how do you find out the control tone of a frequency?

[rafeg]

I just had my pro 106 stolen. This model displays the control tone of the frequency scanned, on the bottom of the screen. My other scanners don't have this feature. How do I find out the control tone, now that I no longer have that scanner? Is there another/cheaper model that does the same thing? Please help, thanks!

 

[jfhtm350]

If your talking about the PL, DC or NAC repeater codes, then most are listed in the database. Not sure if that is what your asking or not. The Pro-164 displays the repeater codes but it does not pick up digital like your Pro-106 did.

 

[rafeg]

I can count a frequency of a walky walky at work, put the frequency in the scanner(pro 106) and the control tone would appear. Then I can program my trancievr to talk on the same system at work. I have gone to several jobs and done this, until my baby was taken from me! Is there another cheaper model that does this? Or do I have to buy another 106?

 

[jfhtm350]

The Pro-164 will do the same thing as the 106 and is cheaper, but like I say it will not pick up digital frequencies. Im sure there are others that will do what you want it to do but I dont know what they are. Look for something saying that it will decode the PL, or DC tones or repeater codes. Unidens are typically more expensive than the Radio Shack brands but you may find an older model Uniden for a fair price that will decode the tones.

Maybe someone else will chime in and let you know what other model scanners will decode the tones and you can go from there.

 

[captclint]

Is there another cheaper model that does this? Or do I have to buy another 106?

Almost any digital scanner available today will do what you want, but they cost $400-500. You may find some used ones cheaper on Ebay or on this site's classified adds. Just be sure they say they say something like CTCSS and DCS Automatic identification. If you don't need digital, you can find many scanners that have this feature for a lot less.

 

[rafeg]

Thanks for the info! I may go with the 106 or 500 by gre!

 

[Spitfire8520]

It's your money to spend...but are you listening to digital (P25, APCO-25, Project 25, NAC) at all or not? If you are not listening to any of those, you're probably looking for an analog scanner. If you want to listen to digital, then never mind this and go buy a digital scanner. If you really live in the Bronx as you say you do, 95% of the activity (according to the database) is analog.

You could easily save $200 to get a scanner that will show you the "control tone" you are asking about. Hell, a refurbished Pro-164 ($120) vs a Pro-106 ($425) is a $305 difference at Radioshack right now. You could easily get a Pro-164 or PSR-310 that does the same thing...

 

[rafeg]

Thanks for the advice, one last thing, I know GRE makes the 164 for radio shack, is there a reason to go for one or the other? Is there a difference, other than basic looks that makes one better?

 

[rafeg]

I know about how the area is mostly analog but like everything else, I like to have the options and I do occasionally happen upon the digital signal, rarely but present.

 

[W2NJS]

A note of caution here. According to reports on this board and elsewhere, GRE may no longer be a viable manufacturer of scanners. Apparently GRE's USA operation is trying to keep things going but as of today the whole operation is subject questions about future capabilities.