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What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
Hi there,
My Pro-97 has finally stopped scanning. It looks like it is scanning, but it stays on the same band and the same frequency. When I press the Red button to hear NOAA weather there is no audio there either. I listen primarily to police/fire/disaster preparedness, city, aviation, Air force 1, military jets, civil offense, cellular phones, regular cordless phones. I don't believe anyone in this relatively unpopulated area has trunking. Radio Shack said they would fix it for $90.00 I live in Southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau, County Here is a site that will show you the frequencies available in SEMO. I also listen to the Little Egypt area. http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=29 What would you reccommend for an excellent new handheld scanner? A thousand thanks for your time and advice http://antiterrorist.r8.org |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
The Other Guy wrote:
Uniden BCD396XT, without a doubt. I always get nervous when someone uses a phrase like, "without a doubt" when discussing a subjective matter. The BCD396XT is a cracking scanner, I'm sure we'd all agree, but the OP said he listens to cellular and he won't be able to do that with a Uniden. So, I respectfully counter with the Icom IC-R20 (unblocked) and/or the AOR AR-8200 Mark III. They are worthy of a look by anyone who wants to buy a serious scanner. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Thu, 9 Jul 2009 13:14:13 +0000 (UTC), Golan Klinger
wrote: The Other Guy wrote: Uniden BCD396XT, without a doubt. I always get nervous when someone uses a phrase like, "without a doubt" when discussing a subjective matter. The BCD396XT is a cracking scanner, I'm sure we'd all agree, but the OP said he listens to cellular and he won't be able to do that with a Uniden. So, I respectfully counter with the Icom IC-R20 (unblocked) and/or the AOR AR-8200 Mark III. They are worthy of a look by anyone who wants to buy a serious scanner. My Realistic Pro 2006 used to pull in so many cellular call ten or so years ago that I couldn't keep up with the conversations. There used to be 30 or 40 mimimun going at one time; plus regular cordless. Now I hear nothing on cellular, and very little on cordless. :-( After that congressman got caught saying things on his cell phone that he shouldn't have said, they quickly passed a law forbidding people from monitoring cellular. So that was the end of a fascinating period where I could really hear what people thought about celebrities, and neighbors without them knowing it. Needless to say some of what I heard was astounding! Now the frequencies are so high, and they change so rapidly, it is impossible to hear MOST phone calls. :-( I miss all of those arguments between boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives, lovers, conversations about how they felt about OJ, Michael J, Clinton, Bush 1, and 2, and of course my neighbors. I even heard some savage in my neighborhood, tell a beautiful woman who had been coming by to see that he wanted to kill me. That was back in 1993, and I haven't been able to figure out yet who that was. It was a cordless call so the person must have lived within a few blocks of me. The woman never came by anymore so I figured he scared her away. Then a couple of years ago another female friend of mine told me one day that she was telling her sister who now lives in Texas about me, and her sister interrupted her saying she knew me well, and thought I was a great guy. I was amazed by that. So before I knew it, I had Debra's phone number and email address. I called her and we chatted happily. She told me she had left and moved to Montana, and a few other places before getting married and going to Texas. After a few fun calls, I mentioned to her that I had heard her talking to this guy and he had threathened to call me. I asked her since we were supposed to be friends why she didn't warn me of what this person was saying instead of never contacting me again. She immediately denied that she had been in a conversation like that. I'm 90% sure it was here because I listened for a half hour or so and heard her telling him things only someone who had been in my home would know. I have looked all over for the tape of the conversation, but have been unable to find it since I never thought I would see her again. She stopped calling and emailing me after I brought it up. That is fine by me, because I now know she was not a true friend and apparently had other motives for making my acaquaintance. There is no way that if I oveheard strangers talking about killing a close friend of mine that I would not at least immediately notify him/her of what I had heard. After that it would be up to them to decide what to do about it. I had hoped to hear some criminals stashing large sums of money someplace nearby so I could get it before it was picked up. In 30 years of scanning I have still not heard that kind of call. I also heard several adults who were having affairs with 12-14 year old girls arguing with the girls to not turn them in. One of them did get turned in and is probably still in jail for jumping such young tail. And of course there were the millions of calls about race. Listening to what we actually think about colored people, and hearing how much they hate us was frightening. My friend tell me I need to write a book in my decades of listening to scanner conversations. :-) If I can find enough notes, maybe I will do that. I looked at the 396XT last night. It is a pretty scanner. I'll read up on the Icom and AOR today. My Bearcat 895XLT and Pro-2006 still work fine as desktops though. And so it goes. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
