HELP: Looking for a Scanner

[silver61]

Hello,

I am looking for a scanner that fits within the following parameters:

- Cost: negotiable, but preferably under $700

- *Monitoring: analog and a simulcast P25 system (unknown phase, etc., just starting out). Trunking capabilities not necessary

- **Mute, or preferably skip, encrypted transmissions, but still receive the clear transmissions on the same frequency. (Currently using a BC785D which picks up the clear transmissions as well as the garble of the encrypted transmissions)

- Preferably a desktop style unit

- Preferably easy to program by using keys on the scanner itself in lieu of a PC program

- Background colors and other bells and whistles are not of concern. Normal display size preferred

Note: I've looked online at several models, including 396XT and 436HP. I'm just looking for someone who can point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

 

[tvengr]

For simulcast, your only choice is the Uniden SDS200 desk/mobile. DMR and NXDN can be added to it later if required. It skips encrypted transmissions. Which systems and agencies would you like to monitor? P25 conventional is always Phase 1.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

- Preferably a desktop style unit

So I take it this will be a stationary operation (non-mobile)? A software defined radio can be acquired for a fraction of the cost of an SDS200 if money is a factor. I highly recommend the SDRPlay line. Only prerequisite is a reliable PC. A number of apps (some free, some not) can be used to drive the SDR. But if you are hard-set on a physical scanner then I'll echo the recommendation for the SDS200 to properly mitigate simulcast distortion. Expect a significant learning curve versus the BC785D you're used to. Plenty of resources at your disposal right here on the forums to get you going.

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual
Sentinel SDS100/200 Software Manual

- *Monitoring: analog and a simulcast P25 system (unknown phase, etc., just starting out). Trunking capabilities not necessary

How are you certain "trunking capabilities are not necessary' if you're just starting out? Is said "system" simulcast P25 conventional? Care to post the database link to the "system" in question so those who are more well versed can have a look & make an informed recommendation for you?

Welcome to the forums!

 

[silver61]

So I take it this will be a stationary operation (non-mobile)? A software defined radio can be acquired for a fraction of the cost of an SDS200 if money is a factor. I highly recommend the SDRPlay line. Only prerequisite is a reliable PC. A number of apps (some free, some not) can be used to drive the SDR. But if you are hard-set on a physical scanner then I'll echo the recommendation for the SDS200 to properly mitigate simulcast distortion. Expect a significant learning curve versus the BC785D you're used to. Plenty of resources at your disposal right here on the forums to get you going.

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual
Sentinel SDS100/200 Software Manual


How are you certain "trunking capabilities are not necessary' if you're just starting out? Is said "system" simulcast P25 conventional? Care to post the database link to the "system" in question so those who are more well versed can have a look & make an informed recommendation for you?

Welcome to the forums!

Thanks a bunch for the reply, I really appreciate it. I've actually been keeping an eye on the SDS200, but someone said that if it encountered an encrypted transmission, it would completely block receiving from that frequency at all, despite the presence of some clear transmissions. But we all know how social media works, so I took all of those remarks with a grain of salt, and came here for a better opinion.

As far as the trunking, only the State Patrol here uses it, so although it could be a useful feature, it's not a ride or die option for me, personally.

Phone won't let me post a link at the moment, but the area of concern is Portage County, WI., law enforcement agencies, plus fire and EMS. To the 785D's credit, it's done a decent job over the years keeping us up to date, but the garbled encryption noise has been a headache and we're looking for a way to mute or avoid that.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Appreciate the location info. So looking at the database for your county, your sheriff looks to be simulcast P25 conventional across 4 sites and partially encrypted (mode P25e) meaning you'll hear some transmissions but not others. Tac channels appear to be mobile only meaning you'll need to be in close proximity to a transmitting unit to pick them up. So yes, if you have no desire to monitor the small handful of talkgroups on your state's system (they look to be mostly interop and fire tac so they may not be significant) then you're correct in saying you'll have no need for trunking capability

 

[silver61]

Sounds great, thanks very much!

 

[evilbrad]

Sds(for simulcast) isn't necessary for Portage Co. And like I've seen other places say.. They are not full enc! But it's hit or miss on 155.5950 wether it's enc or not. Fire is analog. There is a tact/alt Plover Pd repeater which is the only one I heard full enc. On.

 

[silver61]

Okie dokie. The main "desire" is a scanner that automatically mutes or skips just the encrypted transmissions, since that awful garbled noise is difficult to listen to at best