Need some help finding a Radio Scanner

[Nomad3]

I'm in the market for a portable Radio Scanner to listen in on EMS activity, trains, truckers, nascar, etc. I know it's not HAM radio but I'm hoping folks here can help with a couple questions. I'm a novice in this space and see handheld device prices ranging from ~100 - ~650 for Uniden Bearcat models.

Do I need a unit with APCO P25 Phase I & II today?... what about in 5 years?
Programmable units... Other than saving favorites/bookmarks, profile, shortcuts, and/or updating firmware; what are some examples someone would "program" or modify the unit?

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

 

[n1oty]

You've listed a fairly broad amount of potential listening interests. Having said that, some of these interests will potentially require a higher end scanner. For instance, some railroad listening may require NXDN capability. You will probably want to look at the Uniden SDS100. You MAY be able to go with one of the lower tier digital scanners as well, if simulcast reception is not important to you. If it is, however, the SDS100 is your safest bet.

Lesser tier scanners such as the BCD436HP and the BCD325P2 will do analog and P25 out-of-the-box, just like the SDS100. Just like the SDS100, these models are capable of license upgrading to add NXDN operation.

All of these scanners that I mentioned can also be upgraded to support DMR too.

I use ProScan to program my scanners. I currently have an SDS100, SDS200 and a BCD325P2. I maintain a RadioReference premium account for easy download of frequencies from their database.

I really like the SDS scanners the best, but the 325P2 has the best form factor, in my opinion, for simply walking around with a scanner. The only real downside to the 325P2 is the very short battery life. I use rechargeable batteries, but run time is short on a full charge.

 

[Nomad3]

Thanks @n1oty

I've been reading the forums at radioReference and I'm starting to understand the basics. More work and understanding than I thought however I don't consider that a turn-off. I originally thought I could simply "scan" for channels like an FM radio

 

[n1oty]

Thanks @n1oty

I've been reading the forums at radioReference and I'm starting to understand the basics. More work and understanding than I thought however I don't consider that a turn-off. I originally thought I could simply "scan" for channels like an FM radio

Again, this would probably lead me to really steer you toward the SDS100. You can simply download the nationwide database through the Uniden Sentinel software, punch in your zip code and select which "service" or "services" you want to monitor (police, fire, ambulance, railroad, ham, etc.). You are up and scanning at that point. You can worry later about learning more about the scanner and tweaking it for your preferences.

 

[p.tice]

Thanks @n1oty

I've been reading the forums at radioReference and I'm starting to understand the basics. More work and understanding than I thought however I don't consider that a turn-off. I originally thought I could simply "scan" for channels like an FM radio

I will second on Uniden. I love all their products, and there’s plenty of info out there to help you learn including the company themselves.

Your cars radio is programmed to go to specific frequencies. Scanners cover a massive range of frequencies, so you have to tell it what you want to hear. Like @n1oty said your best bet for now is getting the SDS100 for the pre programmed channels. It’s worth the money. Radio is a black hole for money, there’s really no limit to how far you can go lol

 

[Nomad3]

Cool, appreciate the help. I bought the SDS100 from ScannerMaster. If they weren't local I would have bought from Amazon with Prime 5% off, same price otherwise ($650). Certainly didn't think I was going to spend that much but sounds like I'll be in good shape with this unit.

 

[Sf Becket]

5-0 radio app on the IPhone

 

[KBCraig]

5-0 radio app on the IPhone

It turned into ad-driven crap. I can't use it any more.

 

[Sf Becket]

It turned into ad-driven crap. I can't use it any more.

You are correct it does have a lot of ad crap. There aren’t a lot of calls in my area so it works for me

 

[n1oty]

Cool, appreciate the help. I bought the SDS100 from ScannerMaster. If they weren't local I would have bought from Amazon with Prime 5% off, same price otherwise ($650). Certainly didn't think I was going to spend that much but sounds like I'll be in good shape with this unit.

The price is high for that scanner, but it is the most flexible of all the scanners on the market, so you won't accidentally get stuck with a purchase that won't do the job.

The only issue I have with the built in database is that it scans much more than I care to listen to, even when I slim it down to just the police and fire "services". I usually only use that database when travelling between Massachusetts and Ohio in conjunction with an attached GPS. At home, or when simply travelling locally, I have pre-made "favorite" lists with just the departments that I am interested in. Favorite lists allow you to cull a lot of stuff out of your scanning, reducing the chance that you'll miss a broadcast of interest taking place at the same time.