new scanner

[DonB69]

I am not new to scanning, I date back to the Bearcat 101 which I still have, a Uniden which I no longer have, and an AR1000XLT and an AR3000A. Up until two days ago I had no need for digital or trunking, but now our local PD and our county sheriff went digital. I have been looking at the Uniden Homepatrol, the 396XT and the GRE PSR-500. The later two look somewhat intimidating with possibly quite a learning curve to someone not familiar with trunking. The Homepatrol looks like it would be an easy one to use but it doesn't look like you can program a frequency into it and I can't believe it has every frequency in the USA in it already. To my knowledge I still have no need for trunking yet. So bottom line am I making too much out of the trunking thing? How about some input from some of you guys that are familiar with all of this.

 

[K9WG]

The PSR500/PSR600 is not that difficult to program. The thing that seems to confuse users is that there is no longer "banks" of frequencies rather "scan lists" of objects. Think of it as putting all the frequencies (or trunking systems) in one large database and then creating lists of the ones you want to use. The only thing that I do not like about the pre-programmed scaners is the idea that the data can become obsolete rather quickly, although I have not heard of this happening. Hope this helps.

 

[SquierStrat]

if you're considering the uniden HP1, another scanner you should check out is the GRE psr-800. (or its big brother the psr-900 coming this fall). Its similair to the HP1 in regards to it having the entire U.S. database in it, and you being able to program it without entering all the "programming" information. Its already in there, you just select what you wanna listen to. The PSR-800 also costs much less. $400 vs the $500 you would pay for the HP1. Then if you wanted to unlock ALL the features of the HP1, that'll cost you an extra $100 on top of the $500 you just paid.

In my opinion, a digital scanner with a full keypad, that you have full control over, should be around $500. Scanners like the psr 800, and HP1 should be priced considerably less since it doesnt give you complete control over it. Then to take one of those scanners and not even offer ALL of its features on it should be between $300-400, in my opinion. What im getting it at is the HP1 is ridiculously overpriced.....

 

[eriepascannist]

The only one I can speak on from experience is the PSR-500 (or 600) but I would highly recommend it. It isn't confusing at all- in fact, I found it easier to use than my Uniden scanners. It took some time getting used to the ScanLists instead of fixed banks, but with menu-driven programming and a good user's manual it wasn't hard to learn. ScanLists are actually better than banks because you can have an unlimited number of frequencies in a Scanlist. One could have 100 freqs, and another with 5 freqs won't waste any space.

 

[DonB69]

thanks

Thanks for the replies, it sounds like I should just bite the bullet and start learning more about the trunked systems. A couple of questions....where do you get the frequencies of the control channels for a trunked radio system, are they available on the net? And number two, like with our PD their main frequency was 460.075 and I'm sure they didn't move because when they key up I just get static, so just entering that same frequency in the digital scanner I shouldn't have to do anything more to receive it, right?

 

[freqgeek2]

The BCD 396xt also is fairly simple to program with a program called “freescan”. In looking over your area it looks like the Beloit area changed over to the NAC tone so you may not have to worry about the trunking aspect, unless you would like to listen to WISCOM or Illinois Starcom system. (Rockford and Illinois ISP)

 

[gewecke]

The only one I can speak on from experience is the PSR-500 (or 600) but I would highly recommend it. It isn't confusing at all- in fact, I found it easier to use than my Uniden scanners. It took some time getting used to the ScanLists instead of fixed banks, but with menu-driven programming and a good user's manual it wasn't hard to learn. ScanLists are actually better than banks because you can have an unlimited number of frequencies in a Scanlist. One could have 100 freqs, and another with 5 freqs won't waste any space.

I can agree 100%

73,
n9zas

 

[gewecke]

Thanks for the replies, it sounds like I should just bite the bullet and start learning more about the trunked systems. A couple of questions....where do you get the frequencies of the control channels for a trunked radio system, are they available on the net? And number two, like with our PD their main frequency was 460.075 and I'm sure they didn't move because when they key up I just get static, so just entering that same frequency in the digital scanner I shouldn't have to do anything more to receive it, right?

