Need help with a decision..

[Rayjk110]

I've caught myself inbetween buying 1 of 2 scanners....either the Pro-97 or the Pro-2055. .

Are there any pro's/con's against either? Both are on sale utill December 15th, so I figured I'd get one beforehand while the sale lasts (unless they go cheaper because of the season)


I've personally used a friend's Pro-2055, and like the features and audio and stuff, and also like the Pro-97 as well, but just can't seem to decide between the 2

I could use the Pro-2055 as a base scanner because of the PL/DPL functions in weeding out distant signals, but I could also use the Pro-97 as I haven't got a portable scanner at all. .


Thanks for any suggestions !

 

[kicktd]

Pro-97 has the same features as the 2055, except it's a hand held. So what it comes down to is do you want a base scanner or a portable scanner?

The Pro-2055 was manufactured for Radio Shack by GRE America Inc

The same scanner as the Pro-97 but as a base/mobile.

 

[DaveIN]

The 97 *may* survive rebanding with a trip to Ft. Worth, for a logic and display board replacement, if Radio Shack decideds to do so, but who knows when rebanding will really happen. The 2055 has had no mention of logic and display upgrade at all, so who knows if it will be supported. Neither radio is flash upgrade supported for firmware as is the new Uniden OEM PRO-528 and PRO-433.

 

[gatorhater]

Both are fine receivers, however, if the power goes out the PRO-97 will still work with AA batteries. Since we are in the winter storm season, I'd recommend the PRO-97.

 

[gmclam]

Pro-97

Other than my old PRO-10 & PRO-77s, I like the hand-helds better. You can use a hand-held as a base scanner, but it is a little more clumsy to do it the other way around.

The signal stalker feature of the PRO-97 makes it a good choice IMO. Now If I can just find another $99 sale.

 

[gfrench]

I use my 2055 in my mobile all of the time. The audio is far superior vs a handheld, unless you plan on using an extension speaker.

 

[jim293]

I like the hand held models better than the base models. You can take them where ever yo go. Can't do that with a base model.

 

[kicktd]

I like the hand held models better than the base models. You can take them where ever yo go. Can't do that with a base model.

Same here.

I can just pick it up and take it in the car with me and anywhere else I go and then just place it back on the desk. It's good for someone who doesn't have a lot of money right away to spend on both a base and hand held unit but wants something that they can take with them anywhere.

 

[jyams]

I have both and am thankful my budget will allow it. I need the Pro-2055 and a rooftop discone to really reach out and get those far away signals for municipalities that are 20-40 miles away. Also, I listen to alot of aircraft ARTCC transmissions and, again, the rooftop is required. Of course, you can connect the rooftop to the Pro-97 and get the same reception. I just prefer to not use a handheld with a coax attached to the top.

 

[Rayjk110]

Well, I had to get my grandfather a scanner for his birthday today, and purchased a Pro-97 for him. I spent about a good 2 hours programming everything (Frequency, Channel Names, Zone Names, PL and DPL tones, 2 trunking systems w/all ID's, etx)

I think it's cool that you can rename trunking talk-groups, like, instead of looking at "00121" you can change it to see "Dispatch" or something like that. Mebey I haven't had a scanner for a while and this isn't something new, but it's definately cool..

Another cool thing on the Pro-97 was the ability to change the Power-Up display message to whatever you want from the standard "Welcom to triple-trunking" or something like that, so I did my grandpas name and phone number and the scanners S/N, incase it got stolen or something like that.


I guess I'll be getting myself a Pro-97 for christmas. GRE did excellent on this one!

 

[KLH]

I would go with the PRO 97 because it can easily be taken with you in an emergency/power outage, and the 2055 has the display problems.

Also, FYI, the sale is until the 9th.

 

[K3GI]

Get one of each. lol

 

[Comounty87]

The 2055 has had display problems, not just one person but several including myself. For more info. concerning this go to this thread: http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33887