Pro-162 now on Radio Shack web site $199.99

[letarotor]

Clarafacation!

Let me clarify my original question. Will the PRO-162 do CTCSS/DCS tone code decoding like the PRO-97/164?

Mark

 

[N1SQB]

It will do it!

I forget!
Will the 97 do instant decode of the tones? The reason I ask is because the 162 decodes PL/DPL tones very well and will search for them instantly. This radio has a lot of nice little things that are not advertised. As usual, the manual is missing a few "how to's" on a few things. For the sale price, you cannot go wrong.

Manny

 

[stevolene1]

********************** update*******************************
the new pro 162, along with the pro 164 are currently on sale at RS, price is $169.99

 

[N467RX]

Ok So I'll eat a little crow!
I had a chance to play with both the 162 and the 164 at a local Rat Shack! I ultimately chose the 162. First of all, the 164 is GRE made. Thats an issue for me because every GRE I have owned, has had issues with intermod. This is obviously due to the high sensitivity. In the RF hell area that I live in and travel around, conditions make it tough for monitoring. Having said that, the 162 has held up pretty good so far. Second, I love the separate squelch and volume knobs. Third, If you are going to use the standard bank system then 20 banks of 50 channels each is better than 10 banks of 100 channels each. I also like the audio on the 162 which is a little cleaner and more midrange-like than the 164. What I found most impressive is the large LCD. It lets you see everything.....I mean the channel tags,the frequency, the bank tags, and the PL/DPL are ALL visible at the same time. Thats awesome! Sensitivity is there but not so much that intermod overloads the front end! With the squelch set just right and the tones on, the radio almost sounds like a commercial rig. Its that good. I have the radio next to my computer as I write this. Not one hint of interference. None of my other scanners can do that without some kind of noice from my wireless router or laptop! I cant wait for some type of software for this baby! Thats another thing, programming this baby is extremely easy. I was doing it with one hand. Really user friendly. I recommend it to anyone without any hesitation! Nice job Uniden!

Manny

Is it easier to use than the 164/97?

 

[N1SQB]

Yes it is!
I have used them both and I would say that yes, it is easier and more fun to use!

Manny

 

[cipher66]

I cant wait for some type of software for this baby!

So, who is working on making software for the 162? BuTel, or Starrsoft? Anyone else?

 

[N467RX]

Might be my next scanner purchase after I move to the US.

 

[N1SQB]

Not sure who is working on the software. This model JUST came out and there are still some stores that dont even have stock yet. So I HOPE that someone is working on some software. I will tell you though, I went through about 3 banks manualy and it didnt really seem like a lot of work. I mean bank tags, channel tags, and PL/DPL tones. Was not that bad! Of cource nothing beats having software but that was one of the things I love about this baby, if I need to change something on the fly where I dont have access to a computer, it isnt bad at all!

Manny

 

[N467RX]

Not sure who is working on the software. This model JUST came out and there are still some stores that dont even have stock yet. So I HOPE that someone is working on some software. I will tell you though, I went through about 3 banks manualy and it didnt really seem like a lot of work. I mean bank tags, channel tags, and PL/DPL tones. Was not that bad! Of cource nothing beats having software but that was one of the things I love about this baby, if I need to change something on the fly where I dont have access to a computer, it isnt bad at all!

Manny

What about using tags that are not in caps (like Stockton PD instead of STOCKTON PD)? is it hard or easy?

 

[n2mdk]

Looks like the Func key toggles between Caps and lower case.

 

[N467RX]

Looks like the Func key toggles between Caps and lower case.

The thing is that at least on the Pro-97 you need to toggle between caps and lowercase for every letter, which gets annoying.

 

[CStarr59]

So the sensativity is good, along with the audio. And it's also fairly easy to program without software.
Sounds like a winner and another RS classic. Guess i'm going to have to visit RS this week and check it out.

 

[CStarr59]

Pro-162's must be in short supply. Not one within 40 miles of my house, and 6 stores within that range.
Why put it on sale if it's not available for touch and feel and my local store? Ship to store is available and ok, but I really need to see this first before I buy it.

 

[N1SQB]

Its worth the wait!

I have to say!
I havent been excited about a portable scanner like this in a very long time. You see, I start backwards. Instead of looking for a reason to buy it, I look for a reason why I would NOT want to buy it. I'm picky on how I spend my dough. Even $169.99 is an issue for me. Maybe its because I have 3 young children to care for, I dont know. Anyway, This radio is pretty dam good as I have been saying all along. As far as the Lower case or capital thing, they fixed that too! Say you want to put "Police" and not POLICE. well, its really easy, You put the capital "P" then toggle once for lower case and its stays that way for the rest of the word, in this case "olice" until YOU decide to change it. I didnt notice that until someone inquired on here. I'm telling you, its been a challlenge for me to find something I dont like about it.
The other thing, which is not really an issue but its a nice thing is the feel of the radio in your hand. I'm sorry but you grab a pro-97 with or without batteries and it feels like you have just the shell in your hand and no guts inside. This scanner has a nice solid feel to it even without the batteries. Just like the scanners of old but not so heavy that it feels like a paper weight. The sale is on until the 14th of this month. I hope more stores get them in stock before that.

Manny

 

[N467RX]

Do you put the batteries directly on the radio? or do you use a holder?

 

[n2mdk]

Do you put the batteries directly on the radio? or do you use a holder?

The answer is sort of yes to your question, 2 batteries go into the radio, the other 2 fit into the battery compartment's cover.
See the pictures in the PDF on the FCC site https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=846668&native_or_pdf=pdf

 

[lugoffman]

Is there a software program for this type radio like the win97 program if so can someone give me a link Thanks

 

[N1SQB]

Not YET!

Radio just came out as I stated in my earlier post. I dont believe there is software out YET, key word here is YET!

Manny

 

[lugoffman]

Radio just came out as I stated in my earlier post. I dont believe there is software out YET, key word here is YET!

Manny

yea I know my dumb butt posted this thing before I went and read the other post but THANKS anyways

 

[N1SQB]

No problem!

It happens! Especially when its dealing with something that you are really interested in! I really hope they come out with some software. I love the flexibility! I saw that the mobile version the Pro-160 is just as good and even adds a few things. I might end up getting that one as well. SHHHHHH! Dont tell the MRS.....

Manny