What do you recommend for a hand held scanner to get Northampton/Lehigh County. Currently have radio shack pro 651 and I’m not getting a lot of talk. Was thinking about either buying a new antenna and/or new scanner.
Scanner/antenna recommendations
- Thread starter kreibman
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doctordialtone
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The Uniden 325P2 scanner is a great little handheld scanner.
It's current technology and trouble-free!
While still a great radio, Your 651 scanner won't do P25 PH2, something your gonna need/want in the future.
If money isn't an issue go with the most future proof models currently available, able to deal with the popular simulcast systems [LSM] that are so troublesome to decode in modern times (in a scanner)
the top of the line...
SDS100 handheld
SDS200 base/mobile model
the midgrade (not so good for simulcast systems, but can work)
BCD436HP handheld
BCD536HP base/mobile
the entry level Unidens (don't have full DB built in/compatible, not so good for simulcast systems, but can work)
the above mentioned BCD325P2 handheld
BCD996P2 base/mobile
And the various Whistler models too.
Before you buy anything.. I'd do some homework and do a search though this forums' threads for the known issues that can become apparent with specific models, which after purchase folks bring back/report here the problems that come up, buy what you can afford, but be aware...
Here's a link from a similar thread/question that was asked.. some good links in it to follow..
forums.radioreference.com
If money isn't an issue go with the most future proof models currently available, able to deal with the popular simulcast systems [LSM] that are so troublesome to decode in modern times (in a scanner)
the top of the line...
SDS100 handheld
SDS200 base/mobile model
the midgrade (not so good for simulcast systems, but can work)
BCD436HP handheld
BCD536HP base/mobile
the entry level Unidens (don't have full DB built in/compatible, not so good for simulcast systems, but can work)
the above mentioned BCD325P2 handheld
BCD996P2 base/mobile
And the various Whistler models too.
Before you buy anything.. I'd do some homework and do a search though this forums' threads for the known issues that can become apparent with specific models, which after purchase folks bring back/report here the problems that come up, buy what you can afford, but be aware...
Here's a link from a similar thread/question that was asked.. some good links in it to follow..
P25 Trunked Scanner Recommendations
Hello all.....new to this forum. Our local PD (Bozeman, MT), moved to an 800mhz trunked system a while back. It seems its time for a new scanner. I assume a P25 capable scanner would work? Recommendations? Also, I dont know much about trunked systems, but radio reference lists a system ID...
Northampton County is still UHF analog (I thought PD had gone encypted at some point, guess I'm wrong). Lehigh PD/Fire/EMS is still primarily VHF analog. You shouldn't have any issues picking them up with your 651. Before shelling out the dough for a new radio I'd tune into the local NOAA weather frequency and see if you have a pick up on it to rule out faulty scanner or antenna. If all is well there, check your programming on the other agencies
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PennDOT/Game Commission (amongst others) are on the new Starnet P25 (PH2) if hearing them is interesting to you, then you'll want a PH2 capable scanner. They can be monitored now, although PennDOT hasn't got radios in your area just yet.. Food for thought..
New System
Old System (not monitorable but has info on the users and they will eventually move to the new one)
No, PSP can't be monitored by any scanner (Encrypted) [The subject always comes up]
If your using the stock antenna on the PRO-651,, Throw it away..
You'd be better served with one of these for any handheld scanner.. New or Old..
They do a fair job on AIR/VHF Hi, excellent on 450-800..
You have surrounding neighbors that are in the process of implementing or already have P25 PH2 systems.
I'd imagine Northampton will too some day.
New System
PA-STARNet: Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network Trunking System, Statewide, Pennsylvania
PA-STARNet: Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network Trunking System Profile
www.radioreference.com
Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network (PA-STARNet) Trunking System, Statewide, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network (PA-STARNet) Trunking System Profile
www.radioreference.com
If your using the stock antenna on the PRO-651,, Throw it away..
You'd be better served with one of these for any handheld scanner.. New or Old..
Amazon.com: Diamond (Original) RH77CA 144/440 MHz. Dual-Band High Gain Handheld Antenna Rx: 120~900 MHz. (Gain: 440 Mhz. 2.15 dBi, Max Power: 10 Watts, Length: 15") BNC
Buy Diamond (Original) RH77CA 144/440 MHz. Dual-Band High Gain Handheld Antenna Rx: 120~900 MHz. (Gain: 440 Mhz. 2.15 dBi, Max Power: 10 Watts, Length: 15") BNC: CB & Two-Way Radios - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
You have surrounding neighbors that are in the process of implementing or already have P25 PH2 systems.
I'd imagine Northampton will too some day.
First two things I do with any radio I acquire: toss the stock rubber duck and disable the annoying key beepsIf your using the stock antenna on the PRO-651,, Throw it away..
You'd be better served with one of these for any handheld scanner.. New or Old..
Anyone who argues with me that the stock antenna is the best for your radio has never owned a Comet W100RX
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