Hi, I have been into radio scanning for a while now, mostly dealing with analog stuff. I am looking to get a modern, top of the line scanner for the car. What is a good model that I could use free or open source software to program? Uniden seems to be the Apple of scanners, is there anyone else that makes less locked down scanners?
Modern digital scanner with free / open source programming options?
tvengr
Well Known Member
If you are in Columbus Ohio. the sites on the MARCS statewide trunked system are simulcast. The Uniden SDS100 handheld and SDS200 base /mobile are the only scanners which will work well. All other scanners will suffer from simulcast distortion which results in missed transmissions and garbled audio depending upon your location in relation to the towers. A SDS100 handheld sitting in a cupholder will work well if you don't want to go through the trouble of an installation. If you go the handheld route, I recommend the Remtronix REM-820S antenna. It has high gain for the 700 and 800 Mhz frequencies used by the MARCS system. If you go the mobile route with the SDS200, this tri-band antenna will work well: Amazon.com: NMO150/450/758 - Pulse Larsen Tri Band Antenna with Spring, NMO : Electronics You can shop for the best price. You can use the free Uniden Sentinel software for both scanners: http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCDx36HPSentinel
all of these scanners are just SO DANG EXPENSIVE! I come from a world of open hardware and software, and it's so hard to see the sds100 / 200 and think of anything other than an SDR with a screen and buttons. That they charge 700 dollars for. Its hard to stomach for me that the Uniden scanners are the only and best option for something truly functional and modern, but that seems to be the case.
Yes, $700 is a bit of money for a scanner. However, to put it into perspective, the Realistic PRO-2006 that was a (partial) gift from my parents back in 1990 cost $400. Adjusted for inflation, well, $400 then is a bit more than $700 today!
How about an Alinco handheld? $460.00. It will work as long as the frequencies don't exceed 470 MHz.
ALINCO DJ-X100T
Multi-Mode Digital/ Analog Rcvr - C4FM/System Fusion, D-Star, DMR, NXDN, dPMR, FM, AM
www.hamradio.com
If it is something you would be using around the house, dive into the world of SDRs and the various programs. You could get up and running for $50. Far different than scanners to use but another option. Tons of info on this site about it.
Or, maybe not...How about an Alinco handheld? $460.00. It will work as long as the frequencies don't exceed 470 MHz.
ALINCO DJ-X100T
Multi-Mode Digital/ Analog Rcvr - C4FM/System Fusion, D-Star, DMR, NXDN, dPMR, FM, AMwww.hamradio.com
Cheapest way to listen to Columbus area is on Broadcastify on phone or computer.
www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/45833/web
www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/45833/web