Jack Newhouse wrote:
I looked at the 396XT last night. It is a pretty scanner. I'll read up on the Icom and AOR today. Perhaps you, and hopefully others, will find these URLs of use: BCD396XT http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD396XT ICR20 http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R20 AR8200 http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/AR8200 All three are superb scanners. It's nice to be spoiled for choice. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Thu, 9 Jul 2009 17:56:34 +0000 (UTC), Golan Klinger
wrote: Jack Newhouse wrote: I looked at the 396XT last night. It is a pretty scanner. I'll read up on the Icom and AOR today. Perhaps you, and hopefully others, will find these URLs of use: BCD396XT http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD396XT ICR20 http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R20 AR8200 http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/AR8200 All three are superb scanners. It's nice to be spoiled for choice. Is there a site where I can compare all three one against the other? I'm thinking maybe it will be best just to take my Pro--97 to radil shack, pay them the $90.00 and let them repair the Pro-97 These new scanners cost more than they house, car, and property are worth! They still won't pick up cellular for the most part. Plus I have software that will upload and download to and from my scanner. These new ones don't seem to have that. Thanks for helping me to narrow my decision. I've heard a lot about AOR and ICOM when it come to shortwave receivers. They are top of the line there also. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
"Jack Newhouse" wrote in message
... My friend tell me I need to write a book in my decades of listening to scanner conversations. :-) If I can find enough notes, maybe I will do that. I looked at the 396XT last night. It is a pretty scanner. I'll read up on the Icom and AOR today. My Bearcat 895XLT and Pro-2006 still work fine as desktops though. And so it goes. Cell has gone almost all digital. No scanner you can buy will let you listen to it. I am surprised there is any analog call service anywhere any more. Cordless phones many years ago went to a system that the scanners you can buy will not pick up. When it first hit it was of course expensive, but like all tech, it has dropped in price like a rock. I have not looked at a new cordless phone for quite a while, but I would be surprised if they even still sell new ones that can be picked up with your scanner. So again this is something that will soon be completely gone. As for Police/ Fire, even if your area does not yet use some kind of Trunking, they may well soon do so. It would be wise to buy a scanner than can be used with Trunking, even if it is not yet in your area. -- "Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks." [Lazarus Long] |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Thu, 9 Jul 2009 14:41:12 -0700, "Alex Clayton"
wrote: "Jack Newhouse" wrote in message .. . My friend tell me I need to write a book in my decades of listening to scanner conversations. :-) If I can find enough notes, maybe I will do that. I looked at the 396XT last night. It is a pretty scanner. I'll read up on the Icom and AOR today. My Bearcat 895XLT and Pro-2006 still work fine as desktops though. And so it goes. Cell has gone almost all digital. No scanner you can buy will let you listen to it. I am surprised there is any analog call service anywhere any more. Cordless phones many years ago went to a system that the scanners you can buy will not pick up. When it first hit it was of course expensive, but like all tech, it has dropped in price like a rock. I have not looked at a new cordless phone for quite a while, but I would be surprised if they even still sell new ones that can be picked up with your scanner. So again this is something that will soon be completely gone. As for Police/ Fire, even if your area does not yet use some kind of Trunking, they may well soon do so. It would be wise to buy a scanner than can be used with Trunking, even if it is not yet in your area. We just got radio, television, and computers here in Rushlimbaughville, MO this year. So I have no clue as to what trunking can do. http://www.city-data.com/city/Cape-G...-Missouri.html All that means to me is two elephants using their trunks to wrestle each other. Can anyone find a site that will tell you whether there is any trunking around here, or in Southern illinois, or Northwestern Kentucky and Tennessee? |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
Jack Newhouse wrote:
Is there a site where I can compare all three one against the other? Not that I'm aware of. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
The Other Guy wrote:
