What kind of scanner to buy

[nicdoot]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I have a Radio Shack Pro 82 scanner and I can't get anything good on it. I was told on here that I need to get a digital scanner for the area that I live in. They suggested a Pro 96. I am not particular on brand so I was wondering if there is a good Uniden or other digital scanner around $350 or less that you can recommend. I want to listen to police and ambulance mostly and some air/military. Thanks for any info you can give.

 

[captclint]

I was told on here that I need to get a digital scanner for the area that I live in. They suggested a Pro 96.

To properly advise you, we need the county, city and State for which you wish to listen...if you think you can receive some other counties, that may make a difference, so let us know. Typically, all digital scanners are $500 or more. You might find Pro96 on ebay for a little less, especially if you were willing to get a used one. Same is true for the older Uniden's, but really need to see if they will work in your area.

• BC785D
• BC796D

Here's a list of scanners: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Categoryigital_Scanners
I'm traveling today, so let us know, and others will jump in tomorrow.
Edit: Ok, I see from your other posts, you are in Fairfax, VA. I've got to sign off, but this should help others to advise. Also, you did not say if you needed a portable or base unit.

 

[johnnystuyv]

Same Question Here

Do I really need a Digital scanner? Or will the BCT-15 do ?

I live in Beach Lake, PA (wayne county)

Thanks in advance !

 

[n2mdk]

Looking at the database http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=2304 doesn't look like there is even trunking in your county or the surrounding ones. The STARNet can't be listened to on any scanner.
The BCT15 should do fine.

 

[nicdoot]

area I live in

I live in Fairfax County in Fairfax, VA. It covers quite a large area. If a digital got more counties than that I would be pretty amazed and it would be great! Thanks for your help and guidance.

 

[nicdoot]

digital scanner

I would prefer a handheld one. Just a personal preference. I found the website you listed with the areas that is covered so that is great. Just trying to figure out which scanner to get. I definitely need one that specifies "digital" and "trunking" right?

 

[johnnystuyv]

Looking at the database http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=2304 doesn't look like there is even trunking in your county or the surrounding ones. The STARNet can't be listened to on any scanner.
The BCT15 should do fine.

Thank you for the info. The 15 will make a nice addition (upgrade)
to my Realistic Pro-2006 !

 

[eng2trk]

I would prefer a handheld one. Just a personal preference. I found the website you listed with the areas that is covered so that is great. Just trying to figure out which scanner to get. I definitely need one that specifies "digital" and "trunking" right?

yes digital and trunking - lots of digital here in DC area

actually sitting here listening to my new BCD396t right now

i love it but it's a lot of money - main fire disp is still avl on 460.575

 

[nicdoot]

Radio Shack Pro 82

I wish I had known before the 30 days was up about the digital trunking on my Pro 82, which has none. Now I can't return it but can maybe exchange it or a store credit.

 

[captclint]

I wish I had known before the 30 days was up about the digital trunking on my Pro 82, which has none. Now I can't return it but can maybe exchange it or a store credit.

Obviously, you need to find out your options here, since a credit towards a Pro-96 has to be your cheaper option. If no credit, then you are limited to Pro-96 on Ebay, BCD396T (check the like-new price), BC296D, and PSR-500. Pro-96 should fill you needs at the lowest price, but you might find the 296 cheaper on Ebay. I think consensus is that the PSR-500 handles digital a little bit better than the others. I have no digital in my area, so you need to read the various forums(uniden, RS, and GRE) to make up your own mind.