Scanner Q&A

If I could figure out what base scanner was best I would have one already!

I THINK that I like the Radio Shack Pro-433. It has great reviews and is capable of rebanding if SB Co. ever gets around to changing bands (Due to cell phone conflicts).

Not sure what I'll do yet!

VickiW - Didn't you say you have a Bearcat? How do you like it?

Actually, what I WANT is a WinRadio! Electronics are all on a PC card (or an external box via USB) and the radio controls are all in software. Unlimited channel memory, etc. Problem is they cost about $500-700!

Just did a little research and found that the Pro-433 does not support alpha tags, but there is a new radio that is waiting FCC approval; the Pro-162. This will be a 433 with Alpha tags and a few other features.

No digital...not sure if this will be an issue in the foreseeable future. The more I learn, the less sure I am what to buy.

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82195

rofl, is like buying a computer, eh?

You see new stuff on the horizen and want to wait. Then just as it becomes avail, something new on the horizen even better.

I may have to bite the bullet and just buy something to get my feet wet (wet feet sound good atm).

I am thinking the pro-433?

Got a 4 foot pipe and a platform for my handheld and magnetic mount antenna. Much improvement on reception!

Looking forward to getting a REAL antenna for the roof:)

Woot !

Antenna arrives on 11/13

Now, where are my sky hooks for the installation?

A portable is so useful because if you are away from home (evacuated) you still have a source of information. Anything pc based assumes connectivity which is often compromised immediately. Don't agonize over the next best thing to come down the pike. The newest technology seems to be more than double the cost of a nice Radio Shack handheld which they will reprogram for free anytime there are changes. I have no idea what "alpha tagging" is, but my unit has provided useful information through every fire for the last 5 years without it.

"PC based" is not dependant on connectivity. It includes a radio receiver either on a PCI card or a USB interface. The USB flavor would allow connection to a laptop. They are just too pricey.

I do agree that if you only have one scanner, it should be a portable (probably a handheld). However, I think that a base unit is nicer when monitoring at home for long periods of time. Easier to see the display, operate the controls, you can leave it connected to the antenna, power and speaker, etc.

You probably have alpha tags on your RS scanner (is it a Pro-95?). They are what allows you to use the Motorola codes (http://old.rimoftheworld.net/features/scanner) to pass only the services that interest you and show the alpha tag (for example "8-FIRE-1" ) on the scanner display.

Awww... come on... multi-task! Listen to the handheld, base, and online scanners {yes scanners} all at the same time!!

We mortals have not achieved your superior level of enlightenment!

Thanks for the antenna tip Vicki! I love my new Scantenna. Did yours withstand the wind OK (just before the fire)?

Yep - my antenna made it through just fine.

The credit goes to Craig at BigBearScanner.com - he is the one that recommended the Scantenna to me...

I concur with MtnDriver,

This mortal can not achieve the superior level of VickiW!

MtnDriver,

Could you send an email to RSMountainoak@hotmail.com please. Want to discuss mounting of the Scantenna.

Thank you,
Bruce

"Alpha Tags" allow you to "see" the name of the trunking talkgroup that you're monitoring. For example "1904" vs. "8-Fire-1".

Those "alpha tags" are put in by the person that programs your scanner, they are NOT transmitted over the air.

As for digital transmissions (P-25 or ASTRO), from a friend at SB county communications, due to the size of the county; there's little enthusiasm for doing that, unless it becomes federally mandated.

When SB county FINALLY is forced to reband, some older trunking scanners will be somewhat unable to follow the conversations across the trunked 800 MHz band, and you will be forced to buy new scanners to follow the new channelization plan.

The FCC has pushed back the "Region 4" rebanding plan again, so I wouldn't worry about buying a new scanner just yet.