Scanner

[dw]

SB and other radio geeks --

I have a beater 4WD to go off-roading and am thinking of throwing in a scanner. I have an old Uniden BC235XLT, but I'd like to get something with an alpha display & that is programmable by PC. I believe SB said before that a desktop unit will perform better than a handheld. It doesn't look like Uniden makes a vehicle mount scanner right now. I was looking at this one (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2123168&cp=2032052.2032072&pg=2&allCount=15&parentPage=family) from the 'Shack. What do you think of that one and will it be that much better than a handheld with similar specs like this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102425&cp=2032052.2032072). (External antenna, of course)

Next question: Does "triple trunking" mean it will handle GE/Ericsson systems, and if not, how important is that?

Last question: Can anyone recommend a hard mount all purpose vehicle antenna? (Preferably a 90-degree mount for the side of the vehicle)

[SB 405]

As with everything in the radio hobby dw the first question is how much $$$ do you want to dish out? The big thing now are the digital scanners but most of them are in the $500 range. I know Uniden makes a desk top radio much like the one you looked at from Radio Shack but it will cost you more because of the digital feature. I've owned Uniden radios for years and have never had any problems with them and my scanning days go back to the old crystal radios. For sure I would stay away from a handheld if your going to use it in a vehicle for the simple reasons that they are almost impossible to hear because of outside traffic noise even with an external speaker attached. Also you end up having to mount more brackets and crap to keep things from bouncing around. Triple trunking (Motorola,EDACS and LTR) This kind of depends what you want to listen too and without getting into a full page response I'll answer you with "yes" I'd want a trible trunking radio.

[SB 405]

dw you might want to check out this forum site http://www.radioreference.com/forums/ you can resister and ask your question or just look around and you might find your answers. These guys are "major radio geeks"

[Your Mentor]

Huge question dw. And SB is right. Techno gear questions should always be answered with the question, "How much are you willing to spend."

[dw]

Huge question dw. And SB is right. Techno gear questions should always be answered with the question, "How much are you willing to spend."

Yeah, I should know that... I actually ordered a BC246T, looks like a pretty bitchin' (for an inexpensive) handheld (from what reviews I've read). If it doesn't work well, to eBay it will go. I like the idea of hard mounting in a vehicle, but really like being able to move around with my current handheld.

[NWTSCL]

I found this forum a couple of days ago, and until now I have just been a lurker -- taking in the wealth of interesting information. (Thanks for this great site!) But, I definitely would qualify as what you call a "radio geek", so I thought I would share some of my "expertise". ;-)

Here are a few things you should consider when purchasing a scanner.

(1) I agree that the first (and most important) thing is how much you want to pay. Your budget will dictate the features you will look for, and even the brand of the scanner itself.

(2) What do you want to monitor with it? Only your typical public safety agencies, or do you want more like civilian aircraft, military aircraft, and shortwave?

(3) Will you monitor digital or trunked systems?

(4) Do you want the portability of a handheld, or do you want a fixed base/mobile-mounted unit?

Both Radio Shack models you listed are excellent choices. If you notice, the PRO-2055 is the base model of the PRO-97; they both have the same exact features. But note that they cannot monitor digital systems. Also note that both will not follow 800MHz trunked systems when the trunk rebanding takes place in the near future. But, both can monitor military aircraft -- a great joy if you frequent airshows or live near a military airfield.

If this is going to be your primary (and really "only) scanner, I personally would get the PRO-97. Its greatest asset is its portability. While the PRO-2055 must be constantly teathered to a power cable, the PRO-97 can operate either with a DC cable or with batteries. Also, the PRO-97 has very strong audio output; it will likely be sufficient in the noise of a vehicle. Visit your local Rat Shack and give them a try.

After further reading, I see that you actually purchased the Uniden BC246T. It does not do digital or military aircraft. But it, too, is a good choice. You will find that its dynamic memory operates much different than your 235XLT; I think dynamic memory is much better. Uniden offers free programming software, accessable from their website. I also recommend www.butelsoftware.com; it is not free, but it works well and the developer's support makes it well worth its cost.

Next question: Does "triple trunking" mean it will handle GE/Ericsson systems, and if not, how important is that?
It actually means that it does triple conversion of trunked radio transmissions. This is used to prevent intermodulation.

Last question: Can anyone recommend a hard mount all purpose vehicle antenna? (Preferably a 90-degree mount for the side of the vehicle)
Your best bet is to build your own by selecting the proper mount and separate whip antenna. Antenex is a good manufacturer. I believe the CHP uses them. http://www.antenex.com

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if you have any further questions.

[dw]

Thanks NWTSCL, I just got the 246T and am playing with the software now.

[TheForceCHP]

after doing two ride alongs i am really interested in getting a scanner, but what i find is more then i want to spend. i am looking for somthing so that i can monitor CHP and that is all i really care about. is there anything like that on the market that is cheap? i know you get what you pay for, but all i care about is listening to CHP

[FuelInjection09]

after doing two ride alongs i am really interested in getting a scanner, but what i find is more then i want to spend. i am looking for somthing so that i can monitor CHP and that is all i really care about. is there anything like that on the market that is cheap? i know you get what you pay for, but all i care about is listening to CHP

Yes, Teamspeak:

http://www.scannerbuff.net/teamspeak/teamspeak.html

100% free, and it's run by a retired Chippy. It includes multiple channels (State, local PD/Fire), including CHP Southern Division. The Administrators do a phenomenal job alerting users of ongoing pursuits and tracking frequencies for listeners.

[TheForceCHP]

thanks! i am mainly looking for something either portable or vehicle mounted, don't know which one would work best for me. any other info. would be great

[CaliforniaHighwayPatrol]

I am listening to the teamspeak and some of the stuff is pretty crazy.

[K-Lo]

Huge question dw. And SB is right. Techno gear questions should always be answered with the question, "How much are you willing to spend."

Yeah, I should know that... I actually ordered a BC246T, looks like a pretty bitchin' (for an inexpensive) handheld (from what reviews I've read). If it doesn't work well, to eBay it will go. I like the idea of hard mounting in a vehicle, but really like being able to move around with my current handheld.

dw,

I am looking at getting a handheld scanner and was looking at the BC246T as well. Are you happy with yours or did you end up eBaying it?

[dw]

I really like the 246T, much better than the previous one I had. Takes normal AA batteries, big plus. The programming via computer and alpha display are great. It doesn't do anything special like digital, and I don't think it will follow the newest trunking system, but that's fine for me. Also, it does not cover military aircraft, I believe -- so it is no good for airshows. But for general police/fire scanning, it works well.

[K-Lo]

I really like the 246T, much better than the previous one I had. Takes normal AA batteries, big plus. The programming via computer and alpha display are great. It doesn't do anything special like digital, and I don't think it will follow the newest trunking system, but that's fine for me. Also, it does not cover military aircraft, I believe -- so it is no good for airshows. But for general police/fire scanning, it works well.

Cool thanks.

I basically just want CHP frequencies and maybe some local PDs anyway. I have a base scanner at home but would like a handheld. I will add the 246T to my birthday list.