Question about options for new scanner

[thedoug]

I’m looking to buy a new scanner at Scanmaster. Add on options are DMR, NXDN and Provoice. Do I need any of these for scanning the Sacramento valley?

 

[gmclam]

If the only thing you want to monitor is Police & Fire, then no; at least not presently. If you can be more specific about location and what you want to monitor, then more a accurate answer can be provided.

 

[thedoug]

I’m in Folsom and would like to monitor Folsom Fire, Sac Metro Fire, Folsom, Rancho, CH police, Sacramento and El Sorado county Sheriff. Are they options one could program later themselves?

 

[doctordialtone]

I’m in Folsom and would like to monitor Folsom Fire, Sac Metro Fire, Folsom, Rancho, CH police, Sacramento and El Sorado county Sheriff.

Here is a good listing of scanner models.

Uniden Scanners - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

They can be programmed using FREEScan software, which is FREE.

Good luck!

 

[gmclam]

I'm in Fair Oaks, work in Folsom. Folsom Fire is dispatched on Sac Metro Fire. You'd want the A command & tac channels. The LE agencies in Sacramento are all on the same system. While there is a Folsom site, you'll also want to program the Simulcast sites so as to get all you want.

Because Sacramento (county) is now P25 and using a simulcast system, reception will likely not be good with most traditional scanners. Yeah I'm also using a PSR-500 & PSR-600 but some transmissions are garbled. To get reliable reception you need "an SDR dongle solution" or an Uniden SDS model radio.

El Dorado County sheriff is VHF conventional, meaning just about any radio will pick them up.

Are they options one could program later themselves?

Yes.

 

[thedoug]

I am looking at a Uniden SDS model. I currently have a Uniden analog scanner that I program with Freescan. The Assumption is that the Sacramento system went digital and I need a new scanner. My question is do I need to buy the add on options of DMR, NXDN and Provoice.

 

[doctordialtone]

My question is do I need to buy the add on options of DMR, NXDN and Provoice.

According to the database, everything with a D in the mode column is Digital / Phase 1, so no you don't need the add-ons

Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS) P25 Trunking System, Sacramento, California

Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS) P25 Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[ScanningHertz]

I am looking at a Uniden SDS model. I currently have a Uniden analog scanner that I program with Freescan. The Assumption is that the Sacramento system went digital and I need a new scanner. My question is do I need to buy the add on options of DMR, NXDN and Provoice.

I recommend the HP-2 or SDS-100 or SDS-200
You'll be able to listen to any of the public safety agencies you have listed as long as your listening spot has decent reception. No need to get extra premium features based on your list. It's something you can add on in the future if you really find a need.

 

[thedoug]

Thanks for the feedback. As soon as I get an email that Scanmaster SDS100 is in stock, I’ll jump on it.