All the info for your area's update should be right here on the RR database, but as far as the frequencies your area uses that would depend on if they switched to a digital trunking system?
You may have some homework to do.

73,
n9zas

 

[n5ims]

Based on the RR database (Rock County, Wisconsin (WI) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference), they're using conventional P-25 digital. You appear to be correct that they didn't change frequencies, just moved from analog FM to digital P-25 so just entering the frequencies into a digital scanner should work fine.

There's a Rock County site on WISCOM (Wisconsin Interoperable System for Communications (WISCOM) Trunking System, Statewide, Wisconsin - Scanner Frequencies) which would be P-25 trunked on VHF-Hi which may have some interop traffic as well. For this system, you'll need to do more than just enter the frequencies since it's a trunked system. You'll need to enter the frequencies as a P-25 trunked system and then enter the associated talkgroups you want to monitor (or set a wildcard so all will be received). This is more difficult than a conventional system, but really not all that hard once you've done it a bit. Your new scanner should have detailed instructions on how to enter the necessary values and where to enter them (the proceedure varies with the scanner model).

The easiest way would be to get one of the pre-programmed scanners like the Uniden HP-1 or the GRE PSR-800 (or equivalent Radio Shack model) where you simply select what you want to receive, place it into the active scan list and listen away. You shouldn't have to worry about the pre-programming getting stale since they allow you to download updates from the manufacture's site for that scanner where the entire RR frequency database is formatted for that scanner. Generally these updates are done weekly (although you shouldn't need to update that often if your area has no changes).

For either of these a current model digital scanner should work fine for you.

 

[digital123]

I Have HP1 scanner , this is very good for the Scan program , It is not so difficult in the Working process and the working is very good lidar scanning is the Scanning by the PD and Maintain the Data store in the Sysytem.

 

[ampulman]

The only one I can speak on from experience is the PSR-500 (or 600) but I would highly recommend it. It isn't confusing at all- in fact, I found it easier to use than my Uniden scanners. It took some time getting used to the ScanLists instead of fixed banks, but with menu-driven programming and a good user's manual it wasn't hard to learn. ScanLists are actually better than banks because you can have an unlimited number of frequencies in a Scanlist. One could have 100 freqs, and another with 5 freqs won't waste any space.

What I like about the 'scanlist' concept, is the ability to have a frequency or talk group appear in more than one list.

As an example, in one list, I have the entire trunked system of a local town. In another list, I have mostly the police dispatch freqs/talk groups of neighboring towns that I wish to monitor.

Normally, I monitor the latter. But when I come across a 'major' event, I switch to the 'town' list where the conversations are likely to involve multiple channels. By doing so, I am eliminating the chatter that might prevent me from hearing more important communications.

 

[lep]

Another view for you to consider. The HP-1 does give you the opportunity to custom enter your own data, it is not limited to 'pre-loaded' frequenices at all. First of all, as several have observed the data about trunking control channels, etc, is mostly all in rr.com database. Uniden has a financial agreement with rr.com to update their own 'mirror', tailored to the HP-1, once a weekk, every week and make that available to all HP-1 owners for a free download. So, the HP-1 can have the data upated pretty much all-the-time if you want. I don't ponally bother to do that every week because I am primarily intertested in my own city/county and I would already know of a Major change.
Another myth often told about HP-1 is that you can't enter a frequency. Not true, of course you can.
Another old wives tale is that the learning curve of the GRE-type programming is easy...only if you are already attuned...the modern Unidens use DMA (not fixed banks, they haven't used fixed banks in a number of years).
Study the wiki for a discusison of the two basic types of scanning....dynamic memory allocation (Uniden) or 'objects/scan lists' (GRE) they are conceptually somewhat different. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Each has proponents. You have mostly heard on this thread from GRE fans. I am NOT one of those.
The idea expressed from one person that the HP-1 is very overpriced is completly unsupprted with facts and data.
At the moment I do not own any curent GRE scanners, but I had a GRE 500 that I sold in 2011 beause I prefer the Uniden DMA. I own a BCD996XT, 996T( in my vehicle), an HP-1 in my office, another HP-1 at my bedside, a 785D near my easy chair. A BC780XLT on permanent loan to a friend for his use, an old RS2006 with Opto mod for research and a few small odds and ends.
I am not rich but I am what is called 'comfortable', in other words, within reason, I can own any piece of radio listening gear I want, I am not associated with any manufacturer, dealer or distributor.
I only buy want I want. It is my opinion that the HP-1 is the best consumer-grade scanner on the market today.
LEP

