Scanning STARCOM21 in Cook County IL
- Thread starter opfdguy
- Start date
Uniden SDS100 or SDS200 are best for Chicagoland simulcast systems.
It is all in the database: STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois Trunking System, Statewide, Multi-State
Like mentioned above the only scanners that work well on SC21 in the Chicago area are the SDS100/200.
It really depends on what you want/can listen to. I'm in far north cook county and I'm able to scan four sites (below) that are within my scanner's range. You need to look up sites closets to your area on the SC21 page in RR and you'll find the frequencies for each site you need.
Cook North / NWCD - Simulcast
Lake County - Simulcast
DuPage County - Simulcast
Cook South - Simulcast"
I know it's been answered, but I'll bite. I have both the BCD436HP and BCD536HP. At best, they're decent for SC21 simulcast sites. At worst, they're unusable since (depending on your location) they have trouble just receiving the control channel. If you haven't already, just get an SDS100/200. You'll thank us later.
Used to have the BCD436HP and what I can tell you in my perspective is that the best site that you are able to get was the Cook South - Simulcast site. Cook North / NWCD - Simulcast site was fair but I was not able to get anything that I want to receive. DuPage County - Simulcast and Lake County - Simulcast sites were by far the worst as simulcast distortion really kicked in to where I was not able to receive anything. Like what everyone else has said, the SDS100 or SDS200 will solve your issues with simulcast.
IF you don't want the SDS100 or 200. My best bet would be a Unication G5 VHF (typically recommended) or with the UHF-D band model. Easily able to carry around, loud speaker, able to program however you like. The only issue is you are not able to mix trunking and conventional systems together as that is the only issue there.
IF you don't want the SDS100 or 200. My best bet would be a Unication G5 VHF (typically recommended) or with the UHF-D band model. Easily able to carry around, loud speaker, able to program however you like. The only issue is you are not able to mix trunking and conventional systems together as that is the only issue there.
If you're planning to monitor Oak Park Fire Department (based on your screen name opfdguy), they're encrypted and can't be monitored.
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