New to Scanning

[jbparris]

I just got in to scanning a few days ago and am really enjoying it. But alot of the things I would like to monitor are Motorola Type II SmartZone Systems. I live in calhoun county alabama and bought a Uniden BearCat BC246T scanner. Is it possible to listen to them with this scanner? Also what are the differences between EDACS Narrow, Wide, and S.C.A.T and is one of them the same as EDACS Networked Standard ? Thanks for helping the new guy. -JBP

 

[JnglMassiv]

Yes, the 246 can monitor Motorola Type2 systems.
I'm sure someone more qualified will be along shortly to answer the rest of your questions.

 

[W4KRR]

I just got in to scanning a few days ago and am really enjoying it. But alot of the things I would like to monitor are Motorola Type II SmartZone Systems. I live in calhoun county alabama and bought a Uniden BearCat BC246T scanner. Is it possible to listen to them with this scanner? Also what are the differences between EDACS Narrow, Wide, and S.C.A.T and is one of them the same as EDACS Networked Standard ? Thanks for helping the new guy. -JBP

Most EDACS systems used by public safety agencies are wideband. Narrow is used mainly in the 900 MHz band by many utility companies. S.C.A.T. is a single frequency EDACS system, that is, only one frequency is used, for both the control channel and voice. Not too common. Used mainly to supplement other multi-frequency sites in an existing system as a "fill in" in outlying areas, etc.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

With the 246 you'll only be able to listen to the analog channels/talkgroups. According to the RR Database, the Calhoun County/Talladega County System uses numerous digital talkgroups (as indicated by the Mode column). A BCD396T or BCD996T (or other digital trunking scanner) would be needed to listen to all the talkgroups.

 

[hankv]

I just got in to scanning a few days ago and am really enjoying it. But alot of the things I would like to monitor are Motorola Type II SmartZone Systems. I live in calhoun county alabama and bought a Uniden BearCat BC246T scanner. Is it possible to listen to them with this scanner? Also what are the differences between EDACS Narrow, Wide, and S.C.A.T and is one of them the same as EDACS Networked Standard ? Thanks for helping the new guy. -JBP

I looked up Calhoun County in the RR Data Base.

The County system would be no problem except that MOST of the Talk Groups are listed in the RR DB as DIGITAL MODE. Does the BC246T do digital?

There are two possible problems I see with scanning Anniston Army Depot:

1. You will have to program it as a Motorola UHF system - This means you would need to find the Base frequency, Step, and Offset for the system. I don't have any idea how to find out this information.

2. There is a chance that a lot of the traffic will be digital.

 

[mfn002]

I looked up Calhoun County in the RR Data Base.

The County system would be no problem except that MOST of the Talk Groups are listed in the RR DB as DIGITAL MODE. Does the BC246T do digital?

No, the 246 is not digital. I would honestly adivse you to invest in a digital scanner, such as a RS PRO96 or a BC396T (I would recommend the Uniden). If you are into base/mobile units, I would recommend a RS PRO2096, a BC796D, or a BC996D.