Which scanner is the easiest to use?

[Ksatria]

Hi, I have a RadioShack Pro-106,
I've had it for several years and I'm not very happy with it.
The voice is buggy, it cuts in and out with the voice, it's just not what I'm into anymore. I want to be able to hear the complete conversation without it cutting out so the time. Is that a trait of these radios? And
now that I'm older, I want to get a home base scanner and was wondering if the Home Patrol 2 would be a good choice or should I go with the Uniden SDS200, or something better if there's one or there.
I'm in Bay County MI and I want to pick everything up that's out there. Military, Marine, Aviation, everything...
I'm retired now so if there's a better base out there I'd be interested in hearing about it.
TIA.
Lawrence.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Define "cut in and out". Does this happen at a normal interval or at random? I wouldn't suspect simulcast distortion if you're monitoring MPSCS as Bay City is carried across a single tower which you appear to be well within range of if you look at the coverage map. Be sure Priority Scanning is turned off as this is known to cause muting of audio

If you're still looking for a recommendation for a replacement & want to stick with a base unit, you may not need an SDS200 since again transmissions aren't simulcast across multiple towers where you are so personally I'd go with either a Uniden BCD996p2 or a BCD536HP. Expect a learning curve with both if you have little to no experience with the current gen of Uniden scanners

 

[Ksatria]

When the police and others are talking, it's as if someone is hitting a mute button during the conversation... Can I post audio/video files here? I can record it and post it.

Thank you .

 

[buddrousa]

Is it a possibility that you have Priority turned on?
Hit the key PRI and see if that is any different

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

When the police and others are talking, it's as if someone is hitting a mute button during the conversation...

Yup, I'd suspect Priority Scanning as I touched upon in post #2

 

[Ksatria]

Pri is off...
Let me get a good vid and I'll post it if possible.

 

[K4EET]

<snip> Can I post audio/video files here? I can record it and post it. <snip>

Yes

 

[K4EET]

The database for your area can be found here:

Bay County, Michigan (MI) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Bay County, Michigan (MI)

www.radioreference.com

I have the Uniden BCD536HP scanner and really like it. The Uniden SDS200 is newer and would “future-proof” your scanner somewhat in the event that a simulcast system is set in place one day.

 

[tvengr]

Please attach your programming file so we can take a look at it. You will need to zip the file to be able to attach it. Click on Attach files and open the zipped file. Bay County fireground frequencies are not on a repeater and you will have good reception only if close by unless you have a good outside antenna.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Does the muting happen while tuned into your local NOAA weather frequency?

 

[jtwalker]

“Better or best” and “easiest to use” don’t usually refer to the same scanner. The better scanners that handle more of the modern technology are typically harder to program and use.

 

[trentbob]

All Sage advice, you really need to do your own needs assessment. What is it you actually need.

You have the frequency listings now. You've got a budget. You know your capabilities and as has been said the better the scanner and the more it delivers the harder the learning curve so it's not just the "easiest" scanner to use, it's a lot of factors in making your choice.

The pro 106 made by GRE for Radio Shack is from approximately 2007. When Whistler bought GRE they made the scanner for Radio Shack and introduced it as the ws1040. Keep in mind it's approximately 18 years old technology 😉

 

[RichM]

Do you have Multi Site or Roam activated? If so turn them off, you should use Stat (short for stationary) if you are not driving around with it. Multi site and Roam can cause what you are describing. Also make sure Attenuate is off. I use my 106 and 197 here in Northern MI to monitor everything you described and they work great. For analog signals you may need an external antenna.

Easiest scanner in my opinion is the Home Patrol, it was designed for ease of use. Download the database, enter your zip code, set your range and you’re done. Big color touch screen is easy to read and use.

Best scanner has to be the SDS, it‘s somewhat future proof and has all the bells and whistles any serious hobbyist could want.

If you can solve your issue you could just get a used 197 (around $200) and clone it from the 106 and be good to go. With the hundreds saved you could invest in an outdoor antenna which will help with MilAir, CivAir and marine.

 

[eaf1956]

Hi, I have a RadioShack Pro-106,
I've had it for several years and I'm not very happy with it.
The voice is buggy, it cuts in and out with the voice, it's just not what I'm into anymore. I want to be able to hear the complete conversation without it cutting out so the time. Is that a trait of these radios? And
now that I'm older, I want to get a home base scanner and was wondering if the Home Patrol 2 would be a good choice or should I go with the Uniden SDS200, or something better if there's one or there.
I'm in Bay County MI and I want to pick everything up that's out there. Military, Marine, Aviation, everything...
I'm retired now so if there's a better base out there I'd be interested in hearing about it.
TIA.
Lawrence.

My Granddaughter lives in Essexville, and my daughter in Bay City. My daughter BF has numerous scanners and may be able to assist you if he is willing. If you are not proficient at programming a scanner I'd go with the HP2.

 

[bearcatrp]

Suggest the 536 or SDS200 for ease of use. Can do zip code scanning until you learn how to program favorites.

 

[oaktree_b]

The Uniden BC125AT is a good analog scanner, had one for about six months. Program with a computer using the USB cable. Bit of a learning curve, but it's nothing you can't pick up over a weekend. Love mine.

 

[wtp]

try it with headphones or a computer speaker.
it could be the jack.
i had that happen with a uniden 396T

 

[Ksatria]

I bit the bullet and bought the HP2 and so far I'm satisfied with it. The sound is by far better than the pro-106 and it's picking up more stations.
As far as future proof, I'm probably not going to be around long enough to worry about that lol...
There's a fella with the initials R.S. that I have to call to program my 106, maybe that'll make a difference, but I now have a base...
If everything changes within the next 6 months (who knows, maybe the laws will change and require them to scramble everything so nobody knows what's going on) then I'll deal with it...
Everyone, thank you for your time and response... You helped me out tremendously and I surely do appreciate it. 🫵🏻👍🏻🤜🏻⚡🤛🏻
Lawrence.

 

[Ksatria]

Do you have Multi Site or Roam activated? If so turn them off, you should use Stat (short for stationary) if you are not driving around with it. Multi site and Roam can cause what you are describing. Also make sure Attenuate is off. I use my 106 and 197 here in Northern MI to monitor everything you described and they work great. For analog signals you may need an external antenna.

Easiest scanner in my opinion is the Home Patrol, it was designed for ease of use. Download the database, enter your zip code, set your range and you’re done. Big color touch screen is easy to read and use.

Best scanner has to be the SDS, it‘s somewhat future proof and has all the bells and whistles any serious hobbyist could want.

If you can solve your issue you could just get a used 197 (around $200) and clone it from the 106 and be good to go. With the hundreds saved you could invest in an outdoor antenna which will help with MilAir, CivAir and marine.

I used to have a base CB station so I bought the RG6(?) (really thick) cable that I could hook up with the appropriate adapters.
I also have a MLA 30+ loop antenna that I use for my shortwave radios. The only problem is it only goes up to 30MHz...