Nexus,
Digital quality is good on it, I dont even need the Auto Gain Control on to hear well.
Jackson Co SO uses I-calls as well as others. Battery seems to do ok on it, but haven't had a good consistent chance to rate it time-wise. I use 3 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries.
I just got tired of hauling two scanners with me if i go somewhere and want to listen to APCO 25 comms and LTR (pro-96 & BC250D)
Also regarding this system and Mobile, from previous listening, some Mobile Co. VFDs have access to the VFD talkgroups on the Jackson Co. TRS. They interop'd with our VFDs on a state line incident. (will post a note to the RRDB).
Plus with future development of a 700 MHz State system (hopefully motorola!) the 396 seemed a nice investment.
Yes, development of new systems in the state proves a good reason to be on a carefully listening lookout.