NEWBIE NEEDS HELP!! pro-97 or 246t

[579]

which one? or maybe you guys can suggest something else based on my criteria. i am an absolute newbie. i know i want a handheld that trunks and want to stay around 200.00. also, can i plug headphones into either one? (that is important) thanks, 579 in macomb county michigan

 

[MacombMonitor]

Given a choice between those two, I would choose the PRO-97, if only because it will cover MilAir, and if you are near Selfridge Air Base in Mt. Clemens, MI., you might want to scan it. Especially during the air shows. Be advised that it appears the Uniden will have issues once rebanding occurs. The jury is still out on the PRO-97 being affected. Some sources say it will be upgradeable, others say not. If you're not already aware, neither of these will cover the new digital mode, taking over most of Michigan. I should also mention, the PRO-97 is much larger than the Uniden, but I have big hands, and failing eyesight, so it's in my favor.

 

[loumaag]

... Be advised that it appears the Uniden will have issues once rebanding occurs. The jury is still out on the PRO-97 being affected. ...

Issues??? What issues? At least Uniden has come forward and announced what radios they will support in the rebanding.
See this topic:
http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22155
Note the BC246T will be supported.

Radio Shack has yet to speak to this issue except to assume that we scanner heads know what we are talking about and the Pro-96/2096 will probably be able to be reprogrammed. The Pro-97 will not, based on the same thought process since it does not have have 6 custom tables to set Base/Offset/Spacing. But the bottom line is that we shouldn't have to deal with that, RS should be stepping up to the plate with a solution for all trunking scanners they have produced in the last 2 years or so.

 

[MacombMonitor]

My bad. It was my understanding that only Uniden's digital capable scanners would be upgraded to cope with rebanding.

As for the PRO-97, I indicated it was uncertain, and I still think that is the case based on what I've read, and heard. Again, I could be wrong...wouldn't be the first time.

 

[MacombMonitor]

It appears even Uniden has left themselves an out...just in case!

"This statement is based on the current rebanding plan, as accepted by FCC and industry. Future changes to this plan could affect Uniden’s response or its ability to respond. Nothing in this statement should be construed as any type of promise or warranty. Uniden reserves the right to make changes to its rebanding response policy at any time."

So it doesn't appear anything is cast in stone at this time.

 

[loumaag]

It appears even Uniden has left themselves an out...just in case!
...
So it doesn't appear anything is cast in stone at this time.

Paul had to put that in there or else the lawyers would have a stroke. :lol:

But, as you say, nothing is cast in stone. Motorola has not stated in the public domain what exactly is thier plan for the channel change. There are really 3 possiblites and since until they actually retool a system no one is going to know, Uniden has to say that. But consider this, Trunker (the software) was written by scanner heads so they could track the new trunking technology (back in the dark ages before trunking scanners) but they couldn't do it until they had some systems to work on. At least give Uniden a chance to see a system or two changed.