Official PRO-97 Discussion Thread

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cnmsales

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Ok but as far as features and what not whats the difference? I want the alpha tags but i also like the stalker/skywarn feature.
 

safetyobc

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I beleive the 97 has all the features of the 2051 maybe a few more, except the 2051 has the beartracker. The 2051 was made by Uniden and the 97 was made by GRE. The 97 does have the skywarn and signal stalker, backlit keypad etc. All of this is in this forum, just back up a page or two and read about it. Also some pics back there.
 

cnmsales

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Hey thanks for the reply. I did go back and look at it and it would be great to have a handheld scanner instaed of the base station.

Just wondering, if I were to get this one would it have an option to plug it into a DC power source and also can I plug a Base Mounted antena to it? Thanks for the replies.
 

safetyobc

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I have a 246T handheld (best scanner ever IMHO) and I use it on a base antenna with great results. Also, I am not sure about the 97 but most of the handheld models have a DC power option and they either come with or you can buy an AC Power plug for the scanner.

A handheld can be used mobile or base type setup. I have a BC250D and a 246T. Since I got the 246T I haven't been using the 250 and am thinking about selling it and getting the 2051.....But I still haven't decided yet.

Anyway, back to the subject, the 97 looks like a great scanner. If it were me choosing between the 2051 and the 97, I would pick the 97 hands down just for the alpha tags. With the 2051 you have 1000 channels, it is almost impossible to remember 1000 freqs and who they belong to. That is why the 97 is better in my opinion. When a channel goes active, you look at the screen and see the text "Police Dept" or whatever you have entered instead of seeing 155.5000. It just makes life easier for me. But it will be your radio and you know your setup you want. Good Luck!
 

safetyobc

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I saw on the package picture a few pages back the it said "Signal Stalker II" What is the difference in SS I and SS II? I didn't even know the feature had been around long enough to have 2 versions.
 

cnmsales

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Ok great will def want to know if DC is an option with this one and as you said I should be able to plug an outside antena into this 97?
 

EricCottrell

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safetyobc said:
I saw on the package picture a few pages back the it said "Signal Stalker II" What is the difference in SS I and SS II? I didn't even know the feature had been around long enough to have 2 versions.

Hello,

Likely to explain away the differences in the Uniden vs GRE implementation.
SS I Pro-83 (Uniden)
SS II Pro-97 (GRE)

73 Eric
 

SCPD

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Pro 97

I just saw the Pro 97 on Radio Shack's website. Right now they don't have any in stock in my local area but does Fort Worth's Warehouse have any in stock there? I saw that the Pro 95 has text tags and Alpha Tagging on but I keep forgetting does the Pro 97 have texts tags and Alpha Tagging on? I was pleased to see the Pro 97 on Radio Shack's website.

Brad
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Eng74

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UPS just gave me my 97. I don't like that it is preprogramed. Too much tags to clear while I program. It is a nice radio sound wise and the squelch works great with with CT and DC tones. Over all I like it so far. The one thing I have to say is Don Starr how much longer till WIN97?! LOL. This is taking way too long to program by hand. I haven't had to program a radio like this in a very long time unless it was a one ch. tune up on something.
 

SCPD

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Pro 97

When you say Tags do you mean Alpha Tags or text tags? I'm sure when you say preprogrammed you mean Radio Shack programmed it for you. I'm glad your scanner works great refering to the squelch and has a nice sound to it. Of course when you first learn how to use the Pro 97 it's going to be hard at first. But if it takes for you to read the Owners Manual over and over again it will help you. Has Radio Shack confirmed at certain date to releasing the Pro 97? All I know they told me in late March. I look forward to getting the Pro 97 for my birthday. I saw that it says Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunking along with 1000 channels which is just what I need for my Sheboygan, WI Metropolitan Area. I'm surround by the following counties Sheboygan my city and county, Fond Du Lac, Washington, Ozaukee, Calumet, Brown, Milwaukee, and Manitowoc.

Brad
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cnmsales

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It is on the web site now for 199 dollars. thats a great price. I was debating on this one and the 2051. I dont see much difference between the two and the 97 has alpha tags which will make my life alot easier.

Still awaiting an answer on if i can plug my base anteena up to this unit. Thanks.
 

safetyobc

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yeah I guess. It looks like this:

http://shop.waltel.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/22_23/products_id/351


I have my 246t on a base antenna at times. The 97 will work on the antenna. But not trying to get off subject too much, make sure your antenna is grounded. Don't want to screw up your investment because of static build up or nearby lightening strikes. Of course unhook the scanner when it is lightening!!!
 

Eng74

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Re: Pro 97

sheboygannative said:
When you say Tags do you mean Alpha Tags or text tags? I'm sure when you say preprogrammed you mean Radio Shack programmed it for you.

No it comes with the first 150 chs. programed with common freqs.



Of course when you first learn how to use the Pro 97 it's going to be hard at first. But if it takes for you to read the Owners Manual over and over again it will help you.


I have all of the other GRE radios and it is very close to the 92/93/95/96 for programing. It is just so much easier to program with the computer than by hand. Mr. Starr as just made it too easy for all of us with GRE scanners.
 

k8mcn

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cnmsales said:
what does the win97 app being refrenced do and what makes it make it easier??

When they say "Win97", they are refering to a great software project written by Don Starr--it is free for Win 94, Win 95, and cheap for Win96................it is a kinda spread sheet/screen of your scanner-it is so handy to trade scanner setups online, write your own etc..
When i take a road trip i program in freqs that coincide with my route--you would never want to do that by hand--any way im getting off topic-just wanted to explain what Win97 is or may be
 

cipher66

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OK, I caved in and ordered my Pro-97 last week... It will arrive on Friday - can't wait! Looking forward to the 16 charecter display, signal stalker II and (oh yeah baby!) MilAir on a GRE scanner again! GRE really hit the market for milair with their old but reliable Pro-43 back in the 90's. I hope that the Pro-97 is as good a receiver, but we'll see. Since most Massachusetts systems are analog it will be great to carry them along in the same radio. I have always had the impression/feeling that GRE made radios received air comms (VHF & UHF) better than Uniden one's, but that's just my opinion.

PK
 

jrrob8

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Have had my Pro-97 for sometime now and have been very pleased. Anyone in the market should at least try one. The ctcss and dcs decoding is the best. Is as good as any handheld I have ever used.
Can't wait til Win97 is available to completely program it. It is easy to program, great manual, haven't found any mistakes yet, but I am lazy. I highly recommend.
 
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