What is the cheapest scanner i can use for MSWIN

Joined
Jul 8, 2025
Messages
3
I'm looking for recommendation for a scanner that can receive local PD/FD/EMS on MSWIN p25 for a good price.
 

Ensnared

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Jan 24, 2004
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Location
Waco, Texas
If you are monitoring at home, there may be an alternative way to monitor. You can monitor this system with SDR. When & if you were to use this, you can only hear one radio system at a time.

SDR setups are relatively cheap compared with a digital scanner.
 

slhbeard

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Dec 29, 2011
Messages
270
Location
Vicksburg, Ms
A lot depends on whether or not you have simulcast in your area. If so, BCD 438HP, 536 HP, SDS 100 or SDS 200 would be needed.
 

devicelab

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Jul 18, 2016
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Location
WA (USA)
Simply put, if you have the money: SDS-100 or SDS-200 (portable or mobile/base)

Want to go cheaper: BCD325P2 (portable) or BCD996P2 (mobile/base) (**must buy upgrades for DMR and NXDN) So cost is Base Price + $120

Best Value (if you can find one) a used Whistler TRX-1 (portable) with all digital and record capability: $400-500 E-Bay
Best Value: BCD996P2 (used) $375 on E-Bay (still may have to purchase NXDN/DMR keys depending on auction)

Wouldn't recommend: BCD436HP (used) for $300-ish on E-Bay (must buy DMR/NXDN keys depending on auction)

External discone antenna + coax: $50-150 plus $50.


Cheapest solution: SDR from Amazon ($38) RTLSDR V4 using free software (SDRTrunk) that can monitor MSWIN after minimal configuration. It can monitor all digital modes for free and/or little cost.
 
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