ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
NP. These days there really isn't a plug and play method for trunked scanning. Unfortunately I think the OP is looking for one....Mike
Hi RR, I tried the TRX1 & SDS100, both pre-programmed, and heard NOTHING for weeks so I bought an SDR.
- Thread starter jdanielm1974
- Start date
You keep saying that, like it were a bad thing, even if it were accurate. I stated at the beginning, I'm not looking for a handout, I've been in and out of this forum for about 20 years now, and the reason I've only posted a handful of times is because there's a lot of heavy-handed, down punching between the "seasoned pros" and any "noob" asking for assistance. I feel more comfortable on 4-chan than here. I'll figure my issue out somewhere else. Thank you.
I sold the expensive scanners about 4 months ago, and as soon as I did, I regretted it. Now all I can think about is the endless "what if's" what if I would have changed this setting etc. Yesterday, I bought a used Uniden BCD996T to tide me over until I figure out which expensive one to buy, again. My zip code is 76013, I live in a huge indention in the ground. Our apartment complex routinely floods, and I assume that hinders reception. Add to that, all of our PD,FD,DPS,MED are now using the same P25II encrypted system, so all I have left is MAYBE truckers, delivery drivers and the space station, but that's enough to keep me interested.
Perhaps this will help some: I use my BCD996P2 to scan all the local ham vhf and uhf repeaters, all the GMRS repeaters and channels, most of the local air bands and the Orlando simulcast system. While the police are encrypted the EMS and fire are not. The local power company and a local college are not. There is really a lot I can receive on the scanner but one thing to be aware of being able to program the scanner is a must if you are interested in the other stuff like the ham repeaters or air band. When I was first looking into buying a scanner I did not find anyone that would program the other stuff. Getting the scanner pre programed for the complex simulcast was available but I was also very interested in the ham, air and GMRS stuff so it was well worth the effort to learn to program the scanner my self.
Hope this helps
That helps a lot. If I remember correctly, "simulcast" was one of, if not THE biggest problems I had. And I'll admit, I never took the time to learn about it. Now I have the time to do this as a hobby and I want my hobby to be fun, so I will get the 996 programmed, or at least pay for a downloadable file, and focus on learning the functions of that scanner before buying more scanners and end up knowing a lot of nothing about a bunch of expensive, complicated equipment. Then I can get another SDS100 or maybe an SDS200, and actually benefit from it's capabilities. Makes perfect sense to me. Thank you, sir!
I understand some frustration with the technology. However, I have found almost everyone here with few exceptions to be both patient and helpful to both experienced and not. In this post I see many have given good suggestions. We may not always agree with everyone, but at least they try and participate.
There is a point in any hobby or endeavor when one must decide if it is worth devoting the time and energy. There are other hobbies I have given up because of that, but this one continues to challenge in a good way. If you have been around here for 20 years, you must have some interest, but you also know that this forum is the best available for this type of information if used properly.
The hobby has changed dramatically in 20 years
Believe it or not, I enjoy these daily challenges almost more than the actual listening. I could buy a $10 am/fm radio or just use broadcastify for semi plug and play.
I respect in your last post that you would limit your radios and learn one well and then expand if necessary. While it will not help will simulcast, the 996p2 is a relatively simple and fun radio. I own one and use daily. Spend the time and learn it and create your own bank lists and do not depend on anyone for programming. Do it yourself, make mistakes, use advice where needed and see if this is right for you and enjoy!
You will need to invest in programming software to load someone else's programming file. Butel, Proscan, etc. Perhaps Freescan is still available somewhere. Sentinel will not work with the 996T. I'll repeat my advice that you will be best served if you learn how to program your radio by yourself.
