wire to make it all conect but if there is an easier way to do this to avoid bricking a radio that would be best.
Are the Uniden's the way to go or is there a better scanner/software to use? And what sort of software should I use with the Uniden's/or other radio? Also, what sort of computer to run it, memory, Windows XP, etc?
Appreciate the help. I am looking forward to doing this. Seems like and interesting way of learning about these types of systems.
Thanx.
With the Uniden 396XT and 996XT as well as the GRE PSR-500/600 and Radio Shack PRO-106/197 you don't need a physical discriminator tap. Those scanners decode the CC data and dump the data over the PC/IF port directly into software that supports it (Unitrunker, Trunk88, perhaps Pro96Com and some others).
So if you're going to get a Uniden XT model, you won't have to risk damage to your scanner just to be able to decode. You'll be all set. All you need is a free serial port on your computer and a trunking program to capture the decode data and present it to you.
XP / Vista are fine. Some of the different software is mentioned above. Check out the
RR Wiki for more info on various software.
* Note: Not ALL of the software listed in the Wiki will work using the PC/IF output. Some of that software requires a discriminator tap or/and a data slicer. Specific software that I personally know of that will work with the XTs are Unitrunker and Trunk88. There may be others, but I can't say for sure what they are.
Mike