looking for a scanner...and hello

[limopete]

Hello! I just joined the forum and am researching like crazy trying to figure out what scanner to get to suit my needs. I worked as an EMS dispatcher for 4 years and miss the radio chatter in my new job as a limousine chauffeur. I also do a lot of airport work so it would be great to be able to listen in to Pearson ATC. What I am looking for is something portable that I can use in the Lincoln to pick up PIA and the police/EMS departments. Toronto, Halton, Peel York etc. My wife is a dispatcher for Mississauga CACC so I would love to be able to listen to her during the day!! Any help is appreciated. I am thinking I am looking for something digital....I read something about TPD switching to digital in 2012...can I hold off on buying a digital scanner until then to save some money? (I am on a limited budget). With a non-digital scanner will I still be able to pick up EMS frequencies and PIA ATC?

Thanks again and I look forward to being a part of the forum!

Pete in TO

 

[69stiles]

All EMS in Ontario is analogue as well as most Fire & Municipal Police. The only thing you would lose by not having digital is OPP. Most want a second scanner after a year or two so I'd suggest analogue for now & digital down the road. I'll pm you some examples.

 

[mciupa]

Hi limopete welcome to RadioReference Hope 3 bills are within your budget.
For about $300(new) you could buy a BC246Thandheld or a BCT 15 (mobile)from Radioworld at Hwy 400 & Steeles W.
Double the price at least for any digital scanner.
There are some members here who have good quality scanners for sale, maybe they can contact you.

 

[bpsmicro]

69stiles has good advice on sticking with Analog to start.

But here's the thing; you're going to be a bit disappointed with the audio quality of the 246T (which I own) on the analog Fleetnet talkgroups, especially if you plan to use an earphone. Due to a firmware flaw in that particular model, you need to have the volume cranked to get decent audio on Motorola Type 2 VHF channels, which will blast your ears if you also scan conventional or other channels.

I'd go with the new BC346XT that's just coming out, and should be in stock in the usual Toronto stores in a couple of weeks (1 to 4 depending on who you talk to). This should (I sure hope) resolve the audio issue, and since it's essentially the same price as the 246T (assuming you're buying new), a better option.
The added bonus is that the new portable models will support the RH-96 remote head. I'll *never* run another scanner in my car that doesn't have remote head support (sorry GRE), even portable. If you later decide to get the RH-96 for mounting in your limo, you get the best of both worlds in that you get a much easier to read display, you can hide the actual scanner, but a quick disconnect and you can carry it with you.
Of course, the downside is the RH-96 is still over $200 in Canada. But the good news is you can get it later *and* if you later get a Uniden digital scanner, the same RH will work with it.

Brad.

 

[limopete]

thanks for the input! I guess what I want to know is when the ambulance/PD are switching to digital. I dont want to buy a non digital and have to buy a digital a few months down the line. I am most concerned about hearing Toronto and Peel PD/FD and definitely ambulance so I can listen to the wife dispatch Peel/Halton! Opp does not really concern me I dont think....like I said I am a limo driver so I like to know whats doin with traffic. Would OPP help $300+ worth? I am thinking with response by FD to major tie ups I can tune in to them to see whats goin on. Again thanks for everything and I cant wait to start listening!