Need a scanner recommendation

[colodak]

Okay, i asked this question about 8 months ago, was going to get a Pro-96 or similar but finances fell through. Based on the current radio systems being used in the metro area and through out Colorado. I need a recommendation for a radio, not so much handheld but more of a base/mobile unit. I am trying to stay under $250.00 if possible. I was looking at a PSR 400. I live in Thornton but travel throughout the metro area and state for work.

 

[abqscan]

Okay, i asked this question about 8 months ago, was going to get a Pro-96 or similar but finances fell through. Based on the current radio systems being used in the metro area and through out Colorado. I need a recommendation for a radio, not so much handheld but more of a base/mobile unit. I am trying to stay under $250.00 if possible. I was looking at a PSR 400. I live in Thornton but travel throughout the metro area and state for work.

Welcome back ;-)

the biggest piece of info we need from you in order for us to recommend a scanner, is who would you like to monitor? If you would like to listen to Thorton, or any agency that is on the State DTRS, you would need to purchase a Digital scanner. If monitoring Denver or Lakewood is on your wish list, you will need to purchase a specific digital scanner that supports ESK.

Hope this helps

 

[colodak]

okay, that helps, I was looking at a PSR-400 but noticed it's not digital so I'll rule that one out. Guess I'll keep watching for a deal on 96/2096 or similar.

 

[jimmnn]

colodak; there are some good deals on Pro-96/2096 currently because they are discontinued but remember those won't work on the Thornton 700Mhz site or receive Denver, Lakewood, West Metro or Wheat Ridge ESK systems.

Jim<

 

[donc13]

Okay, i asked this question about 8 months ago, was going to get a Pro-96 or similar but finances fell through. Based on the current radio systems being used in the metro area and through out Colorado. I need a recommendation for a radio, not so much handheld but more of a base/mobile unit. I am trying to stay under $250.00 if possible. I was looking at a PSR 400. I live in Thornton but travel throughout the metro area and state for work.

The majority of the state and metro area is now on the State DTRS system (digital) and those that aren't, are mostly EDACS systems that are now using a "masking" or encoding system called ESK for the control channel(s) such than a non-digital scanner can't follow the trunking. You CAN hear the audio....but it'd be the same as before trunk-tracking scanners were available....you would not be able to follow a conversation and you'd get everything mixed together. There are still some non-ESK EDACS systems out there...but I don't expect them to stay that way for long.

Bottom line....if you're interested in listening to public safety, you're pretty much limited to a digital radio now (except for Boulder City and Boulder County agencies...they're still fully analog non-trunking systems). And a digital radio these days are pretty much in the $500 price range new, and not much less used.

So as Jim mentioned, first...decide what you believe is your priority in what you wish to listen to, and then get the radio that will be capable of listening to your priority systems.

 

[jimmnn]

There are still some non-ESK EDACS systems out there...but I don't expect them to stay that way for long.

[/QUOTE]

Don, I have heard Arvada/Westy and Aurora will not be implementing ESK have you received different information?

Jim<

 

[donc13]

There are still some non-ESK EDACS systems out there...but I don't expect them to stay that way for long.

Don, I have heard Arvada/Westy and Aurora will not be implementing ESK have you received different information?

Jim<

I have heard different information about Arvada-Westminster, I've heard nothing on Aurora. I heard it from a source who is usually pretty reliable but it is NOT official information in any way, shape or form.