Newb needs advice

[dmwierz]

Welcome to me! My first post in this forum, and I'm a hobby photojournalist who is looking to buy a scanner to help me find places to practice my hobby.

Where can I find suggestions on scanners? Portable would be best, of course. I have spent the past couple hours browsing the forums and it looks like there are some changes coming that would suggest waiting a bit.

What would folks recommend? Money is a moderate object, although I'd spend more if it meant being "future-proof" at least for a while.

Thanks!

 

[K5MAR]

I'll give you the standard response: we need to know where you are located, and some idea of what you want to monitor, in order to make any kind of meaningful recommendation. Check the RR database for where you live, and see what kind of systems are in your area.

Also, you might ask in your state forum, other scannerists in your area can tell you what works best for them.

Mark S.

 

[dmwierz]

Be gentle, now...

I realize this is a classic newb question (I see them all the time in other forums in which I have a modicum of expertise), but I did go to the state forum and the RR database, however, as with most new things, the numbers and abbreviations are gibberish to me now. Isn't there an UP TO DATE reference that takes someone from zero knowledge to at least enough to be able to translate? Digital/Analog; trunking, etc.

I've looked at Amazon, and there doesn't seem to be an intro book written any more recently than 2001, which is FOREVER ago in the technology world.

I'm in the Chicago area (SW suburbs) FWIW, and I'd like to monitor police, fire, wx and possibly air (civil and mil). Since i'll primarily be using it for photojournalism, it needs to be mobile (handheld).

I've looked at the Uniden BCD396T, since it seems to have everything I need (and then some). The worst thing is to buy something then realize a month or two later that it won't allow you to grow as you get more experienced and knowledgeable.

 

[K5MAR]

I realize this is a classic newb question (I see them all the time in other forums in which I have a modicum of expertise), but I did go to the state forum and the RR database, however, as with most new things, the numbers and abbreviations are gibberish to me now. Isn't there an UP TO DATE reference that takes someone from zero knowledge to at least enough to be able to translate? Digital/Analog; trunking, etc.

I've looked at Amazon, and there doesn't seem to be an intro book written any more recently than 2001, which is FOREVER ago in the technology world.

I'm in the Chicago area (SW suburbs) FWIW, and I'd like to monitor police, fire, wx and possibly air (civil and mil). Since i'll primarily be using it for photojournalism, it needs to be mobile (handheld).

I've looked at the Uniden BCD396T, since it seems to have everything I need (and then some). The worst thing is to buy something then realize a month or two later that it won't allow you to grow as you get more experienced and knowledgeable.

As the 396 is pretty much Uniden's top-of-the-line handheld, I doubt that you can go wrong with it. It appears that the state has a P-25 (APCO Project 25 Digital Audio), so you'll want that capability. As I type this I'm also downloading the Uniden brochure on this scanner, it appears it should cover everything you'll need. It's computer programable, which is a plus, and should be upgradeable to the new 800 MHz bandplan.

As for understanding the terms, I agree it can be intimidating to the newcomers. I've been scanning since 1970 (or was it 1969? ), so I've grown with the technology, which is alot more difficult than it was back then. Did you look in the Wiki here on RadioReference? There should be an explaination of pretty much everything you need to know. Two other sources of information - Police Call, which is sold in the Radio Shack stores, has a good primer in the front; and a new book out - Two Way Radios and Scanners for Dummies (pub. 2005). Here's the link. You should be able to get the answers you need from these three sources.

Mark S.

 

[dmwierz]

Thanks

Mark,

Thanks for the advice. I wonder, since the Uniden 396 is primo bucks, is there a better entry level handheld that might get me most of what I need at less $$$ that would not be obsoleted in the next couple years?

 

[Harrison]

Mark,

Thanks for the advice. I wonder, since the Uniden 396 is primo bucks, is there a better entry level handheld that might get me most of what I need at less $$$ that would not be obsoleted in the next couple years?

