New To Forums, (Okaloosa County, FL)

[Zorin]

Hello Everyone,

Sorry I was late in finding this forum, but I got here as fast as I could. I've been interested in scanning hardware for a while and have had friends that had generic radio shack scanners, but have never personally owned one myself. I have read through quite a bit of the regional and new user info and even watched the 101 video. I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the information at this point with P25, Phase1 vs Phase 2, etc, etc. With that being said, even though I'm pretty proficient at computer programming, I don't want to purchasing my first unit where I have to spend most of my time programming complex information. Also, I don't want to purchase a unit that I will have to upgrade six months to a year later down the road. I'm looking to spend no more then $500 and a unit that is mobile to start with would be good as a start. I looked at the 436 and 1088, but still have no idea whether either one of these units will fit the bill form where I live to outside my area. I live in Okaloosa County, FL and any help with narrowing down my search of a unit would be greatly appreciated.

v/r,
Zorin

 

[IcomIcR20]

First of all I would recommend that you read this if you haven't already: http://forums.radioreference.com/fl...frequently-asked-quesions-laws-slers-fhp.html

Second, most communications in your county seem to be analog. But, however, they may switch to a trunked system in the future.

The BCD436HP is fairly easy to program. The channels are downloaded from the radioreference.com database every week. All you have to do is connect the scanner to a computer and click update database.

Someone that is more familiar with your area may be able to help you more.

I hope this helps you!


IcomIcR20

 

[wise871]

Santa Rosa / Okaloosa listener here. First, what do you want to listen too. Since your in Okaloosa County I would recommend the BCD436HP. Reason is in order to listen to Okaloosa Fire or EMS you will need a Provoice capable scanner. Okaloosa Sheriff is still on UHF Conventional. This Scanner will also cover Santa Rosa County when they move to the 700/800 Mhz Phase 2 system next year. Also it will also let you listen to Eglin and Hurlburt LMR P25 Phase 1 System or Military Air. If you need help with programming I can always send you a configuration file once you obtain the scanner. There are several of us in the area that own the 436/536. Escambia County uses P25 Conventional and Walton County Fire and EMS is on SLERS. Looks like your best bet is the BCD436HP.

I suggest you check out K4DPS youtube channel. I'm sure you can guess the area he is in and he also shows you some of the scanners.

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[IcomIcR20]

Missed the part about FD/EMS being on SLERS

+1 on K4DPS's youtube channel! There is some very useful info on there.

 

[Panhandler]

Hello, from the north side of the county. 436 user here. I am still very much a novice to all of this. However, I can say the 436 is an awesome little unit. Take it out of the box, put it together, punch in the zip code and you are monitoring the local area. And, of course there are many many more features that are still well above my head. But, I would purchase a second one in a heartbeat. Good luck!

 

[Zorin]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great info. I have looked thru the Florida region part of the forums, but what not getting any specifics. Thank you Wise871 for the details about the area and I greatly appreciate everyone input. I'm still gathering more information before I make a purchase, but this will help a lot in my decision making process. I will get back to you Wise871 about the config files, by the way were you ever stationed at Hurlburt, I noticed the 130s in your shack photos?

Much appreciated.
Z

 

[wise871]

Wow, thanks everyone for the great info. I have looked thru the Florida region part of the forums, but what not getting any specifics. Thank you Wise871 for the details about the area and I greatly appreciate everyone input. I'm still gathering more information before I make a purchase, but this will help a lot in my decision making process. I will get back to you Wise871 about the config files, by the way were you ever stationed at Hurlburt, I noticed the 130s in your shack photos?

Much appreciated.
Z

Glad the info has helped. And yes to your last question.


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[IcomIcR20]

Nice shack by the way, Wise871!

IcomIcR20

 

[wise871]

Nice shack by the way, Wise871!



IcomIcR20

Thanks.


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[Zorin]

Glad the info has helped. And yes to your last question.


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Nice, I was stationed there from 93 to 03, H and U models...