Which Scanner Is Best For Wicomico County?

[bcpd0716]

Good Evening Everyone,

I recently moved to the area and am looking to pick up a scanner to get me the feeds from Wicomico County Sheriff, Salisbury PD, and local fire departments. I've got an old radio shack scanner that is probably older than most of the users on here and needless to say, it doesn't work any longer. Can someone please point me in the right direction of what is my best option? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[maus92]

Since Wicomico has a simulcast P25 Phase 2 system, it's probably best to buy either a Uniden SDS100 (portable / handheld) or the new SDS200 (base / mobile.) They are specifically designed to handle the type of radio system used in Wicomico, as well as the statewide radio system. Some older scanners can decode Phase 2 systems, but they are heavily dependent on the individual's listening environment and location in providing satisfactory results.

 

[de784]

I use 436 no issues. Pick them up in Sussex County

 

[maus92]

I use 436 no issues. Pick them up in Sussex County

Which makes sense in your situation since you live outside the county and are probably only receiving one tower site. For people who live within the coverage area, they can potentially - and probably do. - receive transmissions from several tower sites simultaneously which causes distortion (TDI.) The SDS100 / SDS200 is designed to eliminate the issue.

 

[de784]

I work in the wicomico area and the 436 does well.

 

[maus92]

I found that my 436 was missing transmissions on the statewide P25P2 system. I didn't realize that I was missing the transmissions until I purchased a G5 - which received traffic that the 436 (and my HP-2) did not. So when the SDS100 came out, I bought it to see if it would perform better. Now when the G5 receives a transmission, the SDS100 does as well, so I sold the 436. Since the statewide FIRST system uses the same vendor and technology as the new Wicomico system, my recommendation stands. What the OP *could* do is purchase a 436 from a vendor who accepts returns with no restocking fee (like Amazon) and test it to see how well it works for him in his listening environment. If the radio doesn't work for him, he can return it and buy the SDS100. The SDS also has an excellent color display, a readability advantage over the 436's B&W display.

 

[guyiv]

I have a HPII, 436, SDS100, and G5. The HPII dose not work worth anything. The 436 is good. The SDS100 and G5 are about the same. The G5 Is definatly the best, but if you want a regular scanner I would go with the SDS100. If you do not want to spend that money the 436 is adequate.

 

[bcpd0716]

Thank you all for your kind responses. I am going to check out amazon and see what I can come up with. Thank you all very kindly

 

[murphylgm]

I am using the SDS100 and it is working great for me so for.

 

[Dispatcher308]

I have not had a problem with my 436 on the State System or the County System in that area, after listening to my public safety portable I do not miss any transmissions