yabber
Member
Good evening everyone, I should have posted a while ago but wanted to read up and learn everything first.
Currently, I'm rocking a Realistic PRO-2010 desktop unit.
For now I am looking for a handheld trunked scanner (not digital).
I am interested in listening to everything - but of course fire, local transit & police (until they turn digital later this year.) I'm in Toronto, Canada.
I'm planning on buying a new BC346XT & USB cable from the local shop tomorrow. As well as the obligatory RR membership.
I been jotted down a few questions to start with. Hopefully they're quick and simple.
-- Is there anything (frequency range) the BC346XT scanner won't receive that I might be surprised to discover?
-- The shop will program it for $40. Should I even consider this? I'm planning to start by programming it myself (with software)? I know I can always go back to the shop if the DIY approach doesn't work out.
-- Should I start with the Uniden software or another application for programming? I'd prefer to start with free software.
-- When I'm downtown I expect strong signals, and would prefer a short (discrete, stubby) antenna, or even one that folds back on the unit so I don't stand out when on foot and so I can carry it in a small bag I have. Any suggestions for short/stubby all-round antennas or should I really decide what frequencies I want to prioritize before buying an add-on antenna?
My notes had 20 questions, but it looks like I've figured most of them out.
When I'm setup and the weather is good, I'm going to try to lure someone in Toronto out for Beer or Lunch for some local pointers.
Thanks for reading and I hope to chat later.
-Yabber
Currently, I'm rocking a Realistic PRO-2010 desktop unit.
For now I am looking for a handheld trunked scanner (not digital).
I am interested in listening to everything - but of course fire, local transit & police (until they turn digital later this year.) I'm in Toronto, Canada.
I'm planning on buying a new BC346XT & USB cable from the local shop tomorrow. As well as the obligatory RR membership.
I been jotted down a few questions to start with. Hopefully they're quick and simple.
-- Is there anything (frequency range) the BC346XT scanner won't receive that I might be surprised to discover?
-- The shop will program it for $40. Should I even consider this? I'm planning to start by programming it myself (with software)? I know I can always go back to the shop if the DIY approach doesn't work out.
-- Should I start with the Uniden software or another application for programming? I'd prefer to start with free software.
-- When I'm downtown I expect strong signals, and would prefer a short (discrete, stubby) antenna, or even one that folds back on the unit so I don't stand out when on foot and so I can carry it in a small bag I have. Any suggestions for short/stubby all-round antennas or should I really decide what frequencies I want to prioritize before buying an add-on antenna?
My notes had 20 questions, but it looks like I've figured most of them out.
When I'm setup and the weather is good, I'm going to try to lure someone in Toronto out for Beer or Lunch for some local pointers.
Thanks for reading and I hope to chat later.
-Yabber