Scanner Recommendation Needed Please

[renaldow]

Hi, hopefully you folks can help me. I originally posted this in a general 'new' forum, and the best advice I got was to come post it in Oregon (which I didn't realize existed at the time).

I am not new to radios (SW listener and DXer for years), but I am thinking about getting a scanner for police/fire/ems. I used to be a police/fire/ems dispatcher, so I have some knowledge here, but as a user, not a listener.

I'm looking for a scanner that I can primarily listen to BOEC with. Yeah, I know there's apps and websites, but I like radio. If possible, I'd like it to be one that would maybe pick up C-COM and WCCCA too (I used to work at WCCCA, and I'm in SE PDX (not far from BOEC) so I'm thinking I might be able to get C-COM too. Regardless, BOEC is the main thing.

I know nothing about scanners, but I do know from working at WCCCA that with digital and encryption and all that, there are certain kinds that work and certain ones that don't. So, I would love to get some suggestions for what works, or be told if nothing really does.

Thanks!

 

[Baker845]

Not sure what WCCCA and C-COM are planning, if they are going stay in the clear or go with encryption. But i would look into BCD-436hp. Been hearing the scanner works ok on new P25 systems in the portland are. Also Bcd-325p2 . Also Whistler TRX-1.

 

[hillsbjp]

Not sure what WCCCA and C-COM are planning, if they are going stay in the clear or go with encryption. But i would look into BCD-436hp. Been hearing the scanner works ok on new P25 systems in the portland are. Also Bcd-325p2 . Also Whistler TRX-1.

Right now, you only need any Phase-I-capable scanner to monitor BOEC. Supposedly WCCCA/CCOM will be phase II. So if you're looking to buy a scanner, I'd recommend either the BCD436HP or the BCD325P2, which will be capable when the area systems transition to phase II. My BCD436HP works great on the Portland digital system. Their site coverage is very good throughout the metro area. Clark County (WA) is also on P25 phase II and can be heard throughout the Portland metro. However their law channels are fully encrypted.

WCCCA/CCOM are currently building their shared 800mhz P25 Phase II system that will come online in the next year or so. I've heard rumors from somewhat reliable sources that all Washington County law agencies will go encrypted upon transition to the new system. Don't know about Clackamas County.

 

[renaldow]

Thanks for the info! So, to get a scanner for this, I'm looking at around $300-500 it sounds like? That definitely adds to the debate of getting a radio or not.

 

[renaldow]

Quick thought, if I'm spending that much $$ on a handheld, I think I'd rather spend a little more and get a desktop. How about a Whistler WS1098 or Uniden BCD996P2 for instance?

What I'm understanding here is that I want a scanner that is P25 Phase II capable, right?

 

[jonwienke]

Yes.

The 536 is better choice than either the Whistlers or the 996P2; it's the base/mobile version of the 436, uses the same programming software as the 436, and has a nearly identical receiver. It also has Wi-Fi functionality, so that you can connect it to your Wi-Fi network and listen to and control the scanner with a phone app or a PC.

The x36 scanners are the best for handling large statewide or multi-state trunked systems. They come with a nationwide database with weekly updates, and with GPS, you can scan while traveling, and the scanner will automatically turn things on and off as you go so you are always listening to local traffic. Both the 436 and 536 have very good receivers; with the same antenna, you will pick up the same traffic with both.

If you want a base station with an outdoor antenna for the house, go with the 536, put it where the coax comes into the house (so you have the shortest possible coax run and strongest possible signal) and set up the Wi-Fi so you can operate the scanner from anywhere your Wi-Fi network reaches.

If you want to go mobile, the 436 or 536 will work well. The 436 takes up less room, and won't reboot when you start your vehicle, but has a less powerful speaker that may not overcome road noise as well as the 536.

 

[benjaminshoots]

I’m also looking for recommendations I’d like to listen to Portland P25 Digital stuff mostly Portland Police and Fire. What’s the most affordable handheld to accomplish that?

 

[mule1075]

I’m also looking for recommendations I’d like to listen to Portland P25 Digital stuff mostly Portland Police and Fire. What’s the most affordable handheld to accomplish that?

If that is all you plan on listening to the 325p2 for a hand held will work just fine.If you want a desktop the 996p2 will suffice.If you plan on listening to more I recommend what Jon says above.

 

[OregonScanner]

Be aware that all scanners suffer from simulcast digital distortion on the Portland digital simulcast. It is absolutely horrible on all of my scanners. If you do get a scanner you are going to have to experiment with a yagi directional antenna to optimize reception or use SDR. I use a Unication G4 pager to listen. No digital simulcast issues with a Unication.

According to a update a while back on C-800's website they had a meeting with WCCCA and WCCCA told them they are going to encrypt all WCCCA police and fire talkgroups. So in Washington County we will only get OSP, ODOT, ODF and hopefully still Metro West.

 

[Baker845]

WCCCA give reason why they want encrypt Fire talkgroups? that's little odd.