Radio Shack Pro-433 is it still any good for scanning here in 2023 /24?

etuck

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I currently have an almost brand new Pro-433 1000K channel trunking radio scanner that I purchased back in mid 2000's I'm guessing. I was aggravated in trying to get it programmed myself so it went into the closet and haven't touched since until now. Now that I have more time I'd like to get back into as a hobby. With all the new stuff out and changes like Encryption I'm now hearing a little bit about, would I be better off buying a new up to date scanner, and if so, what type is recommended as being the most user friendly and less troublesome/durable brand and model. I would like to be able to Scan the local Police, Fire, Medic, Air, Weather in my area, Indian River County Fl. mostly. Thanks to all for any help with this.
 

wtp

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Port Charlotte FL
the county

the manual

and it has 1,000 channels not 1000000 as that is what the K would mean.
1700850806090.jpeg
after looking at the system, and it is digital you would need a digital radio.
it also shows simulcast so you might consider the uniden SDS radios, as they handle that the best.
don't get rid of th 433 just put it to better use.
military air
frs/gmrs/murs
ham
state forestry
local businesses
 
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etuck

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Premium Subscriber
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Nov 19, 2023
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the county

the manual

and it has 1,000 channels not 1000000 as that is what the K would mean.
View attachment 151874
after looking at the system, and it is digital you would need a digital radio.
it also shows simulcast so you might consider the uniden SDS radios, as they handle that the best.
don't get rid of th 433 just put it to better use.
military air
frs/gmrs/murs
ham
state forestry
local businesses
The SDS radios are a bit pricey, would I still be able to hear police, fire etc., after spending that much money, if indeed encrypted in my county, or no?
How do I find out for sure, encrypted or not?
 

wtp

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Apr 3, 2008
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Port Charlotte FL
encryption can always happen.
my county (Charlotte, Fl) has said for decades, since 1993, they would encrypt, so far, not yet.
they did go to the 700 band and simulcast.
we bought a 325P2 and it works fine all around the county, just not at my house.
so we bought the SDS100 and do not miss a mic click, we get everything.
we did buy it with credits on amazon, so no real cash.
 

Kg9jz

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Dec 29, 2018
Messages
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I have a Pro-433 that always suffered from really bad intermod. After years I finally got tired of it and it went to the shelf, being replaced with a BC898T that I picked up for $35 at a hamfest. The intermod is gone, plus I can now receive a narrowband analog fire dept frequency using the 6.25 split on VHF
 

StoliRaz

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Dec 4, 2007
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Masshole
It'll be able to receive airband, weather, and any FD that isn't digital no problem.

I've owned my PRO-433 since new (summer 2006). In its day it was a strong receiver with a loud speaker. It's a little less useful now with more digital and nearly all trunking having gone digital. It's still great for aviation, weather and anything else analog. I kept mine. For as little they sell for now it just isn't worth selling to me.
 
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