Help me select scanner: I need....

[dizwiz21]

Hello,
I used to use a GRE PSR-500 for mobile scanning across Ohio, but am looking to upgrade into something more modern that has more memory and is easier to program.
My job as field engineer takes me all across Ohio, lower Michigan, western PA, sometimes Indiana.
However Ohio is my first priority.
I really enjoyed hearing live what was going on around me when I used to listen to my scanner all the time.

My requirements in a scanner are:
-Good software for programming
-Handheld, portable unit that I can either 12v cig lighter in, hardwire in, 'or' use long lasting battery-pack in case vehicle interference is an issue with the speaker.
-Loud speaker
-I am looking to monitor OH MARCS 700 and 800 Mhz systems.
-I dont want encrypted TG's to be 'skipped over', I want them to be displayed and then I can lock them out manually.
-I need something that also covers in the 796 - 803 Mhz region.
Even though GRE claims their PSR-500 covers that, the Win Soft software wont let me enter freqencies in that range for some reason.
-Need something that can recognize I am traveling and jump from site-to-site automatically

 

[pb_lonny]

The SDS100/150 would do this, except the encrypted talk groups, I believe it will skip past them.

 

[dmfalk]

Database based scanners (which are actually the easiest to work with) will all skip over (ignore) encrypted TGs. I know you don't want that (essentially, you want to know who's encrypted, so you'd know what you're missing), but it's just something you'll have to live with.

Ohio MARCS, as with many trunked systems, especially regional/statewide systems, is simulcast, and you'll need a scanner that deals with that. Not too many, there.

You can get a 12V cigarette-to-USB adapter that can power most USB stuff, so my primary recommendation is the the same as above my response, here, especially the SDS150. This has GPS built-in, so it'll make receiving easy, as you move around your region.

 

[Chris0516]

SDS100($700) SDS150($950)

The difference in price, is because. The 150 has GPS and BlueTooth. If you don't absolutely need those, the 100.

 

[dmfalk]

SDS100($700) SDS150($950)

The difference in price, is because. The 150 has GPS and BlueTooth. If you don't absolutely need those, the 100.

He wants one that automatically updates to his current location as he travels around Ohio & nearby states, which means he needs the GPS. Since the 150 has built-in GPS to do just that, that's his best bet.

 

[ve1sef]

A quick look at the MARS system. Looks like several simulcast sites (which your 500 isn't designed
to deal with). Based on that and you other needs the BCD150SDS would meet your requirements,
The 150 handles simulcast, handheld, And a built in GPS

 

[buddrousa]

Also not said by anybody above the SDS150 has a better receiver and audio. I run 3 SDS100's and 3 SDS200's to compare to along with 436's 536's 325p2's and 996p2's.

 

[dizwiz21]

Thank you for the replies

That is a real bummer that:
1. The newer scanners dont have an option to stop on the encrypted TG’s / as somebody mentioned I like to know who’s talking even if its encrypfed

2. That my PSR-500’which does stop on the encrypted TG’s cant handle simulcast

Does any other scanner out there still have an option to stop on encrypted TG’s (and then i can lock them out )?

 

[buddrousa]

TRX-1 and TRX-2 have that as a option to pick

 

[tvengr]

TRX-1 and TRX-2 have that as a option to pick

As well as the older WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, and WS1098 also.

 

[dizwiz21]

As well as the older WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, and WS1098

As well as the older WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, and WS1098 also.

Do any of those also receive in the 796-806 Mhz region for close-call programming?

This is the dilemma i face:

Uniden - automatically blocks enc TG’s
(this would be the 9600 bps control channel phase 2 P25 700 and 800 Mhz systems).

But it can receive in the 796-806 region

Maybe there is an older Uniden that can decode p25 audio (thats in the clear) and can handle a 9600 bps control channel -but cant automatically block it

i used to have a BC-296d that would stop on enc TG’s like I wanted, and I could manually lock them out. No idea if it would work on 9600 bps type 2 p25 system and could also receive 796-806 bc the system I monitored then was purely 800 mhz and had a slower baud rate CC.


No Whistler works on 796- 806 mhz
Correct me if im wrong…

 

[dizwiz21]

(Correction / everywhere i typed phase 2 should have been phase 1)

 

[tvengr]

i used to have a BC-296d that would stop on enc TG’s like I wanted, and I could manually lock them out. No idea if it would work on 9600 bps type 2 p25 system and could also receive 796-806 bc the system I monitored then was purely 800 mhz and had a slower baud rate CC.

The Whistler scanners receive up to 796.9875 MHz and then there is a gap to 806 MHz. The BC296D and BC796D do not support 700 MHz at all. They were manufactured before 700 MHz came available. Both support P25 Phase 1 with the optional digital card. P25 Phase 1 & 2 both use a 9600 bps control channel. There was an older Motorola Type II system that used a 3600 bps control channel.

 

[RoninJoliet]

The RS 197 andRS102 stop on "enc" channels

 

[noaim]

I still think that the sds150 checks off more boxes for you then doesnt. Having the nationwide database running with gps and the ability connect it to your phone and the phone can be a head unit for controlling the scanner. I know you have to weigh what your getting and what your not the 150 is amazing for traveling hands down