But none of their radios can trunk. You don't need a trunk tracking scanner to monitor and follow trunked traffic. Just set the used range of frequencies into a bank and let the scanner do what it does. While a trunk tracker makes things easier, it isn't essential. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:16:29 -0700, Evan Platt
wrote: On Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:19:20 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: We just got radio, television, and computers here in Rushlimbaughville, MO this year. So I have no clue as to what trunking can do. http://www.city-data.com/city/Cape-G...-Missouri.html All that means to me is two elephants using their trunks to wrestle each other. Can anyone find a site that will tell you whether there is any trunking around here, or in Southern illinois, or Northwestern Kentucky and Tennessee? Illinois: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=17 Kentucky: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=21 Tennessee: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=47 OK as I'm reading right now, I notice that the AOR has a frequency range from 500K to 3GHZ The Uniden goes from 25MHZ to 3Ghz Does that mean that I can use the AOR scanner to pick up shortwave stations around the world from 500khz on up to 30mhz, and the Uniden can't? Also WWV at 5,10,15 mhz. Shortwave is far more important to me in this area than is a trunking ability. Thanks |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:08:54 -0500, Jack Newhouse
wrote: On Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:16:29 -0700, Evan Platt wrote: On Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:19:20 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: We just got radio, television, and computers here in Rushlimbaughville, MO this year. So I have no clue as to what trunking can do. http://www.city-data.com/city/Cape-G...-Missouri.html All that means to me is two elephants using their trunks to wrestle each other. Can anyone find a site that will tell you whether there is any trunking around here, or in Southern illinois, or Northwestern Kentucky and Tennessee? Illinois: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=17 Kentucky: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=21 Tennessee: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?stid=47 OK as I'm reading right now, I notice that the AOR has a frequency range from 500K to 3GHZ The Uniden goes from 25MHZ to 3Ghz Does that mean that I can use the AOR scanner to pick up shortwave stations around the world from 500khz on up to 30mhz, and the Uniden can't? Also WWV at 5,10,15 mhz. Shortwave is far more important to me in this area than is a trunking ability. Thanks I just completed the questionnaire asking what type of scanning I do, and how far out do I want to hear. The page responded that since our area is still in the dark ages, a basic scanner would suffice for all my funky needs! So I'm leaning toward the AOR scanner with short wave capability and no trunking. View and Compare Your Scanner Options Your Scanner Options Print This Page Step 1. Important Notes About the Selected State and Counties Step 2. How Scanners Differ Step 3. View and Compare Your Scanner Options Step 1. Important Notes About the Selected State and Counties Modify Criteria Counties Jackson County, Illinois - 1* Union County, Illinois - 1* Alexander County, Illinois - 1* Pulaski County, Illinois - 1* Bollinger County, Missouri - 1* Cape Girardeau County, Missouri - 1* Scott County, Missouri - 1* Perry County, Missouri - 1* Mississippi County, Missouri - 1* Scanner Usage * Police / Fire / EMS * Custom Programming Level Disclaimer Important Notes about Illinois: The Illinois State Police and many other agencies have switched to the statewide StarCom21 digital trunked radio system. The system operates on the 700 and 800 MHz. bands and can be monitored with several models of digital police scanners In the Chicago area, the Cook County Sheriff uses an encrypted digital Motorola Type II trunked radio system although some operations are unencrypted. Chicago Police use an analog UHF repeater system that can be monitored on a basic police scanner. The Chicago Fire Department uses several analog VHF and UHF channels that can be monitored with a basic police scanner but will transition to a digital UHF radio system that would require a digital police scanner. Suburban counties use a variety of radio system types. Will County and Lake County use EDACS trunking systems, DuPage County uses non-trunked 800 MHz. channels, and DeKalb, Kane and McHenry Counties use analog VHF channels. McHenry County will transition to a StarCom21 system soon however so a digital police scanner will be needed. In the suburbs most agencies use UHF or VHF analog systems. Some 800 MHz. analog and digital systems are in use in the far Northwest suburbs (Arlington Hts., Schaumburg, Palatine etc.) Downstate some areas use StarCom21, including McLean, St. Clair and Madison Counties. Champaign County uses a digital trunked radio system that uses some encryption. Each of these require a digital police scanner. Other locations use mostly VHF channels and some UHF channels that can be heard on a basic police scanner. Important Notes about Missouri: The vast majority of public safety radio communications in the State of Missouri can be monitored on a basic police scanner. The Highway Patrol operates mostly on VHF, along with most other state agencies. Most