Suggestions for a Second Scanner in Delaware

[trailhiker73]

I think it’s time to look at a second scanner for my listening needs. I’m looking at something that would be utilized to monitor the following:

1. Aircraft
2. NXDN/DMR in the area
3. Remaining conventional in NCC and Kent
4. A scanner that can monitor the State of Delaware system when I would like to add a 2nd scanner to monitor that system or if I’m monitoring FIRST with the SDS100.​

At this point, I’m not picky as to whether it’s a base or handheld, but I’m interested as to what others in Delaware or our neighboring states are utilizing to go with their SDS scanner.

Thanks for your input!

 

[sonm10]

For uniden there are 6 which fit the bill for dmr/nxdn

Handheld - bcd325p2, bcd436hp, sds100
Mobile/desktop - bcd996p2, bcd536hp, sds200

Dmr and nxdn require lcn to be programmed to track right. The sds and hp have a lcn finder which the 996/325 don't have. On the other hand, you could use the sds100 you already own to aquire the lcn and use a 996/325 to monitor. Which in fact is what I do personally - I own both a sds200 and bcd996p2.

Can't say much for aircraft as I use a single band of a dual band ham radio for that.

Hope that helps

 

[trailhiker73]

For uniden there are 6 which fit the bill for dmr/nxdn

Handheld - bcd325p2, bcd436hp, sds100
Mobile/desktop - bcd996p2, bcd536hp, sds200

Dmr and nxdn require lcn to be programmed to track right. The sds and hp have a lcn finder which the 996/325 don't have. On the other hand, you could use the sds100 you already own to aquire the lcn and use a 996/325 to monitor. Which in fact is what I do personally - I own both a sds200 and bcd996p2.

Can't say much for aircraft as I use a single band of a dual band ham radio for that.

Hope that helps

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess it’s a toss up between the 996/325 lineup vs the 436/536 lineup. The 325P2 did bring me back from an extended absence from the scanner hobby before I sold it to help pay for the SDS100 , but I guess this time around it’s deciding between price and portability around the house for a second unit.

 

[pb_lonny]

What is your budget?

 

[trailhiker73]

What is your budget?

Depending on my personal budget for each month, I would like to save at $50 - $100 each month, so I guess my budget is open for something that will have some long term use for me.

 

[buddrousa]

You can look at the over 20 scanner list I am using in my setup.
The SDS100 can cover anything you run into finding LNC's SIMULCAST ECT you could find a good used 996P2 or a 536 and save money.

 

[trailhiker73]

You can look at the over 20 scanner list I am using in my setup.
The SDS100 can cover anything you run into finding LNC's SIMULCAST ECT you could find a good used 996P2 or a 536 and save money.

I’ll have to take a look at that. I might have to consider a used 996P2 or 536 because my computer for work was changed from a laptop to a Chromebook, so I’ve been also been looking at a used notebook/laptop for programming.

 

[buddrousa]

I have bought SEVERAL used 996P2's and 536's here from our users just ask several here have done the same.

 

[JimD56]

Here's how I would lay it out, IMHO.

BCT15X or an RTL-SDR Dongle, BCT15X "Uniden Store return" on Amazon is $118-130.00, RTL-SDR Dongle $25.00 to monitor this stuff:

1. Aircraft
2. Remaining conventional in NCC and Kent

ANOTHER SDS100 or SDS200 to monitor this stuff:

1. NXDN/DMR in the area
2. A scanner that can monitor the State of Delaware system when I would like to add a 2nd scanner to monitor that system or if I’m monitoring FIRST with the SDS100.
3. Do you speak of the State of Delaware Public Safety System? If so that's ALL simulcast, get the 2nd SDS and have one PD Systems and the other one on Fire Systems, and put DMR/NXDN wherever as its own Favorites List. Activate the DMR/NXDN on only one SDS to save some bucks.
   
   

 

[trailhiker73]

Here's how I would lay it out, IMHO.

BCT15X or an RTL-SDR Dongle, BCT15X "Uniden Store return" on Amazon is $118-130.00, RTL-SDR Dongle $25.00 to monitor this stuff:

1. Aircraft
2. Remaining conventional in NCC and Kent

ANOTHER SDS100 or SDS200 to monitor this stuff:

1. NXDN/DMR in the area
2. A scanner that can monitor the State of Delaware system when I would like to add a 2nd scanner to monitor that system or if I’m monitoring FIRST with the SDS100.
3. Do you speak of the State of Delaware Public Safety System? If so that's ALL simulcast, get the 2nd SDS and have one PD Systems and the other one on Fire Systems, and put DMR/NXDN wherever as its own Favorites List. Activate the DMR/NXDN on only one SDS to save some bucks.
   

The BCT15X has crossed my mind as a dedicated aviation scanner for monitoring the Washington and New York Centers along with the approach and departure frequencies for several airports in the area. The few conventional frequencies are a few public works departments, the local railroad, fire paging, and the local Walmart Distribution Center that is within range.

With regard to acquiring another SDS unit, that is tempting...With the 2 simulcast sites that I receive. I can receive the FD/EMS TGIDs for all three counties in the state which can be busy at times. A second SDS unit could monitor the remaining PD dispatch centers that are in the clear along with DELDOT and DNREC TGIDs. That's why I'm curious as to how the x36HP units currently handle the State of Delaware NCC and Kent Simulcasts and whether the system upgrade to a Phase 1 system might require an SDS unit.

 

[JimD56]

You definitely have enough Simukcast within your listening area for a 2nd SDS.

001 (1)	New Castle Simulcast	New Castle	851.2375	851.4875	851.5625	851.725	852.0375	852.2375	852.4875
			852.7125	852.7375	853.2125c	853.3875	853.7125	853.9375a	853.9625a
002 (2)	Kent Simulcast	Kent	851.075a	851.650	851.675	852.125	852.650	852.675	852.950
			853.650a	853.750a	853.900c
003 (3)	Sussex Simulcast	Sussex	851.100	851.3625	852.0875	852.350	852.600	852.8375	853.0875

Keep on eye on the RR Classifieds. I see a lot of guys dump SDS's in favor of Uni G's, and sometimes sell their SDS cheaper.

 

[trailhiker73]

It's been awhile since I asked for some suggestions, but I finally picked up the BC125AT. I have only had this for about a day, and it is amazing how clear this is on the airbands! I'm even able to pick-up the ILG Tower Frequency which is about 25-30 miles away. I need to start plugging in ARTCC frequencies along with a few more conventional frequencies and start my quest to save for a SDS200 .

 

[trailhiker73]

Decided to add a BCD996P2 to the collection, and it’s definitely proven to be a great purchase! Kent and NCC Simulcast are coming in clear along with some of my analog favorites in Delaware and Jersey.

 

[maus92]

Decided to add a BCD996P2 to the collection, and it’s definitely proven to be a great purchase! Kent and NCC Simulcast are coming in clear along with some of my analog favorites in Delaware and Jersey.

Hopefully it will continue to work well when the P25 simulcast system is (finally) deployed.