Looking for a trunking scanner for Placer County

[TrevDog]

So, with Christmas right around the corner I have decided that it's about time to start doing some research on which trunking scanner to get. I would like to scan mainly Placer County's P25 system- no real desire to get anything else for the time being. I would also like to get a mobile/base scanner that will be installed at home, and then another that I can clone and install in my car sometime within the next year. I've looked at Uniden's website (this seems to be the best brand for what I'd like to get) and have narrowed it down to the BCT15X or the BCD996XT. Upon looking at the DB and on Uniden's spec page for each scanner, I can't seem to nail down exactly which model would work best for me. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me to figure out what features I would need in the scanner to get Placer's new system. Thanks!

 

[benca]

Placer county

Well if P25 is your need then the 996xt series is the one to choose since the 15x will not decode p25.

 

[davedaver1]

Your question is just a little perplexing because the Placer P25 system is pretty much just in test, and has been for awhile with little change. I'm not even sure there is a site near Foresthill - I suspect it's pretty much just in Auburn right now. The selection of things on the talkgroups is pretty random, probably just enough to keep the system busy. Methinks they have a lot of work yet to do.

So for some amount of time, you really don't need a digital system and the 15X is a lot cheaper as you probably know. P25 capability is definitely fun to have though - I don't really need digital, but I do exactly what you describe wanting - I have a 996XT and a 396XT and the programming is the same in both radios. They would serve you well in the area and if you have a good "radio view" from up there, there will be a LOT to listen to!

Another thought - there's a lot up here that's not going to go digital soon, if ever. You might consider getting the 15X for now and look to get a digital scanner later when you actually need it. The 15X will still have a ton of use for you when you upgrade. The next models of the digital scanners will probably incorporate more digital features for changing systems as the newer standards are adopted.

When you get your radio, my FreeScan radio load file would probably be perfect for you as I am also in the foothills above Auburn.

 

[TrevDog]

Thanks for your replies- you guys are awesome. Anyway, change is coming. PCSO has phased about 1/4 of the HT1000's out, and I want to say that more than half of their mobiles are now XTL 5000's. I'm currently good with my pro-404, but just want to be ahead of the curve when the time comes to fully transition. As for the the agencies I'm interested in, mainly just Placer and Auburn PD (I'm currently going to Placer- it's interesting to hear what's going on down there on the weekends), however USFS Law, BLM Law, and CHP would be nice to have on reserve.

 

[gmclam]

While I realize you're discussing Uniden models; and with me being a GRE guy, I'd suggest the PSR-500. While digital may not make a lot of sense right now, all it takes is one frequency you want to monitor and then you "need" it.

Some of the channels on your list that need digital in addition to Placer county include the CHP's 700 MHz extender frequencies and a small (but growing) number of federal frequencies.

 

[rylvir]

I'm in the same listening area and I am currently looking at buying a used Uniden 396T Scanner- This will be my first scanner purchase, is this a good scanner to choose? Any tips for buying a used Scanner? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sac916]

I'm in the same listening area and I am currently looking at buying a used Uniden 396T Scanner- This will be my first scanner purchase, is this a good scanner to choose? Any tips for buying a used Scanner? Thanks in advance.

I own the Uniden 396XT and 396T ( I'm a Uniden fan ) and monitor in the Sac valley.
This scanner will easily do the job.

If this is your first scanner purchase and you want to fully use this scanner, expect a lot of reading, studying, re-reading, frustration, confusion and more reading.

Most of your information about the hobby will be via the internet. Sure you can get it programmed and just let it sit there and scan, but if you really want to use the scanner, you've got a lot of learning ahead of you.

For a first time scanner purchase ( or first in over a decade plus ) don't expect to use the scanner without reading the manual and actually LEARNING about the technology and terminology.

Looks like there are a few more hobbyist in the Sac area on this forum. The good thing is that you've got a lot of help out here.