counties and towns use VHF, some are on UHF and a few operate 800 MHz. trunking systems. While neighboring states are building large scale digital systems this remains but a dream in Missouri. See the RadioReference site for more information: RadioReference.com Important Notes about Jackson County: A basic police scanner will work for all county and local Police, Fire and Ambulance radio communications in Jackson County, Illinois, including Carbondale and Murphysboro. To monitor the Illinois State Police and other state agencies a digital trunking scanner radio is needed as they operate on the StarCom21 APCO25 digital trunked system. To view more information on this county please see the following links: CARMA Profile RadioReference Important Notes about Union County: A basic police scanner will work for all county and local Police, Fire and Ambulance radio communications in Union County, Illinois, including Anna and Jonesboro. To monitor the Illinois State Police and other state agencies a digital trunking scanner radio is needed as they operate on the StarCom21 APCO25 digital trunked system. To view more information on this county please see the following links: CARMA Profile RadioReference Important Notes about Alexander County: A basic police scanner will work for all county and local Police, Fire and Ambulance radio communications in Alexander County, Illinois, including Cairo. To monitor the Illinois State Police and other state agencies a digital trunking scanner radio is needed as they operate on the StarCom21 APCO25 digital trunked system. To view more information on this county please see the following links: CARMA Profile RadioReference Important Notes about Pulaski County: A basic police scanner will work for all county and local Police, Fire and Ambulance radio communications in Pulaski County, Illinois, including Ullin and Mounds. To monitor the Illinois State Police and other state agencies a digital trunking scanner radio is needed as they operate on the StarCom21 APCO25 digital trunked system. To view more information on this county please see the following links: CARMA Profile RadioReference Important Notes about Bollinger County: A basic police scanner will allow you to monitor Bollinger County Missouri, including Marble Hill. Most operations are on VHF or UHF conventional systems. Most Fire and other local operations can be monitored with a basic scanner. To monitor the Missouri Highway Patrol and other state agencies a basic police scanner can be used as they operate mostly on various VHF and UHF conventional channels. To view more information on this county please see the following links: Missouri Highway Patrol and other State operations at RadioReference RadioReference Info Page Important Notes about Cape Girardeau County: A basic police scanner will allow you to monitor Cape Girardeau County Missouri, including the city of Cape Girardeau. Most operations are on VHF or UHF conventional systems. Most Fire and other local operations can be monitored with a basic scanner. To monitor the Missouri Highway Patrol and other state agencies a basic police scanner can be used as they operate mostly on various VHF and UHF conventional channels. To view more information on this county please see the following links: Missouri Highway Patrol and other State operations at RadioReference RadioReference Info Page Important Notes about Scott County: A basic police scanner will allow you to monitor Scott County Missouri, including Benton. Most operations are on VHF or UHF conventional systems. Most Fire and other local operations can be monitored with a basic scanner. To monitor the Missouri Highway Patrol and other state agencies a basic police scanner can be used as they operate mostly on various VHF and UHF conventional channels. To view more information on this county please see the following links: Missouri Highway Patrol and other State operations at RadioReference RadioReference Info Page Important Notes about Perry County: A basic police scanner will allow you to monitor Perry County Missouri, including Perryville. Most operations are on VHF or UHF conventional systems. Most Fire and other local operations can be monitored with a basic scanner. To monitor the Missouri Highway Patrol and other state agencies a basic police scanner can be used as they operate mostly on various VHF and UHF conventional channels. To view more information on this county please see the following links: Missouri Highway Patrol and other State operations at RadioReference RadioReference Info Page Important Notes about Mississippi County: A basic police scanner will allow you to monitor Mississippi County Missouri, including Charleston. Most operations are on VHF or UHF conventional systems. Most Fire and other local operations can be monitored with a basic scanner. To monitor the Missouri Highway Patrol and other state agencies a basic police scanner can be used as they operate mostly on various VHF and UHF conventional channels. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:47:06 -0700, Evan Platt
