"Cost Effective" Does Not Exist!
Hello There!
Rich, when it comes to listening to the state, there is no cost effective way to do it! DIgital 800 MHZ Apco-25 is not cheap! Maybe if you get a used digital scanner like a pro-96 portable or something it will get you by for now somewhat inexpensively. However with rebanding taking place soon on the CSP, you will need a scanner that is Flashable,reprogramable for the new configurations. Again, search this site under rebanding which has all but been mauled over by the continuous discussions. I would recomend to you that you save your dough and get one of the newer scanners. UNIDEN,GRE are both great and have just released updates to their digital models. If you get used for now,you are throwing good money after bad. Unless you find a good deal on one of the newer scanners on the used market! It is after all, HAMFEST season.
Manny