Radios

[12gauge12]

I'm looking to get into getting a scanner to get use to the system before I join the ems system as an emt. I know not all departments use digital or trunking, but I figure I should at least get something good. I've been looking at scanners from uniden, http://www.uniden.com/products/produ...r=TrunkTracker
What do you guys think of uniden?
A trunking scanner typically covers digital as well right?
Any Recomendations?

It was on my ride along when I saw how awesome they are. The EMT's brought their own scanners set to the county ems channel. We would be rolling to calls 30-45 seconds before our dispatch called it in to us so we could roll code 3.

[psango]

After retiring from being a LEO, I now work as a Radio Systems Analyst on a large public safety radio system. We use Uniden Scanners in all of our patrol vehicles. I have a personal hand held Uniden that does digital, trunking, and conventional, that I often use at work. it can be programmed form a computer or from the front panel keyboard, has reasonable audio, and can use rechargeable or disposable batteries.

http://www.uniden.com/products/productdetail.cfm?product=BCD396T&filter=TrunkTracker

[alex00]

A few guys at work have Uniden scanners. I know its not the same thing but for the time being, have you looked at the online scanners, or the scanner apps for the iPhone (everyone has an iPhone, right?) They may not be perfect but they are FREE.

[12gauge12]

psango - Is that one worth the extra cost compared to the non digital models?

Alex00 - I've checked it out, but I've got a crackberry

[1911su16b870]

psango - My agency uses Motorola MT2000's in the S (450-520 MHz) mode. Can a Motorola MT2000 in U (806-870 MHz) mode be modified to work in S mode?

Where would be a good place/resource to school up on radios/scanners/etc.?

[psango]

I use the digital function,

psango - Is that one worth the extra cost compared to the non digital models?

I need the digital function, so for me yes. Also I think more agencies will go digital when they have to change out their equipment due to FCC required re-banding and narrow banding of certain frequencies.

I know it's a lot of money but I figure $500.00 and it should last 5 years so its only $100 a year.

I have the Uniden programming files for all the counties in CA if you need them. That Uniden handheld has enough memory for the whole state.You can put in everybody (except for those that use encryption). It's been six months since I did any updates so some will need to be refreshed. I usually do an update once per year, but have been busy on other projects we have about 2500 mobil and portable radios and only 3 people working on stuff so it take time.

[psango]

No

psango - My agency uses Motorola MT2000's in the S (450-520 MHz) mode. Can a Motorola MT2000 in U (806-870 MHz) mode be modified to work in S mode?

Where would be a good place/resource to school up on radios/scanners/etc.?

http://www.radioreference.com/ for scanners and other online resources for two way radio.

if you want to buy an MT2000 in 450 try Ebay, you can program it to scan and their receive sensitivity is better than a scanner. However to program it you need to take it to a Motorola shop or have the Motorola Radio Service software. Not sure but I think that the MT2000 and MTX software was DOS based only at least that the only version I have. So you need an old computer to use to program the radio 286-386.

I have rebuilt radios from one band to another but that involves replacing most of the radio (not worth it). Unless you have the equipment and time a scanner is probably a better option.

[mej16489]

psango - My agency uses Motorola MT2000's in the S (450-520 MHz) mode. Can a Motorola MT2000 in U (806-870 MHz) mode be modified to work in S mode?

Where would be a good place/resource to school up on radios/scanners/etc.?

Technically yes it could be modified, but the modification would be to swap out 90% of the radio guts.

I would recommend googling for an Amateur Radio Club in your city/area/region

[1911su16b870]

Thank you gentlemen for the answers...will look for another 450 unit.