Recommendations for first scanner

[Ironic_Bonds]

Hi all! Newbie to the forum here, appreciate all of the great information! I am looking at purchasing my first scanner, got my eyes on the BCD996P2 or the BCD536HP. I am totally open to other options (even the SDS100 if it is the best option for my area, would just have to put off the purchase a bit because that price tag is tough)! My area is Alabama specifically Jefferson County and I'm interested in primarily law enforcement (that isn't encrypted). Not sure if it helps, but this is the database page I've pulled up...https://www.radioreference.com/db/sid/7258

Apologies if I've left some info out, but would be happy to provide that if needed.

Thanks for any advice/recommendations! Excited to get started!

 

[mass-man]

You’ve obviously read the listings in the RRDB…and understand what E and e signify! That said, TODAY either of your choices are good ones. I have 2 996P2s that I program with ProScan software! I program a pile of 536s at work! Like them both! The 536 has the HP feature which holds the entire DB on a mini SD card for easy access and for connection to a GPS for travel.
While Jefferson Co currently shows primarily D systems it is a Phase 2 capable system! If Jefferson makes the move to Phase 2 the SDS100 is gonna be your best bet! Not that the other two WON’T work, just that the SDS series was designed for Phase2 reception! Don’t need one of those here yet but the time is coming..,
IMHO if all public safety goes E I’ll just listen to other stuff. A couple of scanners are a nice addition to the ham and shortwave radios I have on my desk!
Hope this helps…

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

You’ve obviously read the listings in the RRDB…and understand what E and e signify! That said, TODAY either of your choices are good ones. I have 2 996P2s that I program with ProScan software! I program a pile of 536s at work! Like them both! The 536 has the HP feature which holds the entire DB on a mini SD card for easy access and for connection to a GPS for travel.
While Jefferson Co currently shows primarily D systems it is a Phase 2 capable system! If Jefferson makes the move to Phase 2 the SDS100 is gonna be your best bet! Not that the other two WON’T work, just that the SDS series was designed for Phase2 reception! Don’t need one of those here yet but the time is coming..,
IMHO if all public safety goes E I’ll just listen to other stuff. A couple of scanners are a nice addition to the ham and shortwave radios I have on my desk!
Hope this helps…

Many thanks for your reply, being new to this I appreciate your insight! Shortwave will be my next project...my desk always has room for new additions, even if it means I need to buy a bigger desk.

 

[Ensnared]

SDS 100/200, no competitor.

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

SDS 100/200, no competitor.

Understood! Thanks for the reply!

 

[majoco]

esnared said

SDS 100/200, no competitor.

Yes, but not for a self-confessed newbie. Start with something good but easy to program, BCT15 for example. Then you can keep it when you upgrade and use that for the simple stuff and the new one for the harder to decode stuff or install it in your car - you can never have too many radios!

 

[Akuriko]

i have to agree the 15x is good i would also recommend the 125at or the 536 or 436 by uniden as well, good scanners to start with.

 

[hiegtx]

esnared said

Yes, but not for a self-confessed newbie. Start with something good but easy to program, BCT15 for example. Then you can keep it when you upgrade and use that for the simple stuff and the new one for the harder to decode stuff or install it in your car - you can never have too many radios!

i have to agree the 15x is good i would also recommend the 125at or the 536 or 436 by uniden as well, good scanners to start with.

Unfortunately, for the OP's area, the majority of his local agencies are on Alabama's statewide trunked system, AIRS, which is the link in the initial post. That is a digital P25 Phase II capable trunked system. "Starting" with a 15X or 125AT would exclude most agencies which might be of interest. 'Learning' to program either of those scanners, when there is little of interest available to receive, is pointless, The programming for either of those scanners is very different than that used by the SDS of x36HP series of Uniden scanners.

Hi all! Newbie to the forum here, appreciate all of the great information! I am looking at purchasing my first scanner, got my eyes on the BCD996P2 or the BCD536HP. I am totally open to other options (even the SDS100 if it is the best option for my area, would just have to put off the purchase a bit because that price tag is tough)! My area is Alabama specifically Jefferson County and I'm interested in primarily law enforcement (that isn't encrypted). Not sure if it helps, but this is the database page I've pulled up...https://www.radioreference.com/db/sid/7258

Apologies if I've left some info out, but would be happy to provide that if needed.

Thanks for any advice/recommendations! Excited to get started!

Looking at the details for your county, Jefferson, there are several sites on the state's system listed for Jefferson County, one of which is tagged as being simulcast. Simulcast issues can be very frustrating for any scanner other than the SDS100 or SDS200.

 

[Akuriko]

then for ease i would recommend the 536 or 436 myself, the 15 x is a good trunking scanner for analog, however since its a P25 maybe a 996p2 or a 325p2 would work as well.

 

[hiegtx]

then for ease i would recommend the 536 or 436 myself, the 15 x is a good trunking scanner for analog, however since its a P25 maybe a 996p2 or a 325p2 would work as well.

Basic programming for both the 436HP & 536HP scanners is identical. There are, of course, options specific to the SDS series, such as filters, but the base programming of systems, sites, and departments is the same.

Since simulcast appears to be in use, neither of the P2 scanners would be my first choice for that area,

 

[bearcatrp]

You should post this in the alabama forum as those by you can give you a better idea what works and doesn't work in your state.

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

You should post this in the alabama forum as those by you can give you a better idea what works and doesn't work in your state.

Thanks so much, didn’t even know there was one so appreciate the info on that!

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

Basic programming for both the 436HP & 536HP scanners is identical. There are, of course, options specific to the SDS series, such as filters, but the base programming of systems, sites, and departments is the same.

Since simulcast appears to be in use, neither of the P2 scanners would be my first choice for that area,

Appreciate the insight, leaning toward the SDS after hearing opinions of those that have more experience than me. Thanks!

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

then for ease i would recommend the 536 or 436 myself, the 15 x is a good trunking scanner for analog, however since its a P25 maybe a 996p2 or a 325p2 would work as well.

Appreciate it!

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

Unfortunately, for the OP's area, the majority of his local agencies are on Alabama's statewide trunked system, AIRS, which is the link in the initial post. That is a digital P25 Phase II capable trunked system. "Starting" with a 15X or 125AT would exclude most agencies which might be of interest. 'Learning' to program either of those scanners, when there is little of interest available to receive, is pointless, The programming for either of those scanners is very different than that used by the SDS of x36HP series of Uniden scanners.

Looking at the details for your county, Jefferson, there are several sites on the state's system listed for Jefferson County, one of which is tagged as being simulcast. Simulcast issues can be very frustrating for any scanner other than the SDS100 or SDS200.

After leaning on those you you that are more experienced, I’m pretty sold on the SDS. Appreciate all the info and for lending your expertise to a novice!

 

[Ironic_Bonds]

esnared said

Yes, but not for a self-confessed newbie. Start with something good but easy to program, BCT15 for example. Then you can keep it when you upgrade and use that for the simple stuff and the new one for the harder to decode stuff or install it in your car - you can never have too many radios!

I like the way you think! I like the idea of having one in the car, thanks for that!

 

[KevinC]

You should post this in the alabama forum as those by you can give you a better idea what works and doesn't work in your state.

Even better idea (to avoid cross posting), ask to have the thread moved.