Scanner Suggestion
- Thread starter Magnum
- Start date
Been thinking about getting one too (but for SoMd.)
atientlywaitingforsuggestionsaswell:
I've seen one at radio shack for about $500 and a Uniden for about the same price. I've seen others that say Digital for Nascar and police for like $80. I'm guessing the police function must not work as well in the $80 version
Why else pay that much more 
Totally depends on your mission / use. Handheld or base unit? Do you need digital trunking capability?
I use a BCT-15 for the Calvert scanner here on SOMD. It's a great unit, steep learning curve to program it but rock solid after you get it programmed up. It was about $250 purchased online, probably less now.
Most scanners these days can be connected to a computer to help program them, and Radio Shack scanners are pretty good. They offer a free pre-programming service as well.
I would expect most first-time scanner folks would be pretty happy with a scanner in the 100 to $200 price range.
BearcatWarehouse.com offers the best Bearcat scanners and marine VHF radios is where I bought mine. Many many other vendors though.
I use a BCT-15 for the Calvert scanner here on SOMD. It's a great unit, steep learning curve to program it but rock solid after you get it programmed up. It was about $250 purchased online, probably less now.
Most scanners these days can be connected to a computer to help program them, and Radio Shack scanners are pretty good. They offer a free pre-programming service as well.
I would expect most first-time scanner folks would be pretty happy with a scanner in the 100 to $200 price range.
BearcatWarehouse.com offers the best Bearcat scanners and marine VHF radios is where I bought mine. Many many other vendors though.
G1G4
Find em Hot, Leave em Wet
I personally use Radioshack brand scanners, namely because it's easy for me to program since I've used it the majority of my life. IF you need a digital scanner to listen to the frequencies in your area, by something that isn't digital for NASCAR. They're going to be pricey. Otherwise, stick with an analog scanner. Bearcat, Uniden and Radioshack brands are all pretty good.
I have the Radio Shack handheld digital trunking scanner. It's programmed for Chuck County and works awesome. I've since moved to St. Mary's and can still pick up most of Chuck County on it.
I just need to figure out how to get St. Mary's programed in on a different bank. These new digitals aren't as easily programed by the novice like the old analogs, JMO.
I just need to figure out how to get St. Mary's programed in on a different bank. These new digitals aren't as easily programed by the novice like the old analogs, JMO.
I'm actually a deputy reserve for a Sheriffs office in WV. I'm still going through training and all that good stuff. Once my training is done I will be carring a full function radio issued by the station while on duty. I'm looking to get a mobile unit so while I'm home or driving around I can click it on to hear if there is something major going on so I know to suit up. Talking to guys there they say, well about 6 months ago we switched to these new digital radios... and thats about all I get from them. I saw one guy with a radio shack scanner that looked like it was working good, but then again in the $500 range.
I need to Monitor Digital police signal, looking for a handheld. What is digital trunking and why would I need it?
G1G4
Find em Hot, Leave em Wet
I have the Radio Shack handheld digital trunking scanner. It's programmed for Chuck County and works awesome. I've since moved to St. Mary's and can still pick up most of Chuck County on it.
I just need to figure out how to get St. Mary's programed in on a different bank. These new digitals aren't as easily programed by the novice like the old analogs, JMO.
They aren't hard, really. I reprogrammed my grandmothers to the way she wanted it and I dreaded it. It's actually remarkably similar to the PRO-97. I'm assuming you have the Pro-96, right? If so, check out: Programming Shortcut Pro-96 - The RadioReference Wiki and since St. Mary's uses EDACS, also refer to: http://www.qsl.net/ah7e/pdf/pro96-EDACS.pdf
Good luck!
Magnum -- Digital trunking is the way the frequencies are put out. Since your PD uses digital banding, you'd need a digital scanner. Go to your local Radioshack, if you buy one, they usually program it for you.