Question: What do I need?

[cd1229]

These are the local channels - do I need to invest in a super expensive/top of the line scanner for these? I'd like something better than a phone app, to be able to receive more channels. Don't mind spending a few extra bucks for decent equipment, but maybe not go high-end right off the bat. Trying to figure out what specs I should look for (obviously, I'm a newbie, but am capable) Suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

Frequency	License	Type	Tone	Alpha Tag	Description	Mode	Tag
151.07750	WQXX456	RM	127.3 PL	Rio PD 1	Police Dispatch	FMN	Law Dispatch
155.80500	KNBU643	RM	127.3 PL	Rio PD 2	Police Channel 2	FMN	Law Tac
153.92000	KNBU643	RM	136.5 PL	RR 3 PD C/C	Police Car-to-Car	FMN	Law Talk
154.95000	WNED206	RM	127.3 PL	RR 4 PD C/C	Police Car-to-Car	FMN	Law Talk
155.07000	WNED206	BM	103.5 PL	RR 5 PD Tac	Police Tactical	FMN	Law Tac
151.17500	WQXX456	RM	192.8 PL	Rio FD Disp	Fire Dispatch	FMN	Fire Dispatch
154.25000	KSS290	RM	192.8 PL	Rio FD 2	Fire Channel 2	FMN	Fire-Tac
155.74500	KNDX328	RM	136.5 PL	RR ACO 1	Animal Control Office 1	FMN	Public Works
158.94000		RM	203.5 PL	RR ACO 2	Animal Control Office 2	FMN	Public Works
158.94000	KNDX328	BM	254.1 PL	RR PW	Public Works	FMN	Public Works
451.03750	WREW851	RM	CC 10 TG * SL *	RR Schools Sec1	Rio Rancho Schools Security 1

 

[SteveSimpkin]

All of the agencies you have listed are using analog narrow FM mode. Any analog scanner should work. The Uniden BC125AT Handheld Scanner would cover this and more for around $120. If you wanted a base/mobile style, the Uniden BCT15X runs about $160 or so.

 

[n5ims]

Not so fast. The last entry lists a color code which would imply it's DMR (aka MotoTRBO) so to include that one you'd need something more than just a standard analog only scanner. I think that one entry would force you into one of the more expensive scanners. Please note that some of those listed below may require a firmware update or feature update to enable DMR access and these may be free or fee based depending on the brand and/or model.

The Wiki lists these Whistler scanners that should work:

Handheld Scanners:
* WS 1080
* WS 1088
* TRX1

Base/Mobile Scanners:
* WS 1095
* WS 1098
* TRX2

It also lists these Uniden scanners that should work:

Handheld Scanners:
* BCD436HP
* BCD325P2
* SDS100

Base/Mobile Scanners:
* BCD536HP
* BCD996P2
* SDS200

 

[ChrisABQ]

Steve's recommendations are most likely your best choice. Rio Rancho is easy to receive and you have vast amounts to hear with Rio, Sandoval and Bernalillo. Freescan is free and easy to program the BCT15X, I have 2 that I use and they are workhorses. Money well spent.

 

[SteveSimpkin]

Not so fast. The last entry lists a color code which would imply it's DMR (aka MotoTRBO) so to include that one you'd need something more than just a standard analog only scanner. I think that one entry would force you into one of the more expensive scanners. Please note that some of those listed below may require a firmware update or feature update to enable DMR access and these may be free or fee based depending on the brand and/or model.

The Wiki lists these Whistler scanners that should work:

Handheld Scanners:
* WS 1080
* WS 1088
* TRX1

Base/Mobile Scanners:
* WS 1095
* WS 1098
* TRX2

It also lists these Uniden scanners that should work:

Handheld Scanners:
* BCD436HP
* BCD325P2
* SDS100

Base/Mobile Scanners:
* BCD536HP
* BCD996P2
* SDS200

Good catch n5ims. I missed that last DMR agency. It appears to be encrypted full time so he will not be able to receive it anyway. If that list is all he wants then an inexpensive analog scanner like the ones I mentioned will work.

Frequency	License	Type	Tone	Alpha Tag	Description	Mode	Tag

451.03750

WREW851

RM

CC 10 TG * SL *

RR Schools Sec1

Rio Rancho Schools Security 1

DMRE

Security

 

[cd1229]

Thank you very much, for your replies and expertise, and for getting me pointed in the right direction! This is very helpful!

 

[cd1229]

I now have the BC125AT and am quite happy with it. The hardest part was locating the downloaded file on my computer (took a minute, to locate it under Program Manager). This is a great starter scanner, for the location where I live. Someday, either when Rio goes digital, or I end up "going hardcore" I'll advance to the list provided by n5ims. Meanwhile, I'm thankful to all who answered this post, or I'd still be googling around like a doggone fool. Had no idea I would get so many helpful responses here (or any at all) and greatly appreciate y'all helping out a newb!

 

[Giddyuptd]

Keep in mind rio rancho/ sandoval county plan to join the nmsp 700 p25 phase 1, 2 system at some future point. From what I've heard LE without doubt will be encrypted when that occurs, including BCSO, APD.

 

[WB9YBM]

These are the local channels - do I need to invest in a super expensive/top of the line scanner for these?

The most important part of any set-up is the antenna and it's location. Without it, even the best radio can't "hear".