wrote: On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:08:54 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: OK as I'm reading right now, I notice that the AOR has a frequency range from 500K to 3GHZ The Uniden goes from 25MHZ to 3Ghz Does that mean that I can use the AOR scanner to pick up shortwave stations around the world from 500khz on up to 30mhz, and the Uniden can't? Also WWV at 5,10,15 mhz. Shortwave is far more important to me in this area than is a trunking ability. Yes, that's correct. I'd suggest if there's ANYTHING at all in the area that's trunked or digital, go with a digital scanner, and get an inexpensive shortwave receiver. You make a good point. for a minute there, I just loved the idea of having one radio that picks up everything but trunking. I do have two Sony 2010's that are portable and work fine. I have a Grundig YB400 radio that works well also. Then I also have a Degen SW radio that is very small and gets outstanding reception. So if I get the top Uniden, I will be able to pick up agencies when I travel to larger cities like St. Louis, Chicago, Memphis, or some other place. As my father used to tell me about carrying guns and knives to school when I was a teenager: "Son, it is better to have them in your gym bag, and not need them; than to need them one time and not have them." So now that I'm settling on the Rolls Royce of Unidens, it become a question of finding where I can get it the cheapest. :-) |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:04:47 +0000 (UTC), Golan Klinger
wrote: The Other Guy wrote: But none of their radios can trunk. You don't need a trunk tracking scanner to monitor and follow trunked traffic. Just set the used range of frequencies into a bank and let the scanner do what it does. While a trunk tracker makes things easier, it isn't essential. Do you mean punch in all of the channels one at a time on the same bank? Or is there some way to input the entire range of trunked channels with one or two entries? |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Unidens are more easily desensed by
adjacent channel interference. Go with GRE. Audio also sounds much better and clearer. The Other Guy wrote: On Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:01:43 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: What would you reccommend for an excellent new handheld scanner? Uniden BCD396XT, without a doubt. To reply by email, lose the Ks... |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
Usenet User wrote:
My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
Sorry, PSR500 portable and PSR600 desktop. Previously had the Uniden
996. Terrible digital trunking scanner. GRE have both been great and audio is crisp and clear. Golan Klinger wrote: Usenet User wrote: My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:55:44 -0400, Usenet User
wrote: Sorry, PSR500 portable and PSR600 desktop. Previously had the Uniden 996. Terrible digital trunking scanner. GRE have both been great and audio is crisp and clear. Golan Klinger wrote: Usenet User wrote: My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. How do you all feel about the Uniden BC246T handheld scanner? http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4753 It gets some wonderful reviews. It seems that would be the perfect scanner for me here in Swampeast Missouri. I've decided not to spend any more money on my Uniden Pro 97 http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5082 |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:17:21 -0500, Jack Newhouse
wrote: On Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:55:44 -0400, Usenet User wrote: Sorry, PSR500 portable and PSR600 desktop. Previously had the Uniden 996. Terrible digital trunking scanner. GRE have both been great and audio is crisp and clear. Golan Klinger wrote: Usenet User wrote: My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. How do you all feel about the Uniden BC246T handheld scanner? http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4753 It gets some wonderful reviews. It seems that would be the perfect scanner for me here in Swampeast Missouri. I've decided not to spend any more money on my Uniden Pro 97 http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5082 Well, I went ahead and ordered a new GRE PSR 300 for $148.00 and a W-881 Super Gainer BNC Portable Antenna for $32.95 They next one I want to buy is the Uniden BC246T. It has a totally different way of working. so it might be fun to play around with that. do you think these are good choices? |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
"Jack Newhouse" wrote in message
... On Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:17:21 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: On Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:55:44 -0400, Usenet User wrote: Sorry, PSR500 portable and PSR600 desktop. Previously had the Uniden 996. Terrible digital trunking scanner. GRE have both been great and audio is crisp and clear. Golan Klinger wrote: Usenet User wrote: My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. How do you all feel about the Uniden BC246T handheld scanner? http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4753 It gets some wonderful reviews. It seems that would be the perfect scanner for me here in Swampeast Missouri. I've decided not to spend any more money on my Uniden Pro 97 http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5082 Well, I went ahead and ordered a new GRE PSR 300 for $148.00 and a W-881 Super Gainer BNC Portable Antenna for $32.95 They next one I want to buy is the Uniden BC246T. It has a totally different way of