Other than design and programming, What are some advantages and/or disadvantages you've found between these units? I would like to hear your opinions on them.
Generally as reported in forum posts back when on here, the older PSR radios have performed a bit better in simulcast areas. I guess only other thing would be the PSR will be many years old as it was discontinued. As per the wiki on here it was introduced in 2007.
Ultimately they both use the same programming, short of different firmware.
Ultimately they both use the same programming, short of different firmware.
Ronaldski's comments are right on. Keep in mind that the PSR models are the original from GRE and they were only "rebranded" as WS by Whistler. I don't think there was ANY value added. Personally, they shouldn't have changed a thing. If you're OK with a used unit, go PSR, as they are obviously no longer being made. If you want new, FWIW, your only choice is WS.
The reason I ask is because I heard the whistlers have issues and people seem to say the older versions are better. I just want to know peoples true opinion on it to see if it actually makes a difference or not.
I don't recall that many "issues", in regards to the newer Whistler models having problems with the scanner itself. Sure, anything electronic or mechanical can possibly have an issue. But unlike the Uniden SDS series (CSJ on the SDS100, and the SDS200 that might hum along with you), and the RTC and display fading issues of the initial production BCDx36HP scanners (which was addressed with a service campaign for repairs). there has not been a flood of complaints related to the actual operation of the WS1040 in any specific function.
Most of the 'complaints' that I've seen relate to errors made in programming or operation, and, of course, simulcast reception, which is an issue for all of the Whistler models. Another issue that crops up is someone buying the WS1040 or WS1065, without realizing that the system they want to monitor is P25 Phase II, which these models are incapable of handling. That's an "operator error", not a fault of the scanner. Most of these same "issues" were also posted about the original, GRE produced, PSR-500. Not so much on Phase II, as it was not in as wide s[read usage as it is today.
However, I would still lean toward the WS1040, if you want one of this specific model type. As noted, the PSR-500 was released in 2007. GRE went out of business in 2012, so the "newest" PSR500 was manufactured over 10 years ago. Some electronic components drift off frequency, or develop other issues as they age. While it's not impossible for something like that to happen to a 'newer' WS1040, it is less likely.
tvengr
Well Known Member
And don't forget the Radio Shack PRO-106. The PRO-106 and PRO-651 are essentially the same scanner. The PRO-106 was made by GRE for Radio Shack. When GRE went out of business, Whistler made the PRO-651 for Radio Shack. All use the same programming software and operate in the same manner. The firmware is not interchangeable.
And also their predecessor, the PRO-96, could be considered, although it isn't dynamic memory and had some other differences. Here's a good comparison chart of the 96/106/PSR-500 plus their Uniden competitors for reference if anyone is curious-
Digital Scanner Comparison Chart - The RadioReference Wiki
tvengr
Well Known Member
One big problem with the PRO-96 is that it cannot trunk track 700 MHz frequencies. It was manufactured before that band became available.
It's only a problem if you have a 700mhz trunk in your area or want to listen to it. Eye of the beholder. I've never heard anything on 700mhz in my area. Good to note though.
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