I'd like to share my experiences in using an XTS5000 to monitor local digital trunking. And my opinions. For me, I am a Motorola buff. Love em (when you can get past the awful RSS/CPS). Once I learned the right way to program this radio via the hidden channel method, I have never had anything but fun with it. Far exceeds the scanner's capabilities of decoding digital. They're more durable, better built, and more cost effective than a fancy digital scanner if you play your cards right. I like well built vs cheap. Hence a Harley over a Suzuki or a Cadillac over a Civic. If you don't know what you're doing, you can easily mess up what you have. Makes sense to monitor a Motorola system with a MOTOROLA. The process of learning the software, programming and trial and error is fun for me. Once it's done, and you've achieved success, it's a great feeling. I love learning. So for me, an XTS5000 was a better route for me over the scanner. I'm ready for the Moto PoPo to chime in, too. I wanna hear what everyone has to say. I am a hobbyist, not a terrorist. Don't treat me like one.