Gotcha, so it would be that 10MHz range mentioned earlier (150-160)
The frequencies for VSP on the STARS network range from the low 150 to 162 Mhz. They are spread across the state on 66 different sites to ensure coverage for the entire state. You will need a trunking scanner to receive the system. There are probably 5 sites in the Richmond area and 2 on the Peninsula (one in Williamsburg and the other in Hampton).
Think of talk groups (TG) as a party line phone number on the system. TG 1 for STARS is VSP dispatch for Division 1 (which includes Richmond). You can find the VSP Division boundaries
on this site. When a VSP unit in the Richmond area transmits, the system identifies the unit and assigns a channel on the nearest tower to that radio. At the same time, the system tells all other radios on TG 1 a transmission is about to come to them.
The main reason I'm interested in this is for emergency service photography, mainly VSP as they're hard to find around here, so stuff like that wouldn't be of much use to me
You actually may find the VDOT road assistance more help than the actual VSP channels. Especially for accidents that require roads or exits to be blocked. These guys talk a lot, VSP is more direct and to the point.
QUOTE="virginiaguy1, post: 3342032, member: 1418448"]
I have considered 800 MHz but honestly everywhere around me is encrypted, as you said RPD, Henrico, New Kent, probably the only thing left is Hanover but eh
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Unfortunately many law enforcement agencies have elected to encrypt, discussing the merits/demerits of that is discouraged on RadioReference. It is a way of life now. However, keep in mind most fire departments are still broadcasting in the clear and they will be dispatched to any serious incident. If you are interested in shooting emergency service incidents, fire/medic calls would be very good sources of where to go.
As an aside, if you have Netflix they have a series, shot in LA, called
"Shot in the Dark" about independent news crews. Check out some of the 'rigs' in their cars to catch the action.
As to type of scanner to buy, will you be taking the scanner with you if you leave the car, then handheld. If you want to mount it then 'mobile'. Brand is open to debate, though Uniden has a larger selection. Their top of the line is the SDS 100 (handheld). Probably their low end unit now is the BCD 325P2. You can find the SDS100 for around $650 (less if used) and the 325 for around $375. In between is the BCD436 you can find for around $450. All have good and bad points.
Good for the 100 is what is called 'simulcast distortion' is much less than the others and a pretty color display. Downside (to me at least) is it uses a 'battery pack' (rechargeable, but if you don't have access to some charger you are SOL [and not Standards Of Learning]). For the 325 or 436 you can get distortion on 'simulcast systems' (multiple towers all on the same frequencies [Richmond is simulcast] whereas STARS have different frequencies on each site) and both are a bit 'dated', but potent units. Both run on AA batteries.
Uniden also has their Home Patrol (HP) models, but I have not used one.
If you would like and want to meet somewhere between Williamsburg and Richmond, I can bring a couple of my scanners along and you can get a feel. We could also talk photography.
Just IM and we can set up a time and place.