New To Scanning-Suggestions ?

[GeneB]

After a "very long interval" my interest in scanning has returned. However on doing research on "TrunK Tracking" I find that have been left in the dust when it comes to the moderen scanners

I am hoping you might offer some suggestion as to a model to purchase. I am listing my interests below, in order of importance to me:

1)A handheld
2)Will be used in the Washington, DC area to chiefly monitor the local police and fire departments
3)Would like something not too difficult to program

Would appreciate any suggestions you might offer as to scanners they might fit my requirements.

Thanks

Gene
Washington, DC
gene2700@yahoo.com

 

[madnachos]

Not real familiar with your area, but if you don't need a digital scanner the Pro97 for $150 (on sale right now) is a good way to go. When used with PC programming software the Pro97 is very easy to program...especially if you use the 'web import' feature to load data from RR.

 

[ka3jjz]

Unfortunately to hear the DC 460/800 system you need a digital capable scanner. The ones listed here will do the job (anything in blue is a link). Just select the model you want to read about and away you go. Avoid getting the 250 and 785; these require a seperate (and getting hard to find) plug in card, and they don't handle some of the newer trunk systems.

73s Mike

 

[dc2wheel]

I'd recommend Radio Shacks Pro-96 & StarrSoft's WIN96 software http://www.starrsoft.com You can then download files from here: http://henney.com/chm/files/p96files/ & be all set. [tho I need to update the files I placed on there to reflect DC's split offset].

I had Uniden's BCD-396T, but sold it since I found it lacking sensitivity for MPD's UHF system, especially when compared side-by-side to the PRO-96. YMMV.

The PRO-96 is a bit of a chore to program manually, and in the case of DC's UHF not possible without software, but thankfully the WIN96 software is pretty easy to figure out & only $30. I've had mine since the first year it came out & have been quite happy with it.

 

[JESSERABBIT]

I whole heartedly agree with dc2wheel. With Win96, and a little experience, getting data to the Pro-96 is easy. I am not familiar with the Uniden products, so you may get more info here about them.