Howdy dmwierz,

Just to toss this out, I too am new to all this and just recently got a handheld RadioShack PRO-95, and with some help from all the folks on this forum, I am off and running. I picked it up for around $100 on eBay.

 

[K5MAR]

Mark,

Thanks for the advice. I wonder, since the Uniden 396 is primo bucks, is there a better entry level handheld that might get me most of what I need at less $$$ that would not be obsoleted in the next couple years?

OK, dropping the digital audio, but keeping the upgrade to the new trunking plans capability (according to an article in the Sept. issue of Scanning USA), you have the choice of the Uniden BC246T and the Radio Shack Pro-97. According to what I've read, these are both good scanners, with a slightly different mix of features. The 246 is computer-controllable, if I remember correctly, while the 97 is computer-programable. The 246 has a softkey power button (which I hate), the 97 has the good, ol' conventional on-off switch. The 246 has dynamic memory (a feature I like) while the 97 has set channels/banks. You'd do best to visit the Radio Shack and Uniden Forums here and read what people who have these radios say about them. I don't own either one, nor do I intend to buy a new scanner until the rebanding takes place in my area, several years from now (Illinois is in the 1st wave, BTW). Based on what I've read, I'd have a tough time choosing between the two. I like the 246's dynamic banking, but I really, really hate the soft power key . And the Radio Shack store is two blocks from my house, while I'd have to mailorder the 246. Can you say "instant gratification"? :lol:

Anway, it's time for you to do some more homework. Read what the forums are saying about these two scanners. Download the manuals from Uniden and Radio Shack, and compare the two. I don't think you would go wrong buying either scanner, but the question is, which one is more right for you.

Mark S.

 

[dmwierz]

Looks like a trip to Rat Shack is in order

Thanks to you both for the good advice. Something to be said for a local merchant.

 

[loumaag]

OK, dropping the digital audio, but keeping the upgrade to the new trunking plans capability (according to an article in the Sept. issue of Scanning USA), you have the choice of the Uniden BC246T and the Radio Shack Pro-97. According to what I've read, these are both good scanners, with a slightly different mix of features. ...

Mark,
Is the Scanning USA article saying the Pro-97 will be able to be upgraded after rebanding. This bit of information seems to run counter to the replies received by owners from Radio Shack Customer Service (after research by CS reps.)

To: dmwierz
Based on my question to Mark, I wouldn't run off right away to the local RS just yet.

 

[K5MAR]

Mark,
Is the Scanning USA article saying the Pro-97 will be able to be upgraded after rebanding. This bit of information seems to run counter to the replies received by owners from Radio Shack Customer Service (after research by CS reps.)

Yes. To be more specific, in the Sept. 2005 issue, on pages 14-15, in an article titled 800 MHz Re-Banding Get Ready NOW!, there is a section titled Will I have to buy a new scanner?. It lists the following Radio Shack scanners as working afterwards or being upgradeable: Pro-96, 97, 2096, and the original Pro-92.

Mark S.

 

[flyingwolf]

Original pro-92? As in what?

I have a pro-92b.

 

[W4KRR]

Original pro-92? As in what?

I have a pro-92b.

First there was the "original" PRO-92. Then there was the so called "PRO-92A", so named because they added an "A" suffix to the model number, i.e., 20-522A. Then came the so called "PRO-92B", which was model number 20-522B.

Look at the label on the back of your PRO-92. If it says "CAT NO. 20-522" without a letter "A" or "B", then you have the so called "original" PRO-92.

 

[loumaag]

Yes. To be more specific, in the Sept. 2005 issue, on pages 14-15, in an article titled 800 MHz Re-Banding Get Ready NOW!, there is a section titled Will I have to buy a new scanner?. It lists the following Radio Shack scanners as working afterwards or being upgradeable: Pro-96, 97, 2096, and the original Pro-92.

Hmmm....

I think I will wait and see. The Pro-92 (original) doesn't use the control channel for anything; the Pro-96/2096 does have a 6 table base/offset/space system that will work with 800MHz frequencies. The Pro-97 has the same 6 tables, (I think), but according to Don Starr (who I think understands the inner workings of the GRE scanners better than anyone outside of GRE) the Pro-97 will not allow those tables to be used on 800MHz frequencies.

