Is there a good P-25 phase 2 scanner?

[firefighter30054]

Hello,

I am trying to get some good ideas on a good P-25 scanner that is not a Whistler. Not my favorite radio. I would also like something easey to program.

Thanks
John

 

[Hit_Factor]

Uniden makes several good scanners capable of phase 2.

Generally, easy to program is not a characteristic of trunking scanners. But, you'll likely getting the hang of it browsing the Uniden tech support forum and reading scanner specific wiki pages.

 

[natedawg1604]

The Uniden's are pretty easy to program. If you don't believe me, try programming a XTS or APX with Astro25 CPS and then tell me what you think of scanner programming software...

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Source here...
Omitting Whistler per OP's request the following scanners can trunk track P25 Phase-II. If simulcast is an issue in your area I'd strongly recommend the Uniden SDS series scanners as they are the only scanners designed to mitigate the ugly effects of simulcast distortion

• GRE PSR-800
• Radio Shack Pro-18, Pro-668
• Uniden BCD325P2, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, HomePatrol-2, SDS100, SDS200

 

[N8IAA]

Hello,

I am trying to get some good ideas on a good P-25 scanner that is not a Whistler. Not my favorite radio. I would also like something easey to program.

Thanks
John

Check your county in the RR database. I'm sure that you won't want to spend money to monitor 'E'.

 

[KC3ECJ]

Do you need something that can handle simulcast?
Cause there's not much more options than the SDS 100, SDS 200, and some Unication pagers.

 

[N8IAA]

For far less money, the Blue Tail P25RX. The owner is very active on this site.
But, once again, check the database for info on the statewide system for your county.
I think you will find the answer there.

 

[ArtU]

Frankly having had 2 Uniden trucking scanners [996xt & SDS200] and the Whistlers, each will require you to learn their "way" you must program them. I still have my SDS200 due to simulcast and my handheld and desktop Whistler. I find Whistler EZ-Scan to be easier on my mind then the Uniden Sentinel. On a trip to the Cape I was able to easily [less then 10 mins] setup all the Canaveral and Kennedy P25 and DMR talk groups on my Whistler HT which came in handy. On the 3am flight of Space-X Crew Demo while outside, folks streaming the launch on Ipads were like 20 seconds behind the Cape's rocket tracking camera guy doing the count down. Without that one of the photo guys in our group outside the hotel would have missed part of the night time liftoff.

 

[ArtU]

For far less money, the Blue Tail P25RX. The owner is very active on this site.
But, once again, check the database for info on the statewide system for your county.
I think you will find the answer there.

They have been out of stock since the chip shortages, shame as it seems very versatile for a low cost.

 

[jtwalker]

For far less money, the Blue Tail P25RX. The owner is very active on this site.
But, once again, check the database for info on the statewide system for your county.
I think you will find the answer there.

$400 vs $650 ... I wouldn't really call that "far less money" especially given the things the P25RX-II won't handle ... at least not yet.

 

[ArtU]

$400 vs $650 ... I wouldn't really call that "far less money" especially given the things the P25RX-II won't handle ... at least not yet.

What am I missing?

 

[GlobalNorth]

As I understand the BT receiver, you are stuck in front of a Windows computer to use it. For some, that is the answer. For others, it is a drawback.

 

[ArtU]

Yea, Like an SDR-Play, everyone has a computer if they are posting here ... Sayin' I am not rich and I have 4 of them

 

[FreqNout]

As I understand the BT receiver, you are stuck in front of a Windows computer to use it.

P25rx and p25rx-II rigs can both run stand alone no computer needed after configured. The software can also be run a Mac and linux. They are hard to get right now due to chip shortages. P25rx-ii has been for sale this week - sold out now again.

 

[dcr_inc]

They are such a good unit, Todd can't produce enough for the demand.. These are equal to or superior to the Unidens and even the unication.. I have had several model s and now have a model II.. Keep an eye on the Bluetailtechnologies.com webpage for availability..

 

[jtwalker]

What am I missing? View attachment 113436

As I understand the unit (I don’t have one):
They only do P25, no display, no built-in speaker, no keyboard … so no small in the field updates (away from computer). Owners seem to love them, but they aren’t worth it to me.

 

[dcr_inc]

I use mine to hear the transmissions, not read them.. I use a bluetooth speaker so audio isn't an issue.. No need for keyboard, other than programming, functions are controlled by the button on the front of the unit..And I saved 200+ dollars.. Well worth it to me.. Just sayin'..
As for " They only do P25 ".. Thats TODAY'S specification.. Todd is constantly updating and revising the units..Unlike the Uniden, Todd listens and responds..

 

[FreqNout]

They only do P25

Also DMR Con+ and Cap + and the new TDMA CC. And yes, I love mine! It does not mean it is for everyone. It's another tool in the tool box. Enjoy your toys - life is short.

 

[radio3353]

What am I missing?

You are talking about the P25RX. jtwalker is talking about the P25RX-II. Two different versions with two different prices.

 

[buddrousa]

How does that portable version work?
How does the mobile version work in a car?