need help buying a radio in calgary

[BIGDOG73]

Hello I'm looking to buy a radio not sure on where to go to find one where I would be using it is in Calgary and I also take nightly trips into BC. And occasionally into Montana. I'm looking for radio that I can listen to public service. I have checked out the forums and honestly I find overwhelming. However I did find one At the road king at the CB shop. I believe he has a bearcat not sure on the model he says it's a newer one he wants about $700 for it. I don't mind paying the money as long as it's a good one. He claims it picks up everything but he won't plug it in for me lol. What is it that I should be looking for in a scanner. And what brand would be good for the kind they use I'm looking to use it for. And also is it better to order one from the states or is there a place here in Calgary to buy one. I'm just curious any help would be much appreciated. Oh also whatever radio I'm looking into a like it to be as user-friendly as possible basically something that I can turn on and will scan channels I'm not sure if that's unreasonable or possible but just curious that you.

 

[smason]

Hi and welcome. If by public service, you mean Calgary Police, Fire and Ambulance, yes there are some models avalable locally, as well as on-line. Calgary Police are digital so it limits the models to about 4 specific units that support what's called P25.
None of them are really "plug and play" but with some minor learning, and use of software to program them, it's relatively easy to get set up. And lots of help is available here on Radioreference

You didn't mention if you wanted a handheld portable, or a desktop/mobile type unit.
Options are:

Base/Mobile

Uniden Bearcat 996T BCD996T - The RadioReference Wiki
GRE PSR-600 PSR-600 - The RadioReference Wiki


Handheld/portable
Uniden Bearcat 396 BCD396T - The RadioReference Wiki
GRE PSR-500 PSR-500 - The RadioReference Wiki

Of those, the GRE units are said to have better audio on Calgary Police.

You can purchase some or all of these locally at NTF Communications http://www.ntfc.ca/ShortwaveAndScanners.htm
Or online are many of the popular shops scannermaster.com hamradio.com theradiocompany.com etc.

Hope that helps, feel free to fire away with any questions.

Steve

 

[torontokris]

If it was a 396T dont buuy it.. not worth $700 anymore
im guessing it was a 996T for close to $700

states are cheaper for sure.. but you need to add currency conversion, shipping, customs taxes (brokersage fees if any). so up to the buyer

 

[stuck22]

And if you travel to the Lower Mainland of BC you need a scanner that supports ESK.

 

[HDMechanic]

I think your best bet for a scanner is the PSR500 or 600 which NTF have in stock would be your best. Both of the Canadan versions have both Calgary and Edmonton trunk system already programed into the V folders. Grecoms due have better sound on P25 systems and support ESK. A little harder to program at first but once you get the hang of it every thing is simple. I like the fact also of the color light led light to indicate what you are kisting to help as well. Also the feature of having radio ids being displayed and the fact you can tag them and add an alert to them is a plus.

 

[BIGDOG73]

thank you very much for the very helpful replies I'm getting closer to buying one and you guys are helping me make a better decision. I am going to check out ntf here in Calgary. I did forget to mention but I am looking for a homebase unit or one that you can take with you as well not a handheld .I really do appreciate everybody's help.

 

[BIGDOG73]

I phoned the guys at ntf very nice very helpful so I'm going to try to make it down there Friday morning or this weekend. I didn't even know cover at a place that specialize in scanners. This is very cool I am so excited to go down to the facility. I just want to say thank you again for you help.

 

[masonb]

NTF is great, got all the goodies.

Good luck & happy purchasing !

 

[HDMechanic]

Let us know what you got. if you need programig help let me know..

 

[BIGDOG73]

hi there i went to ntf i looked at the radio and was not sure.when i had my older uniden u could go to a menu and listen to truckers,police,airport,and so on.when i looked at the psr600(i like the base units) it said it was pre-porgramed but nothing was happening the guy at the shop was unsure how to get it to work .we got the weather to work thats it ?he did put the set up cd in cumputer but i did not see what was happening.so my ? is if its pre-programed can u not just turn on and start listening.i know this sounds dumb to ask but the guy at the store did not know.or does the cd walk u through the set up.when i bought my uniden in edmonton at cb city the guy had one set up which helped me make a choce.mind u they were not digital.

 

[HDMechanic]

Bigdog73

The PSR do have Calgary Digital System programed into them. Very easy to get to. All you have to do is hit function and then program. This will bring up the preloaded Vscanner filers. Scroll down threw the Folders until you come to Alberta. Press F3 which should have the load tag over and and let it load. Then hit scan. The radio will turn itself off then on and you will see Calgary digital show up. I did find it was not up to date but im shure if you buy one I can send you the file. I will stop by NTF on saturday and show him as well.
HDMechanic.

 

[BIGDOG73]

thank you for your help.i guiss its alot of money and was nervios about buying something and not hearing it work.but on the outherhand me and my wife find it alot of fun to listen to.thanks for your help.so when i buy one that cd can walk me through most of it? i was about to go to roadking and buy his.but i respect your oppion so i think ill still go with psr 600 thanks tt

 

[HDMechanic]

Not to bash anyone but I myself would stay away from the guy at the Road King. He is probably trying to sell you an BC15 wich does not due P25. Also found his prices quite high. I know the owner at NTF is trying to help us out by keeping his prices down and as I said yesterday II will stop by and show him how to use the Grecoms. At least he is willing to pull them out of the box and let you play with them. If you have any questions fell free to PM me.

PM sent to you as well.

 

[HDMechanic]

Just to let anyone know who is interested in buying a scanner stopped by NTF today and showed Rick how to use the Grecom V scanner files so that you can listen to the scanner before buying them. I am also planing on sending him my programing for Calgary Digital so that he can load them onto the units if anyone is interested. Hopefully this will help any new comers and new Grecom owners.
HDMechanic

 

[BIGDOG73]

hey thanks for the offer to help program a scanner for me.that was really nice of you to go to ntf to show him how to use the scanner.me and my wife were busy with our kids on the weekend i will go to ntf when he is set up.i will buy one one just want to see it in action lol tt

 

[HDMechanic]

Bigdog73

Rick at NTF has one setup on the Calgary Digital system.

 

[BIGDOG73]

cool i will go look at it this weekend