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SlipNutz15

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I'm not new to scanning but I'm not very detailed about it until lately. I want a scanner that is PL'able (I believe its called CTSS) and that is able to be hooked up to a computer and controlled from it. Recommendations/links/info?
 

BaLa

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price range?

I think the BCD396T would be about the best choice if it's within your budget.
If it's not..just save more money :lol:
 

nexus

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The BC898T is a desk-top model, it's a bit dated as far as features, but it does do CTCSS/DCS decode. If you don't need digital trunktracking then I'm sure it would be fine for most public safety, conventional and analog trunktracking.

The BCD396T is a handheld model, and the latest digital trunktracking scanner out. If you want a good desktop model you might want to consider the BC-796D as well. It can still be used as a mobile but it certainly looks great sitting on a desk. Really it depends on your budget and desired capability. The BC-898T is $216 at scannermaster.com and I noticed it does cover the Military Aviation band which is often desired by scannists. For the price it looks like a pretty good investment. The only crappy thing is when the REBANDING takes effect over the next couple of years it'll be pretty much worthless as a trunktracker. Conventional it'll be fine. The BC796D can be flashed to work when the rebanding of 800mhz takes effect.
 

Otto

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I have a BC246T, It does CTCSS decode. If you want some of the features of the 396 but dont want the price,or Digital, then the 246 is a good buy.

Shop around, research a little. check out some of the retailers on line and look at the features listed for each scanner.
Asking what is best all depends on what YOU want. we all have our favorite and what works well for us, but you are the ultimate deciding factor in what you need or want.
A good starting point is some of the sponsors of this site. Also check out Uniden, Rat Shack, AOR, Alinco etc's company websites. they can also be a great help in helping you decide what you want.

Good luck.
 

SlipNutz15

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I want a desktop scanner. I'm not doing any digital monitoring. I'm planning on scanning 46.060 area and 462.950 area. I just want a PL able scanner, that is a desktop scanner that can be controlled by a computer. Does that scanner have software that I can look at it and it will tell me what freq it's on and what it's scaning and whatnot?
 

K5MAR

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The Uniden scanner software has been pretty lame, the aftermarket stuff is much better! I personally use ScanControl, and like it very well. Others swear by the ARCxxx software (replace the xxx with the Uniden model number). Anyway you go, there is a sofatware package to fit your desires and needs.

Mark S.
 

Al42

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SlipNutz15 said:
I want a desktop scanner. I'm not doing any digital monitoring. I'm planning on scanning 46.060 area and 462.950 area. I just want a PL able scanner, that is a desktop scanner that can be controlled by a computer. Does that scanner have software that I can look at it and it will tell me what freq it's on and what it's scaning and whatnot?
If you want both PL and PC control I believe you'll need at least a 246. (GRE scanners don't do computer control.)
 

loumaag

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Since most responders here seem to be ignoring the original poster's wants I will stick my $0.02 in.

He has at least twice he wants a base station type scanner. Since he also wants computer control that means he needs to have a Uniden or at least a Uniden built model. He has indicated that he does not need digital capability, but that runs counter to his other needs and the 800MHz rebanding. If he needs to have 800MHz trunking and wants a base scanner, the only one I am aware of is the BC796D, which of course is a digital scanner and will (reportedly) be able to be reflashed with the updated channel assingemnts after rebanding.

So SlipNutz15, you need to re-evaluate your wants or budget. ;)
 

SlipNutz15

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Well does the Bearcat 898T not have the ability to be controlled via computer? Apparently it can since it is on the list of controllable scanners on ScanControl and it's like 1/2 the price. I think I'll go for that one.
 

loumaag

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SlipNutz15 said:
Well does the Bearcat 898T not have the ability to be controlled via computer? Apparently it can since it is on the list of controllable scanners on ScanControl and it's like 1/2 the price. I think I'll go for that one.
Yes, it can be controlled. And upon reviewing Paul's post (in another thread) it will also be able to reflashed with the new channel assignments (as will the BCT8). Sorry for the mistake in my last post.
 

SlipNutz15

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Hey man, it's cool. Thanks to everyone for the info and I believe I will be making a purchase sometime. I will post about it after I have time to have a little experience with it.
 

sirsmiley

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winradio carries some good models but they are pricey, they do pretty much everything and plug into your pc...
 
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