Help with scanner

[Roach112683]

I recently acquired a PRO-164 scanner and wish to use it as an upgrade from my PRO-96 as the PRO-96 cannot offer an LTR option and with my line of work I need the LTR option now.

When I go to program the scnner all I seem to recieve is static from the channels and no audio. Is this scanner capable of recieveing digital channels or is that the problem? I need to know so that way if it is the wrong one I can return it and get one which is more suited for my needs.

Thanks

 

[ka3jjz]

The 164 cannot handle digital - to handle both the state of Delaware and whatever LTR system it is you're trying to get, you will need one of the later digital models. I'm unsure about how well the older BC296 or 796 would work on the Delaware system, but both handle LTR standard systems, and you might save yourself some bucks. Otherwise, you'd be well advised to go with the 396XT, 996XT or the PSR-500 or 600 (or the RS clones) - all of these will handle both (assuming here that the LTR system you wish to monitor is LTR standard, as that's the only one any scanner will trunktrack).

Here is a listing of all the digital scanners - simply click on the model number you wish to investigate.

Categoryigital Scanners - The RadioReference Wiki

73 Mike

 

[Roach112683]

What about the PRO-106/197 will that work? It is the Christiana care constables I would like to monitor. I am in private security and work at another hospital within the city of wilmington but I would like to monitor them as well.

 

[hiegtx]

What about the PRO-106/197 will that work? It is the Christiana care constables I would like to monitor. I am in private security and work at another hospital within the city of wilmington but I would like to monitor them as well.

The Pro-106/197 are the "Radio Shack clones" of the GRE PSR-500/PSR-600 scanners that Mike (ka3jjz) was referring too. (GRE makes all of these.)

For the Pro-106, the only difference is in front panel layout between it and the PSR-500. Operationally, they are equivalent. GRE includes the ac adapter and the pc programming cable. With Radio Shack, those are extra cost accessories. (I believe that the Pro-197 would have the ac adapter, but not the pc cable.)

Anything the 386XT/996XT, or the PSR500/-600 would receive, so would the Pro-106/-197. So, if the Christiana Care system is a standard LTR, you'd be good to go, and still be able to cover digital systems.

If it's this system, that is a standard LTR.

 

[Roach112683]

yeah that's it.
Thanks for the help. I will be returning the scanner I purchased. Thank goodness I got it off e-bay at a good price! And will look into those scanners. Are they all around the same price range or is radioshack more expensive?

Thanks

 

[hiegtx]

yeah that's it.
Thanks for the help. I will be returning the scanner I purchased. Thank goodness I got it off e-bay at a good price! And will look into those scanners. Are they all around the same price range or is radioshack more expensive?

Thanks

Radio Shack has been running the Pro-106/-197 "on sale", off & on, a little cheaper than what a dealer like ScannerMaster charges for the GRE equivalents.

But compare the two-

Here's the Pro-106. Currently showing "on sale" @ $379.99 ($20.00 off the stated $399.99 list). It has been as cheap as $349.99 a month or two ago.

And the PSR-500, at ScannerMaster. Currently $448.00. Here's a different dealer @ $409.95. There may be others even cheaper.

If you get the PSR-500, the only thing you'll need to buy is some batteries. It will run on 4 AA batteries, alkaline or rechargeables (I use rechargeables, with an external charger). It comes with an ac adapter & the pc cable.

If you get the Pro-106, besides the batteries, you'll also need to get the pc cable, if you want to program the scanner with software (highly recommended), and also an ac adapter. Now, Radio Shack is discontinuing their cable, based on this thread. But if you can still find one, that'll set you back about $30 + tax. If not, you'd have to order the GRE cable (same thing, other than color), either from GRE direct, or from a dealer like ScannerMaster. Depending on who, & where you buy it from, etc, $30-40 plus tax & shipping.

Figure another $25-30 for an ac adapter, and now you've spent at least $60 over the cost of the scanner to add the additional items you'll need.

So, while the Pro-106 "looks" cheaper, unless it's a lot cheaper (more than just $20 off, maybe also with one of the infrequent "20% off Friends & Family coupons"), the PSR-500 may be the better "buy". Of course, if you can find a deal on a good used one, either model, with all the accessories included, then that would be even better.

 

[ka3jjz]

And to put a wrap on things - software. Unfortunately there's no freeware for the object oriented scanners, however there are 3 very good shareware packages - ARC500, PSRedit500 and Win500. Personally I think Win500 has a slight edge in that there's an intro to using the RR web import written by one of our members who recently passed away. Links for all of these are listed here...

Object Oriented Scanner Software - The RadioReference Wiki

73 Mike

 

[Roach112683]

Yeah I saw one on E-bay I am watching. I have the scanner cable from my PRO-96 as well as the AC and DC plugs from it so those should work right? Also I downloaded win500 the other night and after using the program like win 96 it seemed so difficult to rogram. I tried to get everything set up so all I would have to do is download it to the scanner when I get it and i couldn't even add in the TLR Christiana Care frequencies like I could on the Win96. I guess with some more fiddling with it I should be able to find out how to but it just seems so confusing. But we will see what happens if I win this auction or I buy one new.

 

[mandlair]

Hi Roach the cable from the 96 will not work.You will need the newer style.Mike