No more 785? 796 vs 296?

[gg750]

I have been looking into getting a BC785d, but they seem to be VERY hard to come by, as do the digital cards for them, which I planned on purchasing at a later date (money is limited). Have they been discontinued? Since I'm having so much difficulty finding one, I've been thinking about dumping the cash for a 796, but I may also go with the portable. Is ther any difference at all between the 796 and 296 besides it's case? I don't really need the digital since my RS Pro-96 will pick it up, hence looking at the 785. I really would like to get a Unideon though. Are there any comparible models to the 785?

 

[loumaag]

The 796 replaced the 785, quite awhile ago, which is why they are hard to come by.

The 796 & 296 are basically the same radio, electronically, with the differences being those normally associated with the difference between a portable and mobile/base type radio. If you indeed don't need another digital type radio and can use a more moderately priced portable, take a look at the BC246T. It may fit the bill.

 

[gg750]

I was able to find a 785 at a reasonable price...$280 bucks. I really wanted a base model, since I already have a portable. There seem to still be plenty of the digital add-on cards out there, so if I ever decide I want digital out of this thing, I can add it later.

 

[Julian1]

785 / 796



Hello...........

I have a 785 which I use without the card. Great scanner.

Before you spend the $$$ on a 785, please be advised that if you plan to listen to trunked Motorola 800 system(s) consider the "rebanding" that is about to occur.

If you are already "up" on this please forgive me.......but if not you will want to consider that during the next year or two (depending on what area of the US you live in) public safety 800 frequencies are going to be shifted around some. This shifting will eliminate any trunking scanner's ability to trunk most if not all Motorola 800.

Here in the southeast, 2006 is our year. My hometown here in Lagrange, GA has only 7-800 freq's. Some of theirs will be relocated, others will not.

In the end, my 780, 785, & 250 will be rendered useless for trunking Motorola 800. Great for conventional, fine for EDACS and LTR 800 but not Motorola 800.

Uniden 796D, 296D, 396D, can be flash upgraded to compensate for this change via downloads from Uniden. Same flash capabilty via download for Radio Shack Pro-96 and their base/mobile version.

There are some threads on this topic on RadioReference.

Just didn't want to see someone spend hard earned cash to trunk Motorola 800 only to have it "nuked" within a few months to a year or two.

Best of luck to you..........and happy scanning!

Best Regards,
Julian

 

[gg750]

I have a Pro-96 that I use for Michigans 800MHz system, so I should be ok in the future. I have no idea when it's Michigan's turn for the rebanding, but my county has no intention of ever joining the MPSCS, so I'm really not too concerned...thanks for the heads up though Actually, where I am, even a conventional scanner will be useless soon...Grand Traverse county is (so I hear) pooling funds to get computers for their patrol cars...they will be dispatched via in car terminals. It's just a rumor so far, but it's coming from a reliable, inside source. I'm kinda bummed

 

[Julian1]

Computers in Patrol Cars

Thanks for your note........

Don't sweat the computers. Known as MDT's (Mobile Data Terminals).

Atlanta agencies use them. Guess what..........they continue to put the calls on the radio. Why? Well, if an officer is standing a few feet away, the only way to raise them for a call is via radio.

MDT's are great for additional call information. They prevent or at least lessen requests for repeats on addresses.

Also...if I understand correctly, the call goes to one unit. So how is the supervisor or other surrounding units going to know what is going on if they are away from their MDT but in service/avaialable for calls?

They'll lessen traffic some but I don't believe to the extent claimed. Remember, these things had to be sold.

If you were to visit www.ScanAtlanta.com and listen on-line to Atlanta PD, Cobb Co PD, or DeKalb Co PD you'll see what I mean.

You take care and good luck,
Julian

 

[gg750]

Well, I thought I found a 785. The company I ordered from has not sent a confirmation email, or called...and all of their phone numbers go strait to a voicemail...no has answered their phones all day, or returned my calls...i'm a little worried. Has anyone ever heard of Lee Electronics?

 

[Julian1]

Lee's Electronics - Great folks!



I cannot remember their actual hours of operation.

These guys took great care of me on a warranty situation. I had a 780 that Uniden could not fix. They did not have a 780 to replace with and sent me a 785 at no extra charge.

They strike me as first class folks. I was very satisfied. This is the kind of support we need from the places we buy scanners from.

Good luck and take care,
Julian

 

[northzone]

Since Lee died they are basically out of business.

 

[gg750]

I really hope you're joking....

 

[northzone]

That is not something I would joke about. I talked to his sister several months ago when I tried to place an order and that is what I found out. She was trying to run the business but I don't think it is working out. Let the board know if you have any luck with your order, but I would look for another source.

 

[Julian1]

Lee Electronics - Janice-Open 8-5 EST

Email from Janice of Lee's Electronics:

We have been extremely busy the past couple of weeks - which is good. We have an old Yahoo store that the 785 is posted on which we are waiting for them to take down. Sometimes we don't get all the inquires returned for items we no longer have or people leave a phone number so quickly that it not understandable.....or sometimes their cell phones fade out during the number...... 8-5 EST sometimes later...but we not longer have the 780 or 785. Janice

lee.electronics@verizon.net <lee.electronics@verizon.net>

Hope this helps,
Julian