Scanner Selection Help North West Arkansas

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You can drop $650 on an SDS100, or if you're on a budget, why not give the two SDR dongle route a try?
I was in Little Rock a few months ago and I was able to monitor the LR Metro simulcast system very well using my laptop computer and two SDR dongles running a program called SDRTrunk. With two $20 dongles and an hour of your time, you can be monitoring any simulcast system that you please. An easy step-by-step video for how to do it:

That’s awesome thank you. I had no idea this was an option.

 

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Or get the Bluetail Nano. No computer required, except for firmware updates. Can be used as a base, mobile, or portable. Total cost starts at $150, not including the screen which adds an additional $40-$45. Also has Bluetooth and other cutting edge features not found on other scanners

B.S.

Thank you. I’ll check this out.

 

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The SDR route is a good option if you are using it at home only but it isn't very practical for portable. Yes, it can be done, but you certainly aren't going to just grab it as you head out the door, turn it on as you get in the car, and go. It requires a bit more setup than some desire. A very good option but might be beyond what the OP wants to do. I see this as more for a diehard scanning hobbyist who is looking for new talkgroups or frequencies, etc., and not a basic scanning hobbyist who just wants to hear the action as easily as possible.

The SDS models from Uniden are the best you can get at this point. If the price is something you can afford then go that route. Could always get an SDR and set that up at home at some point, too. The video is a good look at the possibilities for sure.

Thats very cool. I’m kind of a radio dork (HAM Enthusiast) so I’ll likely go both routes. It’s nice to know there is a lower entry point cost wise.

 

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I believe Bentonville is using DMR. Check their county database.

That’s useful to know cause I’d like to monitor Benton county too. Thank you.

 

[Blackswan73]

Here is a thread about the new Nano

NANO IS THE BEST YET

If you are wondering if the NANO is worth the time and money, I say YES !!! I have all models from 1 to Nano.. This thing is the best yet.. Configured the SDcard and away it went.. No fiddling with Gains or antennas.. Just plugged, wrote the card and away it went... VERY IMPRESSED !! Just...

forums.radioreference.com

I have one on order😋
B.S.

 

[03msc]

Thats very cool. I’m kind of a radio dork (HAM Enthusiast) so I’ll likely go both routes. It’s nice to know there is a lower entry point cost wise.

Something like the SDS100 would certainly be an easier option to use while out and about than an SDR setup. But, the SDRs are nice and you can do a lot of things with them so you may want to consider that, too, for home. Definitely a lot to play with between those two (or even just with one). Hope you get something soon so you can begin monitoring the airwaves!

 

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Here is a thread about the new Nano

NANO IS THE BEST YET

If you are wondering if the NANO is worth the time and money, I say YES !!! I have all models from 1 to Nano.. This thing is the best yet.. Configured the SDcard and away it went.. No fiddling with Gains or antennas.. Just plugged, wrote the card and away it went... VERY IMPRESSED !! Just...

forums.radioreference.com

I have one on order😋
B.S.

 

[Blackswan73]

NanoP25RX

The NanoP25RX does not include the WIo Terminal Display. This is for the pcb assembly only. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

bluetailtechnologies.com

You will also need a WIO terminal. These are available from several sources. For example Amazon, digikey, eBay, or from Seed direct

B.S.

 

[Blackswan73]

NanoP25RX

The NanoP25RX does not include the WIo Terminal Display. This is for the pcb assembly only. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

bluetailtechnologies.com

You will also need a WIO terminal. These are available from several sources. For example Amazon, digikey, eBay, or from Seed direct

B.S.

You can also go here for support and updates

BlueTail Technologies

This forum is for BlueTail Technologies news, discussion and support.

bluetailtechnologies.forumotion.com

There is also a Bluetail section on this forum
B.S.

 

[Scanning-Hog]

NanoP25RX

The NanoP25RX does not include the WIo Terminal Display. This is for the pcb assembly only. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

bluetailtechnologies.com

B.S.

Thank you.

Quick question 🙋

So the Nano dosn’t need any antenna? Just the display and an SD card, right. Also, if it has an internal antenna does it have the option of adding an upgraded antenna?

Would it be smart to get the F-RAM option, what’s the benefits vs the NOR Flash option?

 

[Blackswan73]

Answered in other thread

B.S.

 

[KevinC]

Or get the Bluetail Nano. No computer required, except for firmware updates. Can be used as a base, mobile, or portable. Total cost starts at $150, not including the screen which adds an additional $40-$45. Also has Bluetooth and other cutting edge features not found on other scanners

B.S.

Bluetooth? Are you sure about that?

 

[Blackswan73]

Absolutely! Bluetooth is via the WIO terminal. It is built in. The Nano plugs into the WIO, and as a result you can use Bluetooth speakers, headphones, earpieces, etc. with the Nano

B.S.

 

[KevinC]

Absolutely! Bluetooth is via the WIO terminal. It is built in. The Nano plugs into the WIO, and as a result you can use Bluetooth speakers, headphones, earpieces, etc. with the Nano

B.S.

Hmm…so the current Wio FW supports BT for the Nano? I must have missed that. Can you provide a link?

ETA…I also didn’t realize the Nano supplied audio to the Wio terminal.

 

[Blackswan73]

Bluetooth - P25RX-II Firmware

Bluetooth Today I realized that there are still some issues with release version 2022-06-30_1531. If you aren't having any issues, there is no need to change ve

bluetailtechnologies.forumotion.com

Overview | Seeed Studio Wiki

Overview

wiki.seeedstudio.com

B.S.

 

[KevinC]

Bluetooth - P25RX-II Firmware

Bluetooth Today I realized that there are still some issues with release version 2022-06-30_1531. If you aren't having any issues, there is no need to change ve

bluetailtechnologies.forumotion.com

B.S.

That’s not the Nano.

 

[Blackswan73]

I stand corrected. I assumed since the Nano connects directly to the WIO, that the the Nano would be able to use the Bluetooth Transmitter in the WIO terminal

B.S.

 

[KevinC]

I stand corrected. I assumed since the Nano connects directly to the WIO, that the the Nano would be able to use the Bluetooth Transmitter in the WIO terminal

B.S.

Understood. I just didn’t want someone to expect BT capability and be disappointed when they find out it doesn’t have it.

 

[Blackswan73]

I’m actually going to install mine in a case with a 3 watt audio amp and a 2.5” front firing speaker

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I’m actually going to install mine in a case with a 3 watt audio amp and a 2.5” front firing speaker

B.S.

I'll either use this for Bluetooth or blue tooth in the WIO device if it has one.