Local Public Safety Network Changing

[fishrick]

I have a Pro 2050 800 mhz trunking scanner.
I have been able to scan our public safety network quite well over the past couple of years.
They have been using a "Motorola Type II Smartnet" system.
They are going to be switching over to a "12-Site Project 25 Simulcast TRS" system. I am informed that the old analog system will be scrubbed, but they will be incorporating the frequences that are currently being used, plus the future addition of a 700 mhz frequency band when the net expands due to growth.
My question is, will my Pro 2050 work at all with this new network, or will it become a couple pound paper weight??
If not the Pro 2050, what other equipment can I obtain to monitor this new system.
Any help in this matter would be greatlt appreciated.

 

[Grog]

For P25 trunking, you would need a digital scanner. RS pro 96 & 2096, plus uniden 996, 396, plus a few older models. The only ones that will work at this time on 700 are the 996 & 396 unidens.

By time they add 700mhz, RS will probably have something that covers that as well. Someone on here will probably have an idea of when they will switch to the new system, as sometimes it can take years (like NCs state system).

 

[fishrick]

Thanks Grog!! I'll be checking the prices tonight!!!

 

[Grog]

Have your heart meds handy

If you decide to go with the RS radios, they are on sale a lot for $399 instead of the $499 price. The unidens are right around $500.

Some prefer one over the other, and they will probably let you know what they think is better :lol:

 

[Thunderbolt]

The new Toledo/Lucas County Project 25 TRS, is currently online, but in test mode only. Hopefully, the FCC will grant final license approval shortly, and they can move onto the next phase. All of the agencies in Lucas County, including the city of Toledo, are expected to be online by early fall of this year, or sooner.

When the green flag is given to add 700 MHz channel pairs to the system, all of the radios are ready to accept them. I have heard that Canada and the USA are currently working on a treaty for the use of this new radio band, and when it's finalized, Michigan plans on adding 700 MHz channels to many of their tower sites that at present operating only on 800 MHz. Moreover, having a scanner that will do both the 700 and 800 MHz bands will be essential down the road in the Great Lakes region.

73's

Ron

 

[fishrick]

Ouch!!!

I guess I'll have to save up a while to get this piece of equipment. (A long while!!!)