What Scanner Do I Need?

[Ramathorne]

New to this so looking for some help
I am in NS
Wondering what the absolute best scanner is and what I would be able to pick up specifically in rural eastern NS...
I have been checking out the Uniden HomePatrol???
Anyone know if this unit would be any good for me?
Or
Can someone recommend a good setup?
What about RCMP, EHS, DOT (DIR), Healthcare (Hostpitals like St. Martha's) etc
Are those able to be heard???
Any kind of assistance would be great!

 

[Ramathorne]

HomePatrol?
BCD396XT?
BCD996XT?
GRE500PSR?
GRE600PSR?

That is what I have narrowed my search down to....

Anyone deal with LITTLEMAC in Bridgewater?
Only dealer I could find locally.......(within NS)

 

[hfxChris]

Hi Ramathorne, welcome to the forums,

Of the scanners you've mentioned, I would either go with the Home Patrol if you want ease of use, or either of the two GRE models if you don't mine doing a bit of learning, and having more flexibility. Either scanner however will work great in your area. I'm not sure if Littlemac is still selling scanners, I think he was looking to get out of that, but give him a call he may still.

RCMP, EHS, hospitals, fire departments, DOT/TIR, DNR etc etc would all be monitorable in your area.

 

[jlo]

who is littlemac
anyone know if he is still selling

 

[Ramathorne]

who is littlemac
anyone know if he is still selling

Business is Bridgewater NS
He is still selling

Home

link above

 

[Ramathorne]

Hi Ramathorne, welcome to the forums,

Of the scanners you've mentioned, I would either go with the Home Patrol if you want ease of use, or either of the two GRE models if you don't mine doing a bit of learning, and having more flexibility. Either scanner however will work great in your area. I'm not sure if Littlemac is still selling scanners, I think he was looking to get out of that, but give him a call he may still.

RCMP, EHS, hospitals, fire departments, DOT/TIR, DNR etc etc would all be monitorable in your area.

Can some manual programming be done with the HomePatrol as well?
What is the range of the HP? (I ask as it automatically stores near your postal code???)
I would like to be able to pick up Sheet Harbor, Antigonish etc as well as all local stuff (sherbrooke)

 

[Ramathorne]

Also
As far as the GRE models go (500 and 600 PSR)
Any difference in range/clarity etc between the 2?
I kind of like the mobility of the 500.....

 

[hfxChris]

No significant difference between the two as far as range or clarity. The Home Patrol is not programmable at all, it downloads the information from the database on this site, all you do is tell it where you are (using postal code) and what services you want to listen to, it automatically selects what is within your theoretical range.
From Liscomb, you might get some things from the Sheet Harbour area (no guarantee of course), however you definiely won't receive anything from Antigonish area at all. Much too far away.

 

[Ramathorne]

Do you think the PSR-800 would be worth waiting for?
Looks pretty easy to use and update, as well as some cool features

 

[hfxChris]

I'm afraid I know nothing about the PSR-800... you may want to pay the GRE forum a visit and see what people are saying about it.

 

[darrylcn]

I like the portability too, that's why I got a 500. Although Doug, the guy that runs that store you're thinking about buying from (I got mine there and highly recommend him) _swears_ that the 600 has better range and reception.

 

[ve1sef]

Welcome aboard Ramathorne.
As to your question I've been using 996's last few years and been pleased.
The PSR-500/600 are good scanners as well.

To answer the reception question. Liscomb falls between the Ecum Secum and Melrose TMR sites.
Which tower(s) you'll pick up will depend on your location, the hills and curving coastline may block the signal
from Melrose(occasionally referred to as "Cochran Hill"). If you closer to Marie Joesph or Ecum Secum area
along the shore you may pick up the Tangier TMR site.

Last point of interest, the local fire departments still operate on VHF frequencies.There is also a Coast Guard radio
site in Ecum Secum, so there is Marine VHF activity as well.

 

[Ramathorne]

Thanks for all the help!
I think I am going to go GRE 500 or 600
Now, I have been reading so much this evening about base antennas
What would you guys recommend?
It has to be something that can withstand the weather on the coast of NS!
Many had good things to say about the Workman T601?
But would like to know what you folks may be using..

If I go PSR 500, may just upgrade the antenna to the GRE 100-001 and or their super amp???

 

[CBFD]

Littlemac is still selling as Im littlemac... I can't post any links as I'll get slapped again by the mod team here... so if anyone want any information or a link to go to... please PM me...


PSR-800 is not IC approved and dont think it will be...