Help me get started in trunk scanning...

[cigator]

Hi, I just joined the group. I've used an Icom IC-R3 for a few years, and wanted to move into the trunked scanning world. I've been looking at the Uniden 250D, 296D and the Radio Shack Pro96. Are these 3 my best options for longterm analog and digital trunk scanning? Which would you recommend. They have a special on the 250D, where you get the apco card included for $350-400. Please post your thoughts, I'm anxious to pull the trigger and get started. Thanks.

 

[Pro-95]

Head down to the local Radio Shack and buy the Pro-96. You can test drive it for 30 days under the 30 day return policy. Put it in your hands and play with it.

And yes you will get LOTS of varying thoughts and ideas. You did read the sticky up top comparing the to closest apples, yes?

What specifically do you want to do with your scanner?

 

[cigator]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't see a sticky in this forum that reviewed the best options for trunk scanning. As for my needs, I simply want to listen to the full spectrum of police/fire/ems, etc.. in the Orlando area. My Icom IC-R3 is great, but it doesn't work on trunk systems. Seems all agencies in my area have gone to these systems so I'm losing out on most of the communication. I'd prefer a unit that is easy to use and program, gets good battery life, and doesn't limit battery power to a special cell. I'm not really clear on digital trunk scanning, but it seems the wave of the future. I want to make sure that if I invest in a digital unit, that it will be compatible with future digital transmissions. Thanks.

 

[Pro-95]

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=12413 Sorry it was in a different forum.

Digital seems to be the wave of the future. Buying a digital scanner gives you more opportunity to receive over a analog scanner, especially if you travel or your local area hasn't done an upgrade recently as those that do seem to go digital.

Regular batteries = Pro96.

BTW, welcome to the forums.