Suggestions for new scanner - RS Pro-106 or Uniden 396T?

[OntFF221]

Hey there...

I'm picking up a new scanner later this week; and have it down to the Pro-106 or the 396T, as the thread title indicates...

I'm looking to be able to pickup FleetNet (OPP), as well as local fire and EMS (Barrie, ON area) - I think either will work, but looking for comments and feedback.

I already have a Pro-164; and the programming cable for the RS unit; so I'm leaning that way - plus it is $100 cheaper, but if there's a compelling reason to go with the Uniden...

Given the choice between the two, which way would you go?

OntFF221

 

[unlisted]

I've had both, and used both at the exact same time- here is what I noticed:

Pro 106 sounds better, hands down. clearer on both normal and on P-25. Also managed to pull in stations better than the 396 (same antennas being used) The 106 has a status LED, so you can set it up to be blue with PD is tx'ing, red for fire, etc.. Pro 106 has more channels than you will ever use......

396- small as heck, which I prefer over the 106. Has a more "solid" feel to the plastic, yet it is worth mentioning I have been pretty heavy handed with my 106, and no issues- so I think it may just be due to its size.. IMHO, I like how the "banks" are on the 396- you can have more than 20 (unlike the 106) I prefer this since I travel allot, and how I have my scanner set up. (can have things spread out- example- 4 banks for York Region, PD, FD, EMS, Other- with the 106, you run out of available banks pretty quick) To counteract this "Issue" I have one main "everything with my 106, and seperate V folders for every region.

If size does not really bother you, I would recommend the 106, any day. Now, if they could package the 106 to be the same size as a 396, I would be very happy. I would also highly recommend the 106 over the 396 since you want to listen to P-25- its the closest thing to hearing a live voice. I find the 396 can get a tad digital sounding sometimes.

 

[SCPD]

ditto what unlisted says being up in Barrie i would go with the 106 as well

 

[OntFF221]

Thanks for the suggestions... Picked up a 106 last night; now to figure out this "Object Oriented" scanning thing...

OntFF221

 

[unlisted]

Thanks for the suggestions... Picked up a 106 last night; now to figure out this "Object Oriented" scanning thing...

OntFF221

Sorta a PITA to learn. There is quite a few "quick start/help guides" floating around online. Once you figure it out, (and thats quick) its pretty darn easy. I finding programming is VERY easy with this as well- linked to RR database. (literally point and click)

Hope you enjoy your new toy, let us all know how it works out for you.

 

[Highpockets]

Thanks for the suggestions... Picked up a 106 last night; now to figure out this "Object Oriented" scanning thing...

OntFF221

If you have the programing cable you can try this software (30 day free trial) and the link to this guide, it may help with programing:

Win500: PSR-500, PSR-600, PRO-106, PRO-197 Scanner Software for Data Management, Monitoring, and Control

WIN500 - UtahRadio

 

[OntFF221]

Downloaded Win500 last night; and was up and scanning in less then an hour!

Hooked the scanner up to my old home-brew copper-pipe antenna this morning; and things are good! Pulling in fleetnet clear as can be, same for conventional signals from local fire and EMS.

Starting to play with some of the more advanced features right now - but even with just the basics set, I am VERY happy with this unit, and the win500 software!

OntFF221

 

[Highpockets]

Downloaded Win500 last night; and was up and scanning in less then an hour!

Hooked the scanner up to my old home-brew copper-pipe antenna this morning; and things are good! Pulling in fleetnet clear as can be, same for conventional signals from local fire and EMS.

Starting to play with some of the more advanced features right now - but even with just the basics set, I am VERY happy with this unit, and the win500 software!

OntFF221

Did the Win500 guide help you with programing?