working. so it might be fun to play around with that. do you think these are good choices? I can speak highly of the BC246T, I have 2 of them. I bought the first one not long after they hit because of size. Was using a Pro95 (that still works) at work. The learning curve was a bit of a PITA since they are so different, but after a little frustration I had it programmed and working. I use the Radio Shack 800 MHz antennas on mine, they seem to work a little better on the 800 band and are easier to carry. I often carry it in a T-shirt pocket with another shirt over it. The reason I got the second one was after a couple years of hard use at work, the first one was having trouble with the switch for the earphone. It is used with an ear piece plugged in at work. That one does still work but now and then I have to push on the jack to get it to work. Second one has been going strong for a couple years now. -- Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the hell happened?' |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:15:23 -0700, "Alex Clayton"
wrote: "Jack Newhouse" wrote in message .. . On Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:17:21 -0500, Jack Newhouse wrote: On Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:55:44 -0400, Usenet User wrote: Sorry, PSR500 portable and PSR600 desktop. Previously had the Uniden 996. Terrible digital trunking scanner. GRE have both been great and audio is crisp and clear. Golan Klinger wrote: Usenet User wrote: My GRE runs rings around the Uniden. Perhaps you could provide a model number and a link to some information about your particular scanner? That might be helpful. How do you all feel about the Uniden BC246T handheld scanner? http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4753 It gets some wonderful reviews. It seems that would be the perfect scanner for me here in Swampeast Missouri. I've decided not to spend any more money on my Uniden Pro 97 http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5082 Well, I went ahead and ordered a new GRE PSR 300 for $148.00 and a W-881 Super Gainer BNC Portable Antenna for $32.95 They next one I want to buy is the Uniden BC246T. It has a totally different way of working. so it might be fun to play around with that. do you think these are good choices? I can speak highly of the BC246T, I have 2 of them. I bought the first one not long after they hit because of size. Was using a Pro95 (that still works) at work. The learning curve was a bit of a PITA since they are so different, but after a little frustration I had it programmed and working. I use the Radio Shack 800 MHz antennas on mine, they seem to work a little better on the 800 band and are easier to carry. I often carry it in a T-shirt pocket with another shirt over it. The reason I got the second one was after a couple years of hard use at work, the first one was having trouble with the switch for the earphone. It is used with an ear piece plugged in at work. That one does still work but now and then I have to push on the jack to get it to work. Second one has been going strong for a couple years now. Well, I've had my GRE PSR 300 for about three weeks now, and I must say I'm extremely happy with it. It looks like my Pro 97, but this scanner is way more sensitive. In fact, it may be to sensitive. It pulls in weaker stations much better, but I have to really tune the squelch way way back to stop it from picking up every annoying humm, click, and other unwanted noise on the bands. I would definitely rate it a "10" on a scale of ten. I already have some trunking stuff programmed into it and that works well too. Thanks for suggesting the GSE PSR 300. I'm as happy as a mouse in a cheese factory now. And I only paid $148.00 for it. I also bought a highly sensitive antenna from Scannermaster. It cost me nearly $40.00 Perhaps that it is another reason why it receives so well. The antenna is flexible rubber also. So when it get bent, or jammed it springs back to it's original shape. http://barckobama.buildlastingsuccess.com |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 6:14:13 AM UTC-7, Golan Klinger wrote:
The Other Guy wrote: Uniden BCD396XT, without a doubt. I always get nervous when someone uses a phrase like, "without a doubt" when discussing a subjective matter. The BCD396XT is a cracking scanner, I'm sure we'd all agree, but the OP said he listens to cellular and he won't be able to do that with a Uniden. So, I respectfully counter with the Icom IC-R20 (unblocked) and/or the AOR AR-8200 Mark III. They are worthy of a look by anyone who wants to buy a serious scanner. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 6:14:13 AM UTC-7, Golan Klinger wrote:
The Other Guy wrote: Uniden BCD396XT, without a doubt. I always get nervous when someone uses a phrase like, "without a doubt" when discussing a subjective matter. The BCD396XT is a cracking scanner, I'm sure we'd all agree, but the OP said he listens to cellular and he won't be able to do that with a Uniden. So, I respectfully counter with the Icom IC-R20 (unblocked) and/or the AOR AR-8200 Mark III. They are worthy of a look by anyone who wants to buy a serious scanner. -- Golan Klinger Dark is the suede that mows like a harvest. Golan: You're misquoting the movie line. The correct word is "swathe," not "suede." |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500.
