Pro-162

[scanner99]

I have found a pro-162 at my local radioshack for 65 dollars. Is it worth it? Does it have alpha tagging? Does it take 2 or 4 batteries? How does it compare to a bc246t? What are some of your opinions of this scanner? Is it better than a pro-97 which they also have on sale for 55 dollars? Any opinion on the pro-162 would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SCPD]

Pro-162 - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[DickH]

I have found a pro-162 at my local radioshack for 65 dollars. Is it worth it? Does it have alpha tagging? Does it take 2 or 4 batteries? How does it compare to a bc246t? What are some of your opinions of this scanner? Is it better than a pro-97 which they also have on sale for 55 dollars? Any opinion on the pro-162 would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, it is definitely worth $65. It has Alpha tagging. It uses 4 AA batteries. Yes, it's better than the PRO-97 because it is rebandable, although that may not be a factor in L.A.
It has good volume and sensitivity.
Sorry, I don't know much about the 246.

 

[raisindot]

I have found a pro-162 at my local radioshack for 65 dollars. Is it worth it? Does it have alpha tagging? Does it take 2 or 4 batteries? How does it compare to a bc246t? What are some of your opinions of this scanner? Is it better than a pro-97 which they also have on sale for 55 dollars? Any opinion on the pro-162 would be greatly appreciated.

It may be too late, but if you can still get it, GET IT. It's the handheld version of the Pro-160. I recently got a near-mint new version to supplement my PSR-500 and I find that the 162 does a far better job on VHF-HI than the PSR500, at least at rejecting interference. It's got alpha tags, triple trunking, good audio, 1000 channels. The only flaw I see is that it doesn't have a separate holder for rechargeable batteries and there's no Don Starr software for it--you have to use the execrable Arc160 if you want to program it.

I've read here that the 162 is often referred to as the "unicorn of RS scanners" because it's hard to find in stores lately. At $65, you could perhaps double your investment if you re-sold on the Bay,

Suzie

 

[DickH]

... --you have to use the execrable Arc160 if you want to program it.
Suzie

What's bad about the ARC-160? It works very well for me.

 

[kevin390]

What's bad about the ARC-160? It works very well for me.

Like most scanners, whats a great scanner to some is only a good scanner to others. I guess it depends on use, location and your listening preference..............Ray

 

[DickH]

Like most scanners, whats a great scanner to some is only a good scanner to others. I guess it depends on use, location and your listening preference..............Ray

Suzie, when did you change your name?

 

[raisindot]

What's bad about the ARC-160? It works very well for me.

Compared to any of Don Starr's programs, it stinks.

Lousy, unintuitive interface that tries to be "Windowslike" instead of functional. No functionality for entering SAME codes or weather information. No way to control any of the radio features independently of programming a frequency. Nonexistent documentation. Basically, the typical Butel program. It works, basically, but that's it.

My .02.

Suzie

 

[scanner99]

I think i am going to go get a pro-97 because rebanding in my location is not going to be a problem and it is completely programmable using free software.

 

[Evert]

What free software have you found for the Pro-97? There are some trial versions but as far as I know you have to pony up eventually to use them for the long term and/or to use all the features.

 

[raisindot]

Suzie, when did you change your name?

"Suzie" is my handle, named after my Suzuki S83. We channel each other's spirits.

 

[jamesa53]

Compared to any of Don Starr's programs, it stinks.

Not only that, the trial version of it only allows 3 banks to be uploaded to the scanner.

 

[Evert]

Not only that, the trial version of it only allows 3 banks to be uploaded to the scanner.

Some trial versions limit time you can use it, some limit features, some limit both. Nothing wrong with any of that. Loading three banks should give you plenty of exposure to see if you like the software or not.

 

[scanner99]

ARC300 lets you program the entire scanner using there software for the 30 day trial version.

 

[jamesa53]

ARC300 lets you program the entire scanner using there software for the 30 day trial version.

ARC160 doesnt though, you are limited to 3 banks. Just saying that Starr's software lets you fully use the software capabilities whereas Butel only gives you partial functionality for the trial period. IMHO, Starrs products offer better trials. Thats why I buy them and not the Butel products. In the case of my 162, its either Butel or the keypad. Still no decision there on my part.

 

[NWtoSFO]

ARC160 doesnt though, you are limited to 3 banks. Just saying that Starr's software lets you fully use the software capabilities whereas Butel only gives you partial functionality for the trial period. IMHO, Starrs products offer better trials. Thats why I buy them and not the Butel products. In the case of my 162, its either Butel or the keypad. Still no decision there on my part.

I totally agree. I love the 162, but I won't use the Butel software. The 162 is actually quite easy to program by the keypad, if only a bit slow. I still prefer inputting manually. $65 is a great deal!

 

[sffire]

I got a Pro 162 also. Paid more than $65.00. Works great.

 

[N1SQB]

Compared to any of Don Starr's programs, it stinks.

Lousy, unintuitive interface that tries to be "Windowslike" instead of functional. No functionality for entering SAME codes or weather information. No way to control any of the radio features independently of programming a frequency. Nonexistent documentation. Basically, the typical Butel program. It works, basically, but that's it.

My .02.

Suzie

Add to that the fact that it will not let you program any global settings and resets them every time you load to the scanner. They have been talking about fixing that for some time now but I would not hold my breath.

Manny

 

[ERICMYERS]

That scanner is definitely worth 65 bucks, buy it. I have one and use it every day. Software or manual programming, it's pretty straightforward.

No significant concerns here with ARC160's current version, and their support is particularly good.

I'll agree that Don Starr's software is my preferred, but not available for this scanner.

Scanners and pocketknives are the same value prop to me.....can never have too many, paying too much for junk can be a bummer, and getting a good tool at a great price is always a winner.

 

[riccom]

I got Lucky and struck gold!!!!!!!
I was looking to get the 160 today and was ready to pre order it, to have it shipped to my house, well the man (who knew about scanners ("gasps"))
And said
"i have a hand held one like the 160 for only 80 bucks and its the last one!
I Bought it and i am telling you its so much better then the pro 97(wow i never thought i would be saying this!) and its clean and the display and alpha tagging and the 700 mhz(why did they add it i dont know but who knows) but i am highly impressed it!
I sen alot of good reviews on it and well for 80 bucks i am not gonna say o got the bang for the buck on it, i blew the buck away and i am happy with it!

if you happen to find one GET IT Awesome for the needs for any analog!