spare scanner

[ffemt613]

I just recently picked up a BCD396XT (yet to arrive), so im using my BCD396T for the time being. When the 396XT arrives, ill have to use the antenna off of the 396T on it.

Which brings me to my question....

What should I do with the 396T? Keep it as a spare/backup? or sell it to try and make an extra buck or two?

What are everyone's thoughts/opinions?

Thanks!

 

[wingmaker]

I would just keep it, Neverknow things happen LOVE AND BLESSINGS

 

[n5ims]

Keep it and use it as well. You'll find out what you may have been missing when you only use a single scanner. Set them up to for different functions (e.g. one scans your local PD and the other your local FD). Don't let the "one antenna" thing get in the way either. This thread (http://forums.radioreference.com/passive-devices/105054-using-one-antenna-multiple-scanners.html) will help you with ideas on how to feed both of them using that one antenna.

Another thing to do is program one scanner for what you normally listen to and program the other one for other things in your area that may not sound as interesting. If you expand what you listen to beyond the obvious PD and FD, you may find some hidden gems. I get the most laughs from listening to a local golf course and the database entry for "Golf Course Operations" doesn't sound like it would be much fun to listen to at all.

 

[nx_2000]

I made the same upgrade as you last year and sold the 396T shortly after getting my new scanner. It would be nice to have two for reasons already mentioned, but my casual usage didn't really justify the expense... so I was happier to have the money.

 

[Rt169Radio]

Well if you don't need the money right now, I would keep for a just in case thing.

 

[ffemt613]

Well if you don't need the money right now, I would keep for a just in case thing.

Its on the edge...I could use the extra money, but having a 2nd scanner would be nice....decisions...decisions

 

[KD2DLL]

I use a second scanner when there is a large incident going on. One may be on the FD ops channel for the incident, the other may be on PD and helicopter coms or such.

You could also consider using it to provide a live feed?

 

[Redneck0410]

Its on the edge...I could use the extra money, but having a 2nd scanner would be nice....decisions...decisions

I'll take it.

 

[GrumpyGuard]

I sold two of my "old scanners" and regret it. I use my second scanner for a live feed here on RR. Ultimetly this is only a decision that only you can make.

 

[nick1427d]

Never sold any of mine probably never will. Still have my first, a pro-89 my grandpa bought me. I find uses, well excuses to the wife, for keeping them. Bases in the shack then portables to various rooms I may be in, travel etc.

If you don't need the money keep it

 

[W8RMH]

Last summer I decided it was time to trade up from my 6 year old 396T to the 396XT. It was a great radio but I had no need for a second HH.

I sold the "396T" on ebay for $325.

I purchased a new "396XT" for $412 delivered.

I sold the unneeded, new accessories that were included with the XT (program cable & belt clip) for $25.

So basically it cost me about $60 to upgrade.

 

[davidmc36]

The only scanner I ever sold was the 296 when I bought a 396XT. But I had four others at the time. Did good with that too. Got 300 for the 296 (card included). Always nice to have different scanners listneing to different things.

 

[ofd8001]

I'd be inclined to get a second antenna and continue using both. . .

Radio shack make a pretty good antenna geared for 800 use, but works fine on other bands. All you need is the SMA-BNC adapter, which can be easily found.

 

[pb_lonny]

It is always a good idea to have a second scanner if you can.

 

[KE5TLF]

Being that the 396T sensitivity leans towards the sucky side of things, I would sell it and use the proceeds towards something better. After getting fully acclimated with a XT, going back to a T, and it's inherent limitations, especially the 396T, is a bit frustrating. The XT series is just that good.

 

[wtp]

double the fun

at different times i would carry 2 or 3 scaners on me
one day a guy asked "why 2 scanners?"
i told him "2 things could happen at once"
he understood