Not sure what I need in a scanner?

[RetiredListener]

Hello,
I need a scanner for my home. I want to hear the local fire and EMS that uses 9600 CC Baud Digital Trunking System. Some are 5 freq and some are 6 freq for each channel. I also want to hear other departments that still use the older analog single freq simplex. I search through the Uniden Bearcat page and see both Digital or Analog Trunked scanners and not knowing much about the system other than all the freq has to be in the same bank I'm not sure what scanner I need? I found the freqs on this sight in this link. https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=4076

Thanks

 

[TailGator911]

You're going to need a digital scanner capable of receiving the SIRN radio's APCO-P25 Phase I system there in WV. You might want to investigate their intentions, if any, to implement to a Phase II system. The system, as of right now, is a fairly simple Phase I trunking system. If you find that they are upgrading then you would need a scanner capable of receiving a Phase II system. If it were my decision, I would go with the latest technology out there, either base or portable - Uniden SDS200 for a base station, or Uniden SDS100 for a portable - both scanners capable of receiving anything but unencrypted transmissions. If you want right now and you are on a budget? The BCT15X might also be the way to go.

JD
kf4anc.

 

[doctordialtone]

- both scanners capable of receiving anything but unencrypted transmissions.

JD
kf4anc.

Correction:

"both scanners capable of receiving anything but encrypted transmissions."

 

[RetiredListener]

Thank you for your reply, I like the BCT15X since I don't get a lot of scanner traffic. I live on bordering counties and the next fire station still uses 45.240 and 155.xxx mhz and I still wanted to hear those. I don't see the Trunk system going to Phase II since it too them 25 yrs to get to trunked.

 

[TailGator911]

oops, yes, I stand corrected and guilty of wishful thinking. I am bad at that

 

[hiegtx]

Thank you for your reply, I like the BCT15X since I don't get a lot of scanner traffic. I live on bordering counties and the next fire station still uses 45.240 and 155.xxx mhz and I still wanted to hear those. I don't see the Trunk system going to Phase II since it too them 25 yrs to get to trunked.

For the system you linked in your first post, https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=4076, that's a P25 Phase I system. While the BCT15X is a good scanner for a number of systems, it cannot decode digital transmissions. The 15X would get the analog transmissions in your area, but not any digital traffic, trunked or conventional.

 

[RetiredListener]

What would be a good choice for a scanner to receive the Trunk system? I'm looking at a mid-price range.

Thanks

 

[RetiredListener]

What would be a good choice for a scanner to receive the Trunk system? I'm looking at a mid-price range.

Thanks

Ok, I think I found a scanner, but need confirmation. The UNIDEN BCD996P2 looks good.

 

[doctordialtone]

Look for a Uniden 396XT(Handheld) or 996 XT(Base).

Note that they are Phase 1 - NO Phase II.

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

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996XT

 

[Ensnared]

I recommend a 436/536HP. I cannot afford a SDS 100 or G5 yet. I would rather buy a DSLR than fork over that amount of money when my two 436HP models work where I live.

 

[eaf1956]

Ok, I think I found a scanner, but need confirmation. The UNIDEN BCD996P2 looks good.

It's a great Phase 2 capable scanner. I got one.

 

[doctordialtone]

Ok, I think I found a scanner, but need confirmation. The UNIDEN BCD996P2 looks good.

Good choice. I got one too.

 

[Tech792]

I noticed the BCD996P2 actually went up in price to $378. It was $342 for the longest time on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...03-20&linkId=15653dd4bf5d5b5ef75389bbce37b9e8

 

[bearcatrp]

436/536 will future proof what you need. Everyone (most) is dumping their 436/535 to buy the 200. Should be able to find a deal.

 

[TailGator911]

Sorry I recommended an analog scanner! Not the radio I was thinking of! Lol

 

[RetiredListener]

Sorry I recommended an analog scanner! Not the radio I was thinking of! Lol

It's ok