CommunistFries said:
Hi all, great website, just reading up on everything. Could anyone recommend a good starting scanner for Sacramento (Folsom), and CHP, is there anything specific I should be looking for? Trunking? Digital? ... I was sort of looking at PRO-83/99
Thanks!
If you want to hear your local law enforcement agency you'll need a Trunking scanner.
In Sacramento, 99% of the Public Safety, fire and government agencies use a regional radio communications system. Folsom PD and Fire Department are users of this system.
Currently this regional radio system is a hybrid analog/digital system. Eventually it will become full digital. At this time there are very few users of the radio system that utilize the digital capability. But if you're looking down the road, it's probably best to purchase a digital trunking scanner.
There are plenty of other things that you can monitor that do not require a Trunking scanner. State Government agencies such as CHP, CDF and State Parks. Surrounding other counties such as El Dorado, Placer, Amador, Yolo, Yuba, Sutter, Solano, and San Joaquin.
My suggestion is a long term investment. Invest in a scanner that won't become obsolete for your particular needs. The biggest hurdle is cost.
The Pro-83 and 99 are NOT trunking scanners and you'll quickly find your 200 or 500 channels being filled up.
In order of strongest recommendation.
1. Uniden BC-396T - DIGITAL trunking scanner ( $530 )
2. Uniden BC-246T - non digital trunking scanner ( $220 )
3. Uniden BC-330T - non digital trunking scanner ( $280 )
4. Radio Shack Pro-96 - DIGITAL trunking scanner ( $500 )
5. Radio Shack Pro-97 - non digital trunking scanner ( $150 )
Here is a link to some Sacramento area Public Safety and Government entities and their frequencies.
http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&mid=11
Here is a link to the new Trunked Radio system that provides extensive service to Sacramento, including the City of Folsom. This system is going through upgrades, so be sure to check this like often.
http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=TRSDB&sid=4499