Type of scanner for my location Cushing, WI 54006

[wisconsinjimmy]

What scanner will do the job in my area I looked at a UNIDEN for $600+ and a WHISTLER for $200+, I would like to reach Minneapolis St Paul but I believe it is a reach being 60 miles out.
Thanks for your time

 

[jmsanders83]

In Polk County, you'll want a digital scanner capable of P25. It appears that the main law enforcement frequency for your area is Conventional P25. Wisconsin State Patrol is Trunked P25.

I'm not super familiar with Whistler, being a Uniden and Unication guy.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

If the database is accurate, it appears Polk County emergency services are mostly analog with the exception of Sheriff dispatch (p25 conventional) so any scanner here should do the job.

I would like to reach Minneapolis St Paul but I believe it is a reach being 60 miles out.

Probably isn't going to happen unless you're on top of a mountain with clear line of site to the region due to the fact that 800mhz doesn't propagate as far as VHF/UHF & the intended coverage range is about 40 miles

 

[wisconsinjimmy]

I am still confused and it is normal for me, I think the Whistler WS1065 would work OK if I am understanding correctly. Scanning used to be simple some years back now it seems some are digital and some are analog etc. My main interest would be Polk and Chisago County in MN as well as the HP in both states.
Thanks People
God Bless

 

[jaspence]

Eventually will all be digital, but cost keeps some smaller places from the move at this time. Interoperability is the buzz word today, although many areas with P25 haven't achieved it

 

[ryolsen8]

I am still confused and it is normal for me, I think the Whistler WS1065 would work OK if I am understanding correctly. Scanning used to be simple some years back now it seems some are digital and some are analog etc. My main interest would be Polk and Chisago County in MN as well as the HP in both states.
Thanks People
God Bless

The WS1065 would work just fine for what you're wanting to do. The Polk Law Main is conventional P25, and the rest of the County is analog. As far as Chisago County goes, you may have a tough time getting them on Digital. The scanners just don't do well with Simulcast systems. Considering your location, you may be OK, since you'll probably be hitting the St. Croix Falls tower mostly. I can't say for sure though.

 

[fredva]

The scanners just don't do well with Simulcast systems.

There are scanners and receivers that are made for simulcast systems and do well. You just have to be willing to pay the price for them - they aren't $200 scanners. SDS-100 & 200, and Unication receivers. Another option is to set up an SDR system with certain software on a computer.

Considering your location, you may be OK, since you'll probably be hitting the St. Croix Falls tower mostly.

I'm not seeing a St. Croix Falls tower listed for ARMER. I see other sites in Chisago County. Could the tower go by another name?

 

[ryolsen8]

There are scanners and receivers that are made for simulcast systems and do well. You just have to be willing to pay the price for them - they aren't $200 scanners. SDS-100 & 200, and Unication receivers.


I'm not seeing a St. Croix Falls tower listed for ARMER. I see other sites in Chisago County. Could the tower go by another name?

Correct, there are. The Whistler's are not good with Simulcast, Chisago County is heavy on Simulcast. When I lived in Chisago County, my Radio Shack Pro106 did not work at all.

It is listed under the WPKG360 callsign.

 

[wisconsinjimmy]

I have purchased the Whistler WS1065 it was within what I can afford it would have been nice to get the Uniden but the price put it outside of my comfort zone.
Happy Holidays to all