Is there a way to figure out if these are simulcast, before I go ahead and purchase a scanner? From what I gather, some scanners work with simulcast and others not so well. Be good to know ahead of time, if there's a way of finding out
Look at the system in the database:
New Mexico DTRS Trunking System Profile
www.radioreference.com
It appears that, so far, there is not a site specifically in your county (Sandoval). However, several of the sites in Bernalillo are flagged as Simulcast. Unfortunately, these sites all appear to be using state licenses for their frequencies, not ones licensed to a specific county or city. The state licensed frequencies are a group that the state is allowed to use without specifically licensing a location. Unlike sites (on other systems) where you can pull up a map for the site, and review the sub-site (transmit tower) locations, all you have to go one is that a set of frequencies are in use, with no documentation of exactly where the transmit sites are located.
You would be better served, for the sites in Bernalillo County (which may well cover parts of your county) to consider the SDS100 or SDS200. That way, you can deal with simulcast issues. You
might be able to get by with a 436HP pr 536HP, but if you want to try that, be sure & purchase from a dealer that does not severely penalize you if you needed to return one of the x36HP scanners & switch to the SDS100 or SDS200.
Look at this comment from the New Mexico state
forum:
Looks like Sandoval County is actively in the process of joining the system, with more sites being built out soon.
You might want to request that this thread be moved down to the state forum, where someone in your state, and more familiar with the specifics of what may be coming, could give you a better idea as to whether simulcast will be an issue.
More details on Simulcast are in the Wiki:
Simulcast digital distortion - The RadioReference Wiki