Scanner Recommendation For Broward

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Hi all. I'm a professional photographer transitioning from live music to news. I'm looking for a scanner, either handheld or base station. My area, Planation-Coral Springs-Ft. Lauderdale uses APCO P25 Phase II I believe. Can someone recommend a radio or two that I would be able to use here to monitor these channels. I'm not too concerned with cost.
 

APX8000

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Although the Coral Springs/Fort Lauderdale/Plantation system is Phase II, only Plantation is using TDMA at the moment. However, Broward is in the process of going live and it will full-time TDMA. If you are looking for the best of the best and a scanner, Uniden SDS-200. I highly recommend the Unication G4/G5 as well...not a scanner but can be programmed like one, commercial quality on par with my APX’s and very small and portable.
 

blackbelter

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Then purchase a Unication G4 or G5 which will provide you with flawless coverage , strong audio and tough built. I can monitor an agency almost 30 miles from my QTH using the supplied stubby antenna . There’s no comparisons between consumer grade scanners and a serious professional grade pager .
 

blackbelter

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I would say either with SDS scanners or Unication products , easily is a relative term as their supplied programing softwares requires steps to correctly program them . Having said that there are many on line tutorial to learn from as well the dealers support .
 

CanesFan95

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Is this pager something that a newbie like me can relatively easily get set up and running properly?

No. Radio programming is moderately technical and very time-consuming. For a new person in the hobby, it will take time to learn. But don't worry, it's nothing you can't do. Just be ready to put in some time and learning.
 

WX4JCW

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the programming is not that bad and they are preparing a new software update that allows Radio Reference import, the biggest pain with the Unication is making the zone/channel lists, I was just in Plantation Monday/Tuesday sitting at the Pompano Service plaza, that cell tower (might have been the SLERS Tower) wiped out my SDS200 but the G4 picked up the Sunrise/Plantation/Ft Lauderdale system perfectly

here is a quick Zone/Channel assignment i made up in 10 minutes2020-10-31_22-01-41.png
 

blackbelter

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Not to change the subject . However wx4jcw which FW are you running ?
I am on 1.3 with no issues .
Thanks
 
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