Scanning Galveston and Texas City

[TJK50010]

I'm new to the area. My old home was using a trunking system and I realize that the area in Galveston is a P25?

I'm just looking for the equipment and programming for the area, and general tips and advise. I tried the search and I found a few things, but I wanted to ask the question my way.

 

[hiegtx]

I'm new to the area. My old home was using a trunking system and I realize that the area in Galveston is a P25?

I'm just looking for the equipment and programming for the area, and general tips and advise. I tried the search and I found a few things, but I wanted to ask the question my way.

As you've undoubtedly noticed, virtually everything in your area is on the TxWARN system.

While much of the traffic in Galveston County is using P25 Phase I, there are a few Phase II talkgroups in use by Galveston (city). Eventually, though I don't know if there is a concrete timeline set, all users on the TxWARN system will need to transition to using Phase II. For now, though, most of the users in the county, including Texas City, are still Phase I, signified by the letter D in the mode column.

Bottom line is that any scanner you are considering should be Phase II capable. Since I'm not in that area (I'm up I-45 in Dallas), I can't really advise you on which model wold work best in your specific location. Are you mainly looking for a handheld scanner? Or a base/mobile model that would be used as a desktop at home, or mounted in a vehicle.

You also should read through posts to get a better idea as to whether simulcast distortion issues could be a problem. What type of scanner are you leaning towards? One that needs to be programmed by either software or manually? Or one of the 'database' scanners, such as Uniden's 436/536HP and Home Patrol-2, or Whistler's WS1088, WS1098, or the TRX-1 or TRX-2? For the database scanners, you can build a list of systems to scan by using the database information stored on a micro-SD card, or at least start by using your location and the database.

I would also point you to the HoustonScan Yahoo group, where there a number of members in your specific area, and you can view past discussions, or pose a new question, about what works best there on the Gulf coast.

 

[TJK50010]

Thanks, I'm happy with either a portable or base scanner. My goal is to connect the radio up on Broadcastify for streaming. The current stream on Broadcastify misses much of the action in Galveston, especially my home in Texas City.

I just want something that can clearly pick up transmissions, for the lowest cost possible (<$400)

I'm willing to self program using PC software, unless an automatic system is in my price range.

Maybe I can setup a GoFundMe if enough people in the Galveston area would me interested in a quality Broadcastify stream. I have been a stream provider in Iowa since 2009.

 

[hiegtx]

Thanks, I'm happy with either a portable or base scanner. My goal is to connect the radio up on Broadcastify for streaming. The current stream on Broadcastify misses much of the action in Galveston, especially my home in Texas City.

I just want something that can clearly pick up transmissions, for the lowest cost possible (<$400)

I'm willing to self program using PC software, unless an automatic system is in my price range.

Maybe I can setup a GoFundMe if enough people in the Galveston area would me interested in a quality Broadcastify stream. I have been a stream provider in Iowa since 2009.

In the $400 range, you could get either a 325P2 or 996P2. The 996P2 is a base-mobile, which likely would be your best choice for providing a stream. The 325P2 would work, but I suspect the 996 would better suit your needs. Either of those would leave you enough "change" from your $400 that you could spring for a 6 month Premium subscription to RadioReference, and then use the web import function of FreeSCAN (which as the name implies, is free) to set the scanner up. That would give you a head start on programming, so that as you get your sea legs under you, you can program manually, via software, and not need the import function.

The 536HP would be better if there are simulcast issues for you in Texas City. As I noted previously, I don't which areas around you have that problem, and which where it is no issue. However, the 536HP is over your price target, though you would not need a subscription nor need to buy software. The 436HP, handheld, is still over your price point, though not quite as far, and has, in the past, occasionally on sale for less. Bot use the Sentinel software, provided by Uniden,

Of course, if you can find a good condition, previously owned scanner for any of these models, your costs would be lower.

In the Whistler lineup, the WS1088 (handheld) or WS1098 (base/mobile) would be the logical choices. These also come with the database built in, and have their own software, EZ-Scan. No further software needed to be purchased.

I've linked Amazon price listings to give you a ballpark idea on costs and features. You may well be able to beat those prices by careful shopping other sources online. And, of course, a good condition, gently used unit, will always be cheaper than new-in-the-box.