Suggest a scanner for me

[merchgod]

I'm a noob to scanners but I know exactly what basic features that I need. Can someone suggest a model based on the following criteria:

1. Mobile scanner mounted in vehicle. Looking for something under $200, if possible (or as cheap as possible to meet my needs).

2. Will be connecting scanner to factory antenna with a y-splitter (I know this isn't ideal but stealth install is paramount). Need an external speaker out - will be connecting FM modulator to factory radio to listen (scanner will be in glove box or armrest). The smaller the better for armrest install (may consider a portable unit as well as long as it has the outputs i need and has the ability to be hardwired power-wise).

3. Will be monitoring primarily police frequencies. Statewide frequency is listed as Project 25 standard trunking system (not sure what this means). Here's a link to my county's frequencies (I drive in Pueblo and Pueblo West):

http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=291

4. Need something that doesn't require a lot of button pushing/adjusting while driving.

5. Scanner that has an alert like Uniden's beartracker warning system would really be a plus.

Thanks!

 

[b52hbuff]

1. Mobile scanner mounted in vehicle. Looking for something under $200, if possible (or as cheap as possible to meet my needs).

3. Will be monitoring primarily police frequencies. Statewide frequency is listed as Project 25 standard trunking system (not sure what this means). Here's a link to my county's frequencies (I drive in Pueblo and Pueblo West):

http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=291

4. Need something that doesn't require a lot of button pushing/adjusting while driving.

5. Scanner that has an alert like Uniden's beartracker warning system would really be a plus.

Thanks!

P25 != (Scanner < $200)

Digital scanners start around $400. Suggest RS Pro-2096 or Uniden's upcoming 996.

 

[loumaag]

Your points 1 & 3 are mutually exclusive. Your state police are using a Project 25 system which requires a digital scanner. There are a few out there, but all are in the $500 range and based on the fact that it is a good bet that somewhere around $200+ of that price tag is just for the digital technology (licensing, etc) you will never get one in your budget. Now if you want to skip the state agencies, you can indeed find what you want for under $200 since Pueblo & Pueblo Co. seem to be analog conventional. Once you set the scanner, you really don't need to "push buttons", indeed you can get a Uniden with "beartracker" on it, but it really won't help since the "bears" in your neck of the woods are digital.

Just out of curiosity, since scanners in vehicles are legal in Colorado, why all the stealth requirements?

 

[merchgod]

Your points 1 & 3 are mutually exclusive. Your state police are using a Project 25 system which requires a digital scanner. There are a few out there, but all are in the $500 range and based on the fact that it is a good bet that somewhere around $200+ of that price tag is just for the digital technology (licensing, etc) you will never get one in your budget. Now if you want to skip the state agencies, you can indeed find what you want for under $200 since Pueblo & Pueblo Co. seem to be analog conventional. Once you set the scanner, you really don't need to "push buttons", indeed you can get a Uniden with "beartracker" on it, but it really won't help since the "bears" in your neck of the woods are digital.

Just out of curiosity, since scanners in vehicles are legal in Colorado, why all the stealth requirements?

Is there a good chance that the local police will eventually go to a digital system? The reason I want a stealth install as I have seen many of my coworkers (some parked right next me) get their car broken into. I don't want to give a thief any reason to break in.

 

[bravo14]

I do not think pro 96 or 2096 picks up P25. I see BCD396T does. I would do a seach too see if any other scanner picks that P25 up. Take that back I didn't know Pro 96 does P25 system. I know my 396 software have to put P25 as system than freq's and talkgroup I forgot RS is different....

 

[loumaag]

I do not think pro 96 or 2096 picks up P25. I see BCD396T does. I would do a seach too see if any other scanner picks that P25 up. Take that back I didn't know Pro 96 does P25 system. I know my 396 software have to put P25 as system than freq's and talkgroup I forgot RS is different....

Just to clarify bravo14's correction to his first sentence; the Pro-96 was the first scanner capable of tracking a Project 25 system, followed by the BC296D & BC796D Uniden radios. At the present time the only other scanners on the market that can do so are the Pro-2096 and the BCD396T. Uniden will shortly release the BCD996T that will also do so.

 

[merchgod]

So are digital scanners a fairly new technology? Is this why they are so expensive? Should they come down in price after a while?

 

[K5MAR]

So are digital scanners a fairly new technology? Is this why they are so expensive? Should they come down in price after a while?

While digital scanners are fairly new tech, don't look for much price decrease. As Lou stated in a previous post, a large chunk of the price tag is for licensing. My thought is that the prices for new radios will remain about where they are, with Uniden and GRE adding further features to each generation of scanners. Your only hope to save money on a digital unit is either through discontinued/demo sales or used.

Mark S.

 

[STiMULi]

With the exception of cost the BCD996T should meet your needs. Very little button pressing would be required except to stop/start the scanning.

$550+ shipped (when available)

 

[cristisphoto]

Suggestion

The UNiden BCD396T For digital
or Pro 97 for analog
Both top superior notch stuff
Crista