Newbie / BC895XLT

[GottaLuv7]

I'm new to this scanning thing. Can someone help me out? I'm from Hanover County, VA. I have purchased the bc895xlt. Was this a bad choice? Will I be able to pick up my Fire/Rescue TAC Channels. One thing that I'm not sure of is.... Theres no way of showing what channal is miked up, correct? i.e FR TAC 6 or FR Dispatch. Next question is when Im listning to dispatch and someone switches over to a TAC channel how can i just monitor that channel? Next question what is EDAC and how does it work? The reason I ask is because Hanover uses a EDAC system. With the bc895xlt can i pick up this system? Any help would be great guys/gals.

Thx,

The Scanner Noob

 

[ka3jjz]

No, the 895 cannot handle EDACS; however, if memory serves, the brand new 898t (which is built in a very similar box to the 895) does.

73s and GL...Mike

 

[KT4HX]

Unfortunately for Hanover, the 895 was the wrong choice. It will only do Motorola trunking schemes, not the EDACS system you have there. If you want a unit to use in the house you could go with the 898T as suggested, or you could get hold of a used 780XLT which will certainly work well. Another good choice at least in a handheld would be the Radio Shack PRO-95. Not to complicate the matter any, but if you're interested in the Henrico/Richmond/Chesterfield systems, they are all digital. Therefore you would need one of the Uniden digital models or the PRO-96 from Radio Shack. Of course that is bigger bucks. Being in Spotsylvania County, I have the exact same sort of system here that you do in Hanover. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions on here anytime.