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What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:58:22 AM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote:
On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie I was thinking of upgrading to a digital scanner. Our county dispatch radio system had a bond issue approved by voters two years ago to switch the entire Thurston County ( in Olympia, Washington) to digital. This would mean police, fire, search & rescue, public works, dogcatcher, and city buses would go digital. There's a big fly in the ointment though. They didn't count on all the businesses closed for a year and no tax revenue coming into the government coffers because of the corona. So the county may not have the money to convert. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 18:29:59 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:58:22 AM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie I was thinking of upgrading to a digital scanner. Our county dispatch radio system had a bond issue approved by voters two years ago to switch the entire Thurston County ( in Olympia, Washington) to digital. This would mean police, fire, search & rescue, public works, dogcatcher, and city buses would go digital. There's a big fly in the ointment though. They didn't count on all the businesses closed for a year and no tax revenue coming into the government coffers because of the corona. So the county may not have the money to convert. I would hold off until the county gets their act together. The twists and turns are numerous. I think Uniden will be making scanners for awhile and may possibly come up with something 'newer and better'... A bond issue probably means they have the money in their hands. See if they spend it correctly. Don't worry about the tax money, they will get it from you. ;-( In the meantime I would make an investment in RadioReference.com to keep current. Good luck Ken, keep us informed and help bring this group back. -- Tekkie |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:28:07 PM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote:
On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 18:29:59 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:58:22 AM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie I was thinking of upgrading to a digital scanner. Our county dispatch radio system had a bond issue approved by voters two years ago to switch the entire Thurston County ( in Olympia, Washington) to digital. This would mean police, fire, search & rescue, public works, dogcatcher, and city buses would go digital. There's a big fly in the ointment though. They didn't count on all the businesses closed for a year and no tax revenue coming into the government coffers because of the corona. So the county may not have the money to convert. I would hold off until the county gets their act together. The twists and turns are numerous. I think Uniden will be making scanners for awhile and may possibly come up with something 'newer and better'... A bond issue probably means they have the money in their hands. See if they spend it correctly. Don't worry about the tax money, they will get it from you. ;-( In the meantime I would make an investment in RadioReference.com to keep current. Good luck Ken, keep us informed and help bring this group back. -- Tekkie Here's an update. I decided to rebuild the Metro West Pro Pack 1200 battery pack for my Uniden BC200 XLT. I bought six of the AA solder tab 2000 mah NiMH batteries on ebay to replace the original 1200 mah batteries that were inside the battery pack. The new batteries are smaller in diameter than what Metro West had inside the battery pack. Even with smaller diameter batteries, it's still a snug fit (I was a bit sloppy in soldering the batteries together). I ended up using a Dremel tool with cutoff wheel to cut the old Metro West battery pack case open. Once I got the case open, it was not too hard to stuff the new batteries in it. Before sealing it up, I checked the + and - terminals on the battery pack for signs of life. I measured 7.5 volts output, so evidently the new batteries were sent to me charged up (they arrived with the terminals insulated with tape and each battery individually wrapped in a plastic bag). To close up the rebuilt pack, I wrapped a couple of 8" zip ties around the middle of it. Then I ran a bead of silicone glue only down the sides of the battery pack case. After that dried, I cut the zip ties off and finished putting some silicone glue where the zip ties were. I've been running the scanner off that rebuilt battery pack for three days now, six hours a day, WITHOUT having recharged it yet! I'm glad I rebuilt that battery pack because now I get some decent run time. The batteries I bought on ebay were shipped from Battery Concepts of San Marcos, California ( www.batteryconcepts.us ). Ken Layton Olympia, Wash. |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Sat, 3 Apr 2021 09:10:19 -0700 (PDT), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:28:07 PM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 18:29:59 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:58:22 AM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie I was thinking of upgrading to a digital scanner. Our county dispatch radio system had a bond issue approved by voters two years ago to switch the entire Thurston County ( in Olympia, Washington) to digital. This would mean police, fire, search & rescue, public works, dogcatcher, and city buses would go digital. There's a big fly in the ointment though. They didn't count on all the businesses closed for a year and no tax revenue coming into the government coffers because of the corona. So the county may not have the money to convert. I would hold off until the county gets their act together. The twists and turns are numerous. I think Uniden will be making scanners for awhile and may possibly come up with something 'newer and better'... A bond issue probably means they have the money in their hands. See if they spend it correctly. Don't worry about the tax money, they will get it from you. ;-( In the meantime I would make an investment in RadioReference.com to keep current. Good luck Ken, keep us informed and help bring this group back. -- Tekkie Here's an update. I decided to rebuild the Metro West Pro Pack 1200 battery pack for my Uniden BC200 XLT. I bought six of the AA solder tab 2000 mah NiMH batteries on ebay to replace the original 1200 mah batteries that were inside the battery pack. The new batteries are smaller in diameter than what Metro West had inside the battery pack. Even with smaller diameter batteries, it's still a snug fit (I was a bit sloppy in soldering the batteries together). I ended up using a Dremel tool with cutoff wheel to cut the old Metro West battery pack case open. Once I got the case open, it was not too hard to stuff the new batteries in it. Before sealing it up, I checked the + and - terminals on the battery pack for signs of life. I measured 7.5 volts output, so evidently the new batteries were sent to me charged up (they arrived with the terminals insulated with tape and each battery individually wrapped in a plastic bag). To close up the rebuilt pack, I wrapped a couple of 8" zip ties around the middle of it. Then I ran a bead of silicone glue only down the sides of the battery pack case. After that dried, I cut the zip ties off and finished putting some silicone glue where the zip ties were. I've been running the scanner off that rebuilt battery pack for three days now, six hours a day, WITHOUT having recharged it yet! I'm glad I rebuilt that battery pack because now I get some decent run time. The batteries I bought on ebay were shipped from Battery Concepts of San Marcos, California ( www.batteryconcepts.us ). Ken Layton Olympia, Wash. Very good, new life. I might have one of those around here *somewhere* -- Tekkie |
What is the best handheld scanner on the market today?
