Decimal is a "base 10" numbering system that we are all used to. Hexadecimal is a "base 16" numbering system that the "high tech" folks use. It has the characters 0-9 plus some alpha letters.
In hexadecimal:
A = 10
B = 11
C = 12
D = 13
E = 14
F = 15
The number sixteen is usually shown as 0x10 -- the 0x in front of the value indicates it is hexadecimal. It differentiates 10 as being 10 (dec) and 10 being 16 (hex).
Jeremy1873 said:
It just confuses me because it's not like a regular frequency like " 159.16500" Instead it's "727".
When you see a frequency for the channel, it is what we now call a "conventional channel". When you see a value such as that you've quoted, it is likely a "talkgroup" within a trunked system. Generally speaking you'll have to program a control channel frequency to scan a trunked system, then monitor for talkgroups. The talkgroup is essentially a virtual channel value.
Does Decimals have a range like frequencies?
Yes. There is a limit to the number of bits in a trunked system that are allocated to defining a talkgroup.
Are there certain scanners that I should buy for decimals and some frequency stuff?
The real question is what are you trying to monitor? If they are on a trunked system, you'll need a scanner that can monitor that system. All trunked systems are not created equal, and you might need a specific radio to monitor a specific system. All radios can receive conventional channels, although be aware of P25 (digital) channels as those require a digital scanner.
I will also note that you'll see a MODE column next to a talkgroup in a trunked system listed on RR. If it is marked as DE or TE it is an encrypted talkgroup and cannot be monitored (other than by official radio obviously).
For conventional VHF such as Cal Fire, just about anything will work fine. As for digital trunked systems, I highly recommend the SDS-100 hand-held, but it does sell for about $699. Yeah, OUCH. There's stuff in the middle, but you get what you pay for.