PSR-400 or BCT-15

[kevin390]

If you had to pick one of these which would you pick? I know the BCT-15 does everything but drive your car, But when you program by hand it can take awhile. On the other hand The GRE PSR-400 is suppose to be a great scanner in it's own right. So if anyone has the time tell us which one you would really pick..........Ray

 

[ka3jjz]

Depends. What are you going to use it for? If you're going to be logging and recording, the BCT15 is a clear winner (and there's freeware available for this scanner). The 400 cannot be computer controlled. I might also be a bit concerned about the 400's strong signal handling. It seems some of these newer GREs have a bit hotter front end which makes them
prone to overloading. I haven't heard of any reviews on the 400 yet, however, but it's a trend that might concern me if I were in an urban area 73 Mike

 

[Jakemcgraw]

I bought the PSR-400 a few weeks back, and have to say its a very good overall base /mobile scanner. I use mine as a base in the house, I monitor mostly 46 mhz,,155-162mhz and 450-463mhz ranges and it receives great, and I live in a fairly high RF area. Love the Display also, very clear and easy to read..I owned the uniden BCT-15 awhile back and its an alright scanner IMO, but I prefer the PSR-400 over it. And I use the stock telescopic antenna that came with it, and have good reception. Audio power is great, gets loud without distortion !,, I recommend this scanner highly.

 

[N1SQB]

To buy or not to buy!.....

Im on the fence too about the PSR-400. The sensitivity is the issue that has me hesitant. I love my 996, bct 15, and bc-785 all of which have no issues with my external antennas. The GRE folks have done a great job in the sensitivity department but have failed to address the selectivity issues. I dont know, I want a 400 but Im just not sure....

Manny

 

[kevin390]

That's the problem that been bothering me. I hade the pro-163. It was easy to program, set- up and getting it going. I program by hand so it took a while to put in all those tags. But it kept on over-loading. Even trying different antennas. I don't want to keep returning scanners, it takes time and I am like a little kid with a new toy. I want to play with it now. The 163 and the PSI 400 are made by GRE. I have stated many of times I like Radio Shack scanners. Uniden or GRE made doesn't matter. But there isn't much of a selection of base scanners at the shack anymore. I guess I am going to learn to appreciate Uniden upper ends scanners. So once again I ordered a BCT-15 today from Grove. I guess I will take more time to learn about this scanner this time around..........Ray

 

[N1SQB]

I hear ya Kevin!

Kevin;
I went from a BC 785 which is a standard bank scanner to a BCT 15 with Dynamic memory. I did not like it at first. It took me quite a few tries to get it , but now, I love it. I use the Scancontrol software to program it. I love the 15 because it has both great sensitivity and selectivity. While not 100% intermod free, it holds up pretty darn good when connected to my externaly mounted scantenna. I love my BCT 15. Give it time, you will too.

Manny

 

[SCPD]

I have a 785, 246T. I just bought a BCT-15 a short time ago and love it. Some of the features that i like are 1) Priority will cut in on a trunk system and while searching.2) you can put all your priority channels in one system.

 

[emscapt9816]

Congratulations on your new purchase...

My fire department recently purchased and installed BC15T's in the chiefs' cars and several offices. I was tasked with programming the radios. I used FreeScan http://scannow.org/ to program them. I think you'll find this program useful. It also allows computer control of the radio.

 

[N1SQB]

Hey Eric!
Thanks for posting that freescan web site. I just went there and downloaded the software and the latest update. I have to say, very nice. I wish I had known about this BEFORE I laid out the cash for Scancontrol. Thanks.

Manny