On Monday, April 5, 2021 at 1:27:20 PM UTC-7, Tekkie© wrote:
On Sat, 3 Apr 2021 09:10:19 -0700 (PDT), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:28:07 PM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 18:29:59 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:58:22 AM UTC-8, Tekkie© wrote: On Sat, 6 Mar 2021 07:44:38 -0800 (PST), Ken Layton posted for all of us to digest... For 2021, I would assume the Uniden SDS-100 is the best handheld "digital" scanner out there. My locality is still mostly analog (Washington State Patrol went digital two years ago). My BC-200XLT (handheld) and my BC-8500XLT still run fine. One of these days, I've got to repair my now non-functioning backlight on the 8500. From others more knowledgeable than me the SDS-100, which I own, is the best for my location. Your location probably had different needs. Are you thinking of upgrading or just want a new scanner? -- Tekkie I was thinking of upgrading to a digital scanner. Our county dispatch radio system had a bond issue approved by voters two years ago to switch the entire Thurston County ( in Olympia, Washington) to digital. This would mean police, fire, search & rescue, public works, dogcatcher, and city buses would go digital. There's a big fly in the ointment though. They didn't count on all the businesses closed for a year and no tax revenue coming into the government coffers because of the corona. So the county may not have the money to convert. I would hold off until the county gets their act together. The twists and turns are numerous. I think Uniden will be making scanners for awhile and may possibly come up with something 'newer and better'... A bond issue probably means they have the money in their hands. See if they spend it correctly. Don't worry about the tax money, they will get it from you. ;-( In the meantime I would make an investment in RadioReference.com to keep current. Good luck Ken, keep us informed and help bring this group back. -- Tekkie Here's an update. I decided to rebuild the Metro West Pro Pack 1200 battery pack for my Uniden BC200 XLT. I bought six of the AA solder tab 2000 mah NiMH batteries on ebay to replace the original 1200 mah batteries that were inside the battery pack. The new batteries are smaller in diameter than what Metro West had inside the battery pack. Even with smaller diameter batteries, it's still a snug fit (I was a bit sloppy in soldering the batteries together). I ended up using a Dremel tool with cutoff wheel to cut the old Metro West battery pack case open. Once I got the case open, it was not too hard to stuff the new batteries in it. Before sealing it up, I checked the + and - terminals on the battery pack for signs of life. I measured 7.5 volts output, so evidently the new batteries were sent to me charged up (they arrived with the terminals insulated with tape and each battery individually wrapped in a plastic bag). To close up the rebuilt pack, I wrapped a couple of 8" zip ties around the middle of it. Then I ran a bead of silicone glue only down the sides of the battery pack case. After that dried, I cut the zip ties off and finished putting some silicone glue where the zip ties were. I've been running the scanner off that rebuilt battery pack for three days now, six hours a day, WITHOUT having recharged it yet! I'm glad I rebuilt that battery pack because now I get some decent run time. The batteries I bought on ebay were shipped from Battery Concepts of San Marcos, California ( www.batteryconcepts.us ). Ken Layton Olympia, Wash. Very good, new life. I might have one of those around here *somewhere* -- Tekkie Another update: I ended up with a total run time of six days at 6 hours per day on that rebuilt battery pack (2000 mah nickel metal) before it needed to be recharged. It took 6 hours on the Metro West charger to recharge the new battery pack. I'm very happy with my BC200XLT. Now I can take it with me again and not have to worry about a dead battery. |
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