Original pro-92? As in what?

I have a pro-92b.

Your Pro-92B will be a useful EDACS, LTR, and conventional scanner for the 800MHz band after rebanding, but it will not work on Motorola anymore.

 

[flyingwolf]

And of course I live in clermont county ohio. Motorola all the way.

 

[K5MAR]

This paragraph might be the key here: "Even if your radio is on the above list, it will have to be reprogrammed. Unless you have the PRO-96 or 2096, this will likely involve sending the radio back to the manufacturer." Much as many of us had to do with our Pro-92s, to get them upgraded to the 92A/B configuration. Luckily, I kept on of my 92s in stock configuration!

FYI, the apparent author of this article (no name is given) is Steve Donnell. His email address given on the title page is radiodf@rcn.com I have no direct knowledge in this, I'm just quoting what I read.

All material quoted is under the Fair Use Exemption to U.S. Copyright Law. Copyright 2005 by Scanning USA Magazine

Mark S.

 

[loumaag]

...Much as many of us had to do with our Pro-92s, to get them upgraded to the 92A/B configuration. Luckily, I kept on of my 92s in stock configuration!

Mark, this just goes to show you; not only didn't I send my first Pro-92 back, I didn't even know I could!

I just bought another radio to address the preceived problem at the time. So now I have an original. Looking at my pile of radios, I realized, by accident, only four of the nine trunk tracking scanners will suffer from the rebanding and of those, only one is routinely used as a trunking scanner. But it can be replaced by the Pro-92 which typically is not used at all. Of course, when the next move happens, all of that plan goes out the window.

 

[click23]

Here is a good scanner comparison chart. If you look Here you can see information on the upcoming statewide APCO-25 system.

Robert

 

[nexus]

I'm in the Chicago area (SW suburbs) FWIW, and I'd like to monitor police, fire, wx and possibly air (civil and mil). Since i'll primarily be using it for photojournalism, it needs to be mobile (handheld).

I've looked at the Uniden BCD396T, since it seems to have everything I need (and then some). The worst thing is to buy something then realize a month or two later that it won't allow you to grow as you get more experienced and knowledgeable.

]
The Uniden BDC396T would be an excellent choice. First off it just came out a month ago, so it's the latest scanner on the market that does trunktracking, not to mention digital. Checking the Il. DB Your interest would be Cook County. First off the entire state of IL is using a motorola APCO25 system. You'll need either a BCD396T or PRO96 in order to hear anything APCO25. Chicago itself is using a basic Motorola TYPE II smartzone. It's all analog, meaning ANY trunktracking scanner out today will easily scan and track it. HOWEVER, starting now and for the next few years EVERY 800mHz trunked system in the US is required to be REBANDED. This means that some older trunktracking scanners will no longer be able to track motorola systems. The PRO96 and the BCD396T is ready for these changes and won't be affected.

If you go spend 140 bucks at radio shack right now you could get a PRO95 (if they have any left) and it'll be usable until what you're listening to completes their rebanding requirement. Otherwise go ahead and break down and spend the 500 bucks and get the top of the line which is sure to carry you into the next several years of scanning.

It looks like you'll be able to scan everything in Cook county with just a basic trunk tracker. Just make sure what ever you buy will still work after rebanding.

If anything you look at in the database says PROVOICE forget it. Nothing will scan it. If anything says APCO25 you'll need a pro96 or bdc396t to hear it. It's pretty much that simple...

The following Uniden models listed state if they can survive the rebanding:

BCD396D
BC246T
BC296D
BC796D
BC898T
BCT8
All other 800mhz trunktrackers will need to be replaced i.e.
BC-235, BC-245, BC-780, BC-785, BC-250

Oh and welcome...

 

[dmwierz]

Thanks

Hey, guys, thanks! Looks like I'll standby to standby for a while to see what shakes out, or find a Pro-95 and use it till things change.