TYT MD-380 how to just listen

[twotoejoe]

I just received an MD 380 as a gift. I have had an interest in amateur radio and especially scanning for many years. The person who gave this to me was told it would scan our local public service (police & fire) also. At this time I just want to listen, see what's out there, and figure out how to program these radios before I step up to better equipment. Can anyone help me figure out how to just listen and scan on this radio?

 

[pinballwiz86]

Use the software on the internet. Program the 380 and never hit the PTT. Have fun.

(If you get your ham radio license, then enjoy talking on 440 DMR or otherwise.)

 

[jonwienke]

There is a check box in the channel settings labeled RX Only. Check it for any non ham frequencies you program.

But unless all your agencies use UHF analog, it is unlikely that it will be useful as a scanner. Agencies that still use analog often use low band and VHF frequencies, and agencies that use digital normally use P25. Either option leaves you out. The 380 is also a slow scanner, about 20 channels/second vs 80 channels/second with a Uniden 436. There may be some UHF public safety channels you can monitor, but don't expect to hear everything.

 

[twotoejoe]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like the juice is not worth the squeeze in this case. I'll just try to sell it and put that money toward a radio that will do what I need. Anyone want a 1 day old MD-380 for $85??

 

[pinballwiz86]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like the juice is not worth the squeeze in this case. I'll just try to sell it and put that money toward a radio that will do what I need. Anyone want a 1 day old MD-380 for $85??

Depending on how long you've had it, and the condition, just return it and get a Uniden.

 

[troymail]

I just received an MD 380 as a gift. I have had an interest in amateur radio and especially scanning for many years. The person who gave this to me was told it would scan our local public service (police & fire) also. At this time I just want to listen, see what's out there, and figure out how to program these radios before I step up to better equipment. Can anyone help me figure out how to just listen and scan on this radio?

Habersham County is actually a multi site VHF DMR system so in theory, you could program it to listen to the system. It won't be optimal but it might be worth a shot ... a scanner that does DMR will probably set you back at least several hundred dollars.....

Do you know if it is a VHF model?

 

[sefrischling]

But unless all your agencies use UHF analog, it is unlikely that it will be useful as a scanner. Agencies that still use analog often use low band and VHF frequencies ...

You mean except for the NYPD, FDNY, Boston PD, Boston Fire, Chicago PD, Dallas PD, Dallas FD, LA County Sheriff, LA County Fire, LAFD (analog 800mhz) ... all of whom are on UHF analog.

 

[jonwienke]

Which I covered in the first half of my statement. The OP may get lucky, but generally speaking, the odds are not in favor of a single-band DMR radio covering local public safety.

 

[twotoejoe]

Packed it up and sent it back for a refund. Now guys what scanner do I need for for the VHF and Mototrobo Connect Systems?

 

[jonwienke]

325P2 or 436HP handhelds or 996P2 or 536HP base/mobile. The x36HP units are more expensive, but have an internal database covering all of North America that (in conjunction with GPS) is extremely handy when traveling. You can travel anywhere and the scanner will automatically monitor local traffic.

DMR is a $60 add-on after purchasing any of these.

 

[troymail]

You can pick up a Whistler handheld (you'll have to research the price) - DMR is included - no additional "after purchase" cost. You can probably also find a used unit (even older PSR800 and PRO-668) which can be (or might already be) upgraded to do DMR for the same $60.