Simple Digital?

[WLD-MTN]

Hello,

I live on the coast of rural Maine. My wife would like to have a counter top scanner. I know that analog scanners can be somewhat of a no brained but if I’m going to spend some money I don’t want something that is on its way to being obsolete.

So….

I’d like a Digital unit that is “easy” for a newby to use / set up for our area.

Please, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Enforcer52]

What county are you located in. Modern scanners whether analog or digital require some type of programming to get them going. But there are lots of folks on RR to help you out.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Yes, please give us exact city/county so we can get eyes on the database to help you make an informed decision. Welcome to the forums!

I’d like a Digital unit that is “easy” for a newby to use / set up for our area.

All digital scanners on the market require some learning curve so you'll need to set some time aside to learn how they work, how they're programmed, etc. Once you do it'll become second nature to you

 

[dave3825]

Try to list what your wife wants to listen to.

 

[ve1sef]

Morning.
Not knowing where along the coast you are, this will be a general answer.
From what I've seen in the database "Coastal Maine" is primary still conventional VHF/UHF.

Digital use Coastal Maine:
Cumberland County - DMR / Mototrbo / P25 P1
Hancock County - DMR
Lincoln County - DMR / P25 P1
Sagadahoc County - P25 (1 town)
York County - DMR / Mototrbo / NXDN / P25 P1 / P25 P2
Maine State Network - P25 P1
USN - P25 P1 (Washington and York Counties)

If you're not interested in what the state is doing. The "simplest" counter top digital scanner would be
BCD260DN model which cover convention VHF/UHF/DMR/NXDN. Not designed to follow P25 or
Trunk Radio Systems

If you're interested in what the state is doing. Then of these may fit you needs with limitations
Uniden BCD996T or XT* / GRE PSR600* / Realistic 197 or 652* / Whistler 1065 cover conventional, P25 P1
* no longer in production but can still be found in the Radio Reference classifieds or on E-Bay

Uniden BCD996P25 similar to older 996s. Also covers P25 P2 and with paid firmware upgrades will
work on DMR / Mototrbo / NXDN

Whistler TX2 covers convention, P25 P1 & P2, DMR ** / NXDN**
** No paid DMR / NXDN up-grade required, Not designed to follow Trunk Radio Systems

Aside from that best advise is to do your research into which would best serve you needs.
With regards to programming it can by hand or with a computer using available software.
There are plenty of knowledgeable folks on here that can help you out along the way.

 

[tvengr]

Uniden BCD996P25 similar to older 996s

I believe you meant to say BCD996P2.

 

[ve1sef]

I believe you meant to say BCD996P2.

Gotta stop posting before coffee

 

[tvengr]

WLD-MTN, we need to know your city and county and what you would like to monitor to be able to help.