Newbie question about my area

[Chrisbo5000]

Hello.....I live on Cape Cod. My knowledge about scanners, digital vs analog, and future-proofing a purchase is limited. I need a scanner for aviation traffic (because I fly drones), listening to Eversource power restoration during coastal storms, and local police action in my town. From my limited knowledge It looks like I can use an Analog scanner and hear everything I need. I just wanted to see if anyone with more knowledge than me had thoughts on this before I purchase anything. Can I go analog or do I need digital? Thanks!

 

[bob550]

Welcome to RadioReference! Where on the Cape do you live? Eversource appears to be using DMR, a digital mode, and so a digital scanner would be necessary for that. Many fire and law enforcement agencies in Barnstable County appear to be using the MA State PD trunked system, which is mostly analog. You should be good with a basic digital scanner such as a Uniden BCD996P2 base or the BCD325P2 handheld. Whistler also produces digital scanners, TRX-1 and 2, which would work for you as well. Uniden will charge a $60 fee for the DMR upgrade, while Whistler has included this in their price.

 

[hiegtx]

For the Massachusetts state system, two of the three sites in your county are simulcast, which can be a problem as well. The Outer Cape/Wellfleet site is not simulcast, but the other two are.

 

[ecps92]

the Analog simulcast has no reception issues, the Simulcast issues occur on the P25 system, which has not made it to the Cape of Cod yet.

For the Massachusetts state system, two of the three sites in your county are simulcast, which can be a problem as well. The Outer Cape/Wellfleet site is not simulcast, but the other two are.

 

[Chrisbo5000]

Thanks so much for your help everyone! Very helpful information.

 

[Chrisbo5000]

Welcome to RadioReference! Where on the Cape do you live? Eversource appears to be using DMR, a digital mode, and so a digital scanner would be necessary for that. Many fire and law enforcement agencies in Barnstable County appear to be using the MA State PD trunked system, which is mostly analog. You should be good with a basic digital scanner such as a Uniden BCD996P2 base or the BCD325P2 handheld. Whistler also produces digital scanners, TRX-1 and 2, which would work for you as well. Uniden will charge a $60 fee for the DMR upgrade, while Whistler has included this in their price.

I am in Sandwich

 

[scottymcneill8657]

I'd recommend a new/used Uniden SDS100- it's what I currently have and is the absolute best scanner I have ever owned. You can occasionally find them in the classifieds on here in the $400-500 range; it's totally worth it. Don't pay for programing though- it's very easy to do and is a waste of money (save it for the DMR upgrade if needed.)