Help Finding a scanner

[BG5850]

I need a cheap digital scanner. I want to mointor this talk group for columbus PD.
System Name:
Consolidated Government of Columbus
Location: Columbus, GA
County: 2 counties
System Type: Motorola Type II Smartnet
System Voice: Analog

All the talk group's have Dec and the numbers. Thanks

 

[safetyobc]

According to that info you posted, you only need an analog trunking scanner. Not sure if the 785 was supported with rebranding so it may not work. But something newer like a BCD996T would work and should be able to get one for $150-$200 max.

 

[BG5850]

Thanks

 

[N8IAA]

I need a cheap digital scanner. I want to mointor this talk group for columbus PD.
System Name:
Consolidated Government of Columbus
Location: Columbus, GA
County: 2 counties
System Type: Motorola Type II Smartnet
System Voice: Analog

All the talk group's have Dec and the numbers. Thanks

You'll need program the Muscogee Regional Communications System into a digital P-25 scanner. The Consolidated Government of Columbus system is no longer.
Columbus PD is Digital and on the MRC system.
Larry

 

[BG5850]

Larry, I want a mobile scanner any recommendations? I want the cheapest one I can find.

 

[SCPD]

Larry, I want a mobile scanner any recommendations? I want the cheapest one I can find.

Please clarify your definition of "mobile".

Are you looking for a model that will be used in your vehicle (for the most part) which will operate from vehicle power (12 volts DC) or a mainly battery powered handheld that you carry around in your hand or clipped to your belt/pocket?

 

[BG5850]

Handheld. Sorry

 

[SCPD]

Deleted. Posted same message twice.

 

[SCPD]

Handheld. Sorry

No problem. Larry has informed you of an update to the system you want to monitor, that being the requirement a of P-25 capable scanner. Since he did not mention Phase II, you can assume a P-25 Phase I scanner will work fine for the time being.

First thing to do is to review what scanners fit the bill. Please take a look at the following list created by a very helpful fellow user here:

http://forums.radioreference.com/ne...d-buy-listen-my-local-police.html#post2433184

The next step is your budget. What does "cheap" mean to you?

P-25 capability and cheap normally don't mix.

Would you be willing to purchased a used scanner? If so, this will open more options to you.

Let us know and we can help you narrow it down a bit.

 

[BG5850]

Okay great, I'll read through the info you provided. I can go used that's fine I waneed to try and stay around 150/200 max. See I can listen to it right now free but, it's not like Disbatch A or B it's all the channels trunked together scanning. So I miss things or get jumbled info. I want to be able to switch to disbatch A,B,C or Dmv just like on the police radio. I had a old radio scanner but, cpd changed the system serval years back. Thanks alot for the time to help.

 

[Blackswan73]

You can buy a Pro 668 new for around $200. It is P25 1 and 2 capable. Alot of scanner for the money, and the cheapest phase 2 scanner available.

 

[SCPD]

Okay great, I'll read through the info you provided. I can go used that's fine I waneed to try and stay around 150/200 max. See I can listen to it right now free but, it's not like Disbatch A or B it's all the channels trunked together scanning. So I miss things or get jumbled info. I want to be able to switch to disbatch A,B,C or Dmv just like on the police radio. I had a old radio scanner but, cpd changed the system serval years back. Thanks alot for the time to help.

Okay, it is definitely doable on your budget. Due to the recent Radio Shack liqudation, there is a glut of P-25 capable scanners for sale. Lots of folks took the opportunity to upgrade to a Phase II unit on the cheap and are looking to unload older models.

Take a look at what is up for sale here on the RR Classifieds. While this is no guarantee of the best deal, you will be dealing in most cases with fellow active users and this might limit the issues that other platforms seem to be plagued by.

Another option is Amazon, they are my go to for scanners. Can't beat their prices on most items but where they truly shine is customer service, as long as the item is either "Sold by Amazon.com" or "Fulfillment by Amazon" you are entitled to free shipping, free return shipping if there is a problem, no restocking fees and even expedited replacements without the need to return the original item first.

 

[BG5850]

Hey guys u see the "Uniden Homepatrol 1" Does a auto scan and seems to have a auto program system. Does the pro 668 have same type setup?

 

[hiegtx]

Hey guys u see the "Uniden Homepatrol 1" Does a auto scan and seems to have a auto program system. Does the pro 668 have same type setup?

While it is done a slightly different way (I don't own one, but have read enough to be aware of the features), yes, the 668 can be programmed from the database information. The exact steps required, someone with that scanner will need to step in, but it can be done.

 

[BG5850]

I already have a Boateng uv-5R+plus. I see people on youtube listing to police/ems but I don't think it would work due to it not going to 800 MHz? Any ideas yes or no? If so that would save me from even having to buy a scanner? Thanks

 

[ofd8001]

Most likely they are listening to analog, conventional VHF or UHF systems.

The Muscogee Regional System is trunked, digital and 800. So you Baofeng is incapable of receiving that system.

The cheapest scanner would be a 396XT, if you can still find them. EBay may be an option, buyer being aware.

Otherwise the 325P2 may be your less costly new scanner. You'll have some programming to do, however and there is a learning curve. But if you can figure out Baofeng programming, you can probably program a scanner.