Montgomery County Receiver Help?

[lnovak]

I'm just getting back into scanning after a few years away and things have changed dramatically! I need to buy a trunking radio but want to make sure that I can get the new Montgomery County system. Can I use an older radio like the BC245XLT? Can you tell me what radios you use that you know will work? I'm not looking to spend $500 but would rather stay under $250 if possible.

Thanks,
Larry

 

[mlevin]

Well I hate to break it to you buddy but, Montgmoery Co. is digtal. You're going to need a digital scanner like the RS Pro 96 or Bearcats BC296D or 796D. All of these are going to cost around 450-530 dollars. Use the forum search to learn more about these models.

 

[TinEar]

Larry, you're stuck if you've got to hear digital trunked nets like Montgomery. There are only a handful of radios that will do it. The ones Mo left off his list are the Uniden Bearcat 785D and the 250D. The 250D is currently on sale with digital card for $300-350 but that's about as cheap as you can get. The 250D is a handheld radio though. You didn't indicate your preference for handheld or mobile/base type.

 

[mlevin]

Sorry about that. Yeah those models would work, but they are limited to only 3600 buad systems.

 

[TinEar]

True, but since Montgomery is a 3600 baud system, it shouldn't pose a problem. Larry, don't mean to confuse the issue for you but the newer models that Mo mentioned above will also receive 9600 baud digital systems which are limited to only a few around the country right now but more will no doubt be coming in the future. No one in this area uses anything but 3600 baud though.

 

[lnovak]

OK, thanks for the info. I'm glad I asked before buying a radio. I'll just have to save up my pennies or wait for newer models to come on the market. Thanks!

 

[MCMD5]

You can still listen to Montgomery County Fire dispatch on 154.160 and 153.950. You will not be able to listen to the fire ground communications unless you have a digital radio.
The police can only be heard on a digital radio.
I have both Bearcat radios and am not very impressed with them. Radio Shack radios may be better, I don't have any experience with those.