Scanner for Madison Co., KY

[ky4mc]

Hello everyone:
I enjoy monitoring the HF spectrum and I have done it both with conventional radios and now with SDR ones. I think I have above average technical skills but not much time to use them.
I can mount a wide band discone on the roof and I am thinking of getting a base scanner to monitor Madison Co KY and neighboring ones. From what I read on the database, I'd need a digital scanner (The county uses Project 25 Phase 1 trunking system).

Am I wrong on this? Please let me know. There are in-the-open channels but not many.

I can see me learning how to program a BCD996XT but, in the interest of saving time and getting more enjoyment more quickly, would I get served better by a Home Patrol 1 ?

Any, less expensive, suggestions (Yes, used is a possibility).
Thank a lot!
Marco

 

[xxdanielt3]

It comes down to what you really want to buy. You will need a digital scanner too monitor the P25 Phase I. The BCD996XT is a nice thandheld, while the home patrol is more of a "base" scanner in my opinion.

If you wanted to hook a rubber ducky or another handheld antenna to your BCD996XT it would be easier to transport if you plan on taking it on the go with you. The belt clip would help with this too.

The HP is a great scanner as well though.

 

[W8RMH]

FYI - The BCD996XT is a base/mobile scanner not a handheld. The handheld version is the BCD396XT. They are both very easy to program using FreeScan and your premium membership. If cost is an issue you could look for a used model or one of the older models such as the BCD396T or BCD996T.