Starter scanner for a newbie

[ekesz13]

Hi all! Great info here! I am brand spanking new to the scanner world and am have a growing interest in it. I am looking for a starter scanner, probably a desk top, that I can start with. Would like to be albe to get all freqencies with it and learn. Any suggestions??? I know this is probably a broad question, but am hoping some one can steer me the right way. I live north of San Diego CA, in Lake Elsinore (saw that posted in a few posts to establish the area). Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[unitcharlie]

welcome to the board ekesz13: i would buy a pro 95 handheld and just dive right in... there are enough folks in here with answers you should be an expert in a few weeks.... since i didn't see any digital systems near you i suggested the 95...

 

[EJB]

Welcome to the hobby.

If you care to monitor San Diego Public Safety you will need a scanner that is capable of monitoring digital transmissions. If you prefer a desktop model look at the BC796D. If you would like to get a portable, (I recommend one) a BC296D does the same as the 796D.

Radio Shack makes a digital scanner, the Pro96. Check them out also.

If you dont feel the need to monitor digital comms, Radio Shack and Uniden make several great portable and desktop models. They are pricey for sure but anyone will vouch, your purchase will give you many many hours of fun and listening pleasure.

I cant recommend any brand cause the only digital scanner I have ever used is my BC296D. I have owned and still own Radio Shack scannersand love them 'all.


Scanners are easy enough to use and now you can use your computer to program them.


Email Or PM me and I can give u mu opinions on Radio Shack and Unuden scanners and check out the messages boards. Extmely informative and smart people on this site.


Eric, Toronto Canada

 

[ekesz13]

Unitcharlie and EJB-
Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. The digital scanners are just way to expensive for me. I was hoping for something more along the lines of the PRO-95 (price wise). Seems like I can get one for just over $100 on Ebay. That would be about my limit to get started.

Now, I know it is illegal to listen to cell phone coms or portable phone coms, but just for knowledge purposes, can a PRO-95 be modified?

 

[K5MAR]

The 95 is an excellent scanner, and with the free Win95 software, it's even better. It's available on sale now at Radio Shack for $149. Buy it new, if you can. That way you have recourse (the warranty) if it isn't right.

As for the "mods", the answer is no.

Mark S.

 

[darin62a]

I don't know if there are any mods. I received a 95 for Christmas and am having a lot of fun. After spending the first night collecting frequencies and manually programming the channels, I picked up the programming cable and downloaded Win95 to save a boatload of time. My home area is primarily analog so the 95 recieves a lot of transmissions.

Have fun and happy scanning.

 

[nvdb]

Getting back into scanning ... but things have changed

I note that my old scanner doesn't find much in the 400MHz range in Montgomery County Maryland. I presume that's the result of the County police switching to 800MHz trunked equipment. Now that I've stated pretty much all I know, I need some help on whether a radio like a Bearcat 80XLT will allow me to resume monitoring using the 800MHz frequencies listed on this site. The trunking and digital channel assignments are a little tough to decipher.

 

[scanfan03]

Re: Getting back into scanning ... but things have changed

I note that my old scanner doesn't find much in the 400MHz range in Montgomery County Maryland. I presume that's the result of the County police switching to 800MHz trunked equipment. Now that I've stated pretty much all I know, I need some help on whether a radio like a Bearcat 80XLT will allow me to resume monitoring using the 800MHz frequencies listed on this site. The trunking and digital channel assignments are a little tough to decipher.

If the BC 80 XLT will pick up the 800 MHz band, then yes, you could 'listen', but you wouldn't be able to trunk track. I believe the Montgomery County Maryland system is trunked (correct me if I am wrong). With the BC 80, you wouldn't be able to follow one specific channel.

 

[DJ88]

If you are looking for a nice desk top scanner, the new Uniden BC898T is an excellent unit. It doesn't receive digital, but does just about everything else, including trunking of all types of trunked systems. I got mine thru Communications Electronics Inc. in November of 2004 for $199.95 shipping included. You can check out the unit by going to uniden.com. Click on "Scanners" and then "BC898T" It will tell you all about it. You can contact Communications Electronics at 1-800-SCAN-USA. They are real nice to deal with and I had my scanner one week after I ordered.

Being that you are new to the hobby, don't be afraid to ask questions here on this board. There are lots of good people here who will be happy to help you.

Good luck to you.

 

[kg4ojj]

Welcome to the hobby. I've been addicted since 1988........

I would strongly recommend that whichever scanner you buy, get the appropriate programming cable and software. It's going to save you a ton of time and headache getting started.

Unless you only want to listen to 20 to 30 frequencies :wink:

Also, if you go on vacation or travel away from home, you can quickly reprogram your scanner with the cable and software.

I'm a Radio Shack fan, but would recommend the Pro-92 or Pro-95 (if you don't need digital). Get the free programming software WIN92 or WIN95 and buy the cable ($20-25).

If you don't have the need for Trunking, you may consider a used amateur radio. It's not illegal to own one without a ham license, just don't transmit. The Yaesu brand typically has a wide range on receive.

If you see something on Ebay that you like, why not ask the group about the specific model. Good luck and happy scanning,

 

[ekesz13]

Hey guys, email update wasn't working so I didn't know there were more responses. I was just logging on to say that I am headed to R.S. to pick up a Pro-95 this weekend. They are still on sale at $149.99 + 24.99 for cable. I figure what the heck, I'll but it new. Once I get it, I am sure I will have questions! Thanks to everyone for their advice and help getting me started!