I’m new to this but looking for a handheld scanner that will support and allow me to listen in eastern NC. Interest works be Carteret County, NCSHP and military air as in MCAS Cherry Point. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I want something that will work however don’t need a super high dollar handheld because well I’m an amateur here
New to scanning and need help
- Thread starter Rett73
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Looks like the agencies you mentioned are on the VIPER trunked system which at the minimum would require a P25 Phase-I capable scanner:
Yes they will
Which would you prefer over the two- BC296D and the Whistler 1040?
Me, personally, after owning both makes but not necessarily both models, I'm a Uniden guy. But don't just take my word, why not have a look at their wiki pages so you can compare their specifications and features?
Uniden BC296D
Whistler WS1040
Uniden BC296D
Whistler WS1040
On the other hand, if you go too cheap you'll be disappointed / frustrated because of poor performance. Also:
- I've had good luck with Uniden, although any "name brand" will, in general, perform better than off-brand equipment;
- Usually the antenna & antenna system (feed line, mounting arrangement, etc.) are the most important part of a set-up: scrimping on this will make even a fantastic scanner give sub-standard performance.
- I've gone by a photographic supply store to pick up a bag / carrying pouch for my scanner--not only protects the scanner when going portable (on the way to or from a vacation) but makes sure nothing (like the charger, extra antenna, notes, etc.) gets lost or misplaced.
I'd choose the WS1040, between those two, because of the ability to use regular/rechargable batteries vs a battery pack. But as @WB9YBM says too cheap will leave you unhappy with performance or ability to pull in newer or upgraded systems. If you can find a used GRE PSR800 or RS PRO668 and get the Whistler Legacy Upgrade, or find a WS1080 that would give you DMR and Phase 2 capability, and save you from having to buy programming software and a Radio Reference Premium subscription for programming the scanner. But I'm a Whistler guy so take it for what it's worth.
I would stay away from the BC296D. While it would work for the aircraft frequencies you are asking about, it was discontinued quite some time ago. As the components age, they're more prone to failure, or causing the receiver to be out of alignment (not receiving the frequency programmed very well).
Also, while this does not apply to your county, the 296D cannot track a system that uses 700MHz frequencies. Some of the VIPER sites are in that band.
N1GAW also has a very good point about the battery pack (for the 296D) versus easily available rechargeable batteries (AA size) for the WS1040.
Keep in mind that many of the Military aircraft utilizing the Cherry Point facility will likely be using UHF-AM (Military Air) frequencies in lieu of VHF-AM (Civil Air) frequencies. Not all scanners are capable of Military air band AM frequencies.
The WS1040 will handle the range
Looks like this Uniden is discontinued and can’t find one new. I like that one over Whistler
For now, but read Post #8 above
@Rett73 couple other threads you might be interested in
forums.radioreference.com
forums.radioreference.com
Carteret County North Carolina
I'm hoping there is somebody in Carteret County that can help. I am trying to program some of the towns in the county like Morehead City, Newport, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knolls Shore Etc. Does anyone know which departments are on law 1, law 2, law 3 etc. Also the same with the fire...
NC Coast Guard
Does anyone have a list of Coast Guard frequencies used in NC? Preferably Carteret county and the outer banks area. Thanks
296d is a very old scanner from 16 years ago! Shouldn't even have been in this discussion, unless you can find one on ebay and there is only one as I write.
EDIT: I missed the part of your looking at less expensive models.
You'll have to look on the resale market for the others.
The models in message 2 is an old list of older discontinued models, short of the two Whistlers.
Message 2 is missing current and much more capable portables,
Uniden 325P2, 436HP, SDS100
Whistler TRX 1
Even though NC is shown as phase I, if you went with any I list above these are able to do Phase II. If NC went Phase II your looking at a new scanner if you went with WS1040.
The other models if you wanted agencies can also do mototrbo, NXDN as well. 1040 cant.
I see your county is not simulcast - multi tower same frequency so no real need for the expensive SDS100.
Current model portables that would work WS1040(No phase II support), 325P2, 436HP and TRX1
If it was me, 325P2 would be the one and least expensive phase II and future proof yourself with phase II and the mototrbo, nxdn support if you want as an addon.
Edit yes least expensive portable would be the WS1040.
EDIT: I missed the part of your looking at less expensive models.
You'll have to look on the resale market for the others.The models in message 2 is an old list of older discontinued models, short of the two Whistlers.
Message 2 is missing current and much more capable portables,
Uniden 325P2, 436HP, SDS100
Whistler TRX 1
Even though NC is shown as phase I, if you went with any I list above these are able to do Phase II. If NC went Phase II your looking at a new scanner if you went with WS1040.
The other models if you wanted agencies can also do mototrbo, NXDN as well. 1040 cant.
I see your county is not simulcast - multi tower same frequency so no real need for the expensive SDS100.
Current model portables that would work WS1040(No phase II support), 325P2, 436HP and TRX1
If it was me, 325P2 would be the one and least expensive phase II and future proof yourself with phase II and the mototrbo, nxdn support if you want as an addon.
Edit yes least expensive portable would be the WS1040.
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@Ronaldski the list of older models (rather than newer models) was provided because in the OP @Rett73 said " I want something that will work however don’t need a super high dollar handheld because well I’m an amateur here ". The older models will work fine with the exception of NXDN and will cost about a third of the newer models.
Please re-read the last sentence of the original post. OP stated they weren't seeking a high-dollar handheld which is why I only provided the minimal required radios to do the job they're looking for to track their system of interest
Agreed, although cost 1/3 the price is not normally the case at all unless compared to the SDS line.
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