Newest scanners?

[downsrep]

I'm looking to purchase the newest latest advanced portable handheld scanner, any brand. I want all the features, i.e. fire decoding, StarCom 21 capability, preprogrammed, etc. I prefer to buy it at a store but would consider the internet.

 

[rdale]

Newest GRE is the PSR-500

 

[ibagli]

I want all the features, i.e. fire decoding, StarCom 21 capability, preprogrammed, etc.

The only currently available handheld scanner that is able to decode fire toneouts and is P25 capable is the BC396T.

 

[tobarger]

I would wait for the new Uniden BCD396XT.
That will be the newest and latest for a while.
The Gre doesn't do fire tone outs.
Due within the first 3 months of 2009.
Here's two info. links:

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD396XT

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/PSR-500

 

[downsrep]

okay...I thought I saw that the Uniden BCD396XT was out, according to the Radio Shack website, but maybe that's why it said it was out of stock.

 

[Astrak]

Is fire tone out a possibility for firmware upgrade on the 500 or is it something that can't be added by a firmware upgrade?

 

[rdale]

If it hasn't happened yet, I'd say it's safe to assume it won't be.

 

[Forts]

I'm looking to purchase the newest latest advanced portable handheld scanner, any brand. I want all the features, i.e. fire decoding, StarCom 21 capability, preprogrammed, etc. I prefer to buy it at a store but would consider the internet.

....in addition to the replies above, I doubt you will find a radio 'off the shelf' that will be adequately pre-programmed for your particular area.

 

[iMONITOR]

Is fire tone out a possibility for firmware upgrade on the 500 or is it something that can't be added by a firmware upgrade?

On the new GRE/Radio Shack scanners you can program audible alert tones and colored flashing LED's to a particular frequency. Wouldn't that be as good?

 

[rdale]

No, because that would activate for EVERY transmission, not the pager tones.

 

[iMONITOR]

No, because that would activate for EVERY transmission, not the pager tones.

That makes sense. I never understood the need for that feature but it makes sense now.

Thanks

 

[torontokris]

My answer in the Uniden forum (same question) is for the Pro-106 as you can get it in store and they often pre-pre-program it for you in store

Although if you need tone outs your only option right now is the Uniden BCD396T

But wait a couple months for the new BCD396XT, then youll have the latest scanner

 

[hfxChris]

No, because that would activate for EVERY transmission, not the pager tones.

Unless you're lucky enough to monitor a fire agency who uses dedicated frequencies for pages

 

[MEBUCKO]

Fire tone out is great to have, ONLY IF THE WIFE CANT REACH THE RADIO AT 2:00 IN THE MORNING. I lost a fire department issued pager and fought with my life to save my 396t. Just thought I get that off my chest.