trying to choose between two scanners to use at races

[3086sj]

Hello! I would like to buy a scanner to use only at Indycar events. I have used the search function on this and other sites, looked at FAQ-type articles, and didn't quite find an answer to the question I had in mind. If this is not the right forum, please redirect me. If this has been answered and I overlooked it, please point me to the existing thread.

Like I said, I would like to buy a scanner for use at Indycar races. I don't need anything particularly fancy - just a scanner and a noise-cancelling headset. I'm debating between buying a unit off Amazon (a Uniden) or a Racing Electronics scanner. The Uniden has double the channels, but I have read that it's not particularly loud. From what I can tell, I would also need to buy a stubby antenna. The RE unit doesn't have as many channels, but as long as RE is at the track, my understanding is that they will program it? I've also heard it is louder.

I'm trying to keep the cost in the $150-$200 range. Interestingly, with a coupon code, the Uniden unit with a stubby antenna and a noise canceling headset (about 25 dB, which I think should be good enough?) costs exactly the same as an RE unit and a headset. The total keeps coming to $153.

Thanks for any help you can offer, even if it's just pointing me in the right direction!

 

[flythunderbird]

Which scanner models are you looking at?

As far as the noise-cancelling headsets are concerned, I've used cheap earbuds and then worn 31 NRR earmuffs over them with great success at NASCAR races. You can find earmuffs with other ratings, too. Here's some 25 NRR muffs for $5:

Ear Muffs w/ Adjustable Headband, 25 NRR, Yellow: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I've never bothered with buying a stubby antenna ... I used the rubber duck antenna that came with the scanner. It worked just fine.

 

[retiredmich]

If your looking for a good cheep scanner for indy only I have 3 unbc80xlt conventional scanners & they all work. I would be will to work out some soft of $$ deal if your interested. Do you have PM?

 

[3086sj]

I was comparing a RE1000 to a Uniden Bearcat BC125AT. What I'm really trying to figure out is if there is some major advantage to one that would make it perfect for a first-timer (like the ease of programming the RE unit) or if there is a drawback so significant that I shouldn't even be considering one of these.

By the way - earbuds with the noise canceling ear muffs is a great idea. I never would have thought of that.

 

[retiredmich]

Old Scanner

On my old unbc80xlt all you have to do is just put in the frequency in any of 5 bank , there is no TG ID # "s to program in it, it's NOT digital. You can program up to 50 frequency's.

 

[flythunderbird]

I was comparing a RE1000 to a Uniden Bearcat BC125AT. What I'm really trying to figure out is if there is some major advantage to one that would make it perfect for a first-timer (like the ease of programming the RE unit) or if there is a drawback so significant that I shouldn't even be considering one of these.

It can't get any easier than having the RE1000 programmed at the track by the people in the Racing Electronics trailer - and if it's louder than the Uniden, all the better.

 

[Sportster77]

I used to use a Uniden BC235XLT with Racing Radios headsets when I went to Indy Car races in Cleveland and Mid Ohio. This past weekend at the NHRA races I used the R R headset with either my Pro 18, Pro 668 or my PSR 800 that has very weak audio out and was able to hear them all, even with the Nitro cars launching.
My suggestion would be for a good set of noise canceling muffs and whatever scanner fits your pocketbook and how you are going to use it. Are you going to hold it in your hand and look at who is talking or are you going to leave it on your belt and just get an overall feel for the action and learn to recognize which crew is talking by watching the race .
Another suggestion on the headset that I've used around the house is a set of WorkTunes AM FM radio muffs with an aux in. With those you cann tune in the radio play by play and feed the scanner in the aux jack and keep up with stuff that doesn't come over the scanner.