Thanks for your response.
I'm inferring from your comments that all other Orange County/Orlando agencies (except OPD) would then be accessible via a current-model scanner, and therefore put my hoped for purchase back on the front burner???? I would ask for a "trunking / digital scanner"? Do you know if the unencrypted agencies will be encrypting anytime soon?
Can you recommend a brand / model / style? I'm thinking handheld Radio Shack. Model??? My current scanner is an unmodified Radio Shack Pro-2005, which I'm hoping to sell.
I'm guessing I'll need a cable to connect it to my laptop, and software, too? Are they sold seperately? If so, is there a kind of software I should look for, or are they proprietary to the radio?
This is getting exciting. Something to look forward to! -Bob
I can give you a suggestion... its basically the same set-up that I am currently using. Keep in mind, that others may have set-ups that also work well, or that can be placed in a mix and match combination, but this is what I currently use, and I do believe that this set-up will work well for you. Also remember, that your budget will play a key role in this combination.
I am monitoring with a RadioShack Pro-106 hand-held scanner, which is capable of receiving P25, digital, and alot of other top tier technology, so I wont get into the finer details, but the 106 is one awesome scanner... the best I've owned to date in my personal opinion and I've been scanning for the past 30 years.
Programming made simple... I use scanner programming software... I purchased PSRedit-500 AND WIN-500 software from thier websites, but respectfully I use the PSRedit-500 99 % of the time... its my preference, and I have the scanner wired to my home computer via the RadioShack USB cable that can be purchased seperately. I have also purchased a wall-wart battery charger for the 106 from RadioShack. And finally, I purchased some good quality rechargeable batteries.
If your using the scanner at home, I suggest you use a yagi style outdoor (mast mounted) antenna w/ some good quality coax. This type of antenna may work well for you, but you may find a discone outdoor antenna to work better due to the congested airwaves and numerous locations of site towers broadcasting signal from so many various locations.
If your able to take the scanner on the road... you will find The Pro-106 is a great little (portable) hand-held for when your traveling around, so a good quality aftermarket hand-held scanner antenna will show much better results in the 800mhz range for the Orlando / Orange systems. I prefer to keep my hand-held home (indoors) wired up to the outdoor antenna system I have, because its wired to my computer for easy programming and tweaking arraingements.
I think this set-up would work well for you in the Orlando area... you should have no problems picking up their systems... everything, except for the encrypted talk-groups. I have taken my 106 to the Orlando area on two occaisions, and it monitored very well. I do not usually remove my scanner to take on the road because of the strict scanner laws that we deal with n this state.
Do your homework, different antenna systems are out there, so choose the antenna thats right for what you intend to monitor. I monitor mainly the 800 trunked systems in my area, and if I put my scanner in the garage while I'm working, I attatch a good aftermarket 800mhz rated rubber duckie style screw-on antenna. When I'm inside, it's attatched to my outdoor yagi style antenna aimed at my nearest tower site for maximum reception. There are working combinations out there, you just have to find out whats best for your situation, sometimes thru trial and error. But, my suggestions should steer you away from those disappointing mistakes.
Save your pennies, this could become an expensive hobby!!
Hope you find what your looking for
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