Should I buy a digital scanner?

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cpd204

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With all the changes to digital systems, like what the CFD and the ISP, I'm thinking about investing in a digital scanner. But a lot of them are expensive. I've got my eye on a pro-197, but is it worth to buy it in Chicago (and suburban) or should I wait?
 

gewecke

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If you can, do it now! In time most services will be digital if not encrypted.

73,
n9zas
 

Awesomeman92

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Agreed. CFD is (eventually) going digital, if you're going suburban, DuComm is switching to Starcom, so is Northwest Central (supposedly), plus ISP on Starcom usually is pretty interesting on the weekends. I'd do it.
 

N0WEF

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The 197 would be a better bet. (It's basically the newer, better version of the 2096. And it can do things the 2096 can't)
 

RoninJoliet

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RS2096 is "useless" on the Starcom as it does NOT trunk 700mgz which is used in the Chicago area.....
 

Awesomeman92

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I love my 197. Coupled with the right antenna placement and a few tweaked settings, it works great on the simulcast, with little to no drops.
 

ScannaMan9

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i'd see which is cheeper:
a digital scanner, or
a 360 day audio feed subscription
~OR~
you could buy a digital scanner- for mobile use
and a subscrition- for home/''on the go'' use.
 

RoninJoliet

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The RS2096 will trunk the 800mgz Starcom sites fine if your near the tower CC's, it will NOT hear the 700mgz towers for Starcom.....
 

gewecke

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i'd see which is cheeper:
a digital scanner, or
a 360 day audio feed subscription
~OR~
you could buy a digital scanner- for mobile use
and a subscrition- for home/''on the go'' use.

Pro-197 is the better bet, hands down!
Online feeds only provide whatever the provider allows,which you have no control over.

73,
n9zas
 
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