 

[gewecke]

Currently the "best price" according to google on a Uniden HP-1

Amazon.com: Uniden Public Safety Receiver (Home Patrol- 1): Electronics

Not competitive enough, compared to alternative brands...

73,
n9zas

 

[DonB69]

extra $100

Another view for you to consider. The HP-1 does give you the opportunity to custom enter your own data, it is not limited to 'pre-loaded' frequenices at all. First of all, as several have observed the data about trunking control channels, etc, is mostly all in rr.com database. Uniden has a financial agreement with rr.com to update their own 'mirror', tailored to the HP-1, once a weekk, every week and make that available to all HP-1 owners for a free download. So, the HP-1 can have the data upated pretty much all-the-time if you want. I don't ponally bother to do that every week because I am primarily intertested in my own city/county and I would already know of a Major change.
Another myth often told about HP-1 is that you can't enter a frequency. Not true, of course you can.
Another old wives tale is that the learning curve of the GRE-type programming is easy...only if you are already attuned...the modern Unidens use DMA (not fixed banks, they haven't used fixed banks in a number of years).
Study the wiki for a discusison of the two basic types of scanning....dynamic memory allocation (Uniden) or 'objects/scan lists' (GRE) they are conceptually somewhat different. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Each has proponents. You have mostly heard on this thread from GRE fans. I am NOT one of those.
The idea expressed from one person that the HP-1 is very overpriced is completly unsupprted with facts and data.
At the moment I do not own any curent GRE scanners, but I had a GRE 500 that I sold in 2011 beause I prefer the Uniden DMA. I own a BCD996XT, 996T( in my vehicle), an HP-1 in my office, another HP-1 at my bedside, a 785D near my easy chair. A BC780XLT on permanent loan to a friend for his use, an old RS2006 with Opto mod for research and a few small odds and ends.
I am not rich but I am what is called 'comfortable', in other words, within reason, I can own any piece of radio listening gear I want, I am not associated with any manufacturer, dealer or distributor.
I only buy want I want. It is my opinion that the HP-1 is the best consumer-grade scanner on the market today.
LEP

I guess I'm pretty much like you when it comes to buying what I want. One question, what about the comment from another poster about it costing another $100.00 to unlock all of the features of the HP-1?

 

[lep]

I guess I'm pretty much like you when it comes to buying what I want. One question, what about the comment from another poster about it costing another $100.00 to unlock all of the features of the HP-1?

The HP-1 after release had a firmware update that included a number of new features, called the Extreme edition. Owners at that time were given a window of opportunity to purchase an 'unlock key' for the download.
I did so, that has been a year ago and I don't recall the exact deal but I think it was $50. That has expired.
New HP-1 are availble either with or without the Extreme feature. The version WITH the Extreme is $100 more.

My both my HP-1 have the Extreme, the second one I purchased from the dealer with the Extreme already installed. How much you pay a dealer for the 'included' edition depends like any other purchase on your negotiating skills with your favorite dealer, since manufacturers can not inforce the MSRP, it is entirely up to the dealer how much they charge.

The Extreme is like a mini-spectrum alalyzer and quite valueable to look into trunking systems. I use it a lot.