Scanner recommendation

[lwt42]

For obvious reasons, I'm thinking I need a scanner.

My main interest is listening to fire ops, but I'm sure there will be more than that.

What's a good, reasonably capable unit?  Portable is good, USB charging is a big plus.

Looks like the main band is 800 MHz.  I have something that should work for Aviation.

Thanks -- Lynn, WB6UUT

[RobertW]

For obvious reasons, I'm thinking I need a scanner. My main interest is listening to fire ops, but I'm sure there will be more than that.
What's a good, reasonably capable unit?  Portable is good, USB charging is a big plus. Looks like the main band is 800 MHz.  I have something that should work for Aviation.
Thanks -- Lynn, WB6UUT

The USFS and CalFire are still using VHF.  LA County Fire uses UHF.  San Bernardino County Fire uses 800MHz "trunking" but is not digital as of yet, though they will be in the future.  San Bernardino County Sheriff's will be going digital and "encrypted", while most believe Fire when it goes digital will remain "open".  Most City Fire Agencies like Burbank, Glendale, etc., are going to Verdugo Fire's ICIS system which is digital trunking. So at this time an 800 MHz non digital "trunking" scanner will suffice in Wrightwood and will cost you around $200.  You might check out the Uniden BC 330T. A digital capable scanner immediately puts you into the $500 range. I've always been partial to Uniden/Bearcat scanners but I hear the Whistler brand puts out a pretty nice unit now, though they are a little more pricey.  Check out www.radioreference.com for reviews.

[lwt42]

The USFS and CalFire are still using VHF.  LA County Fire uses UHF.  San Bernardino County Fire uses 800MHz "trunking" but is not digital as of yet, though they will be in the future. 

Mostly, I'd like to be able to hear the fire services during an incident, not worried about law enforcement.

Interested in Wrightwood, not outside Wrightwood, so cities like Glendale aren't a concern.

.... and it's not a $500 problem, so I'm fairly certain that I don't need a digital scanner.

I didn't find the BC 330T in a quick search.  Is there an updated model?

How current is the scanner frequency list?

[RennMan]

We purchased used GRE scanners from a friend, and I like the way they operate, over other brands I have used.

We have a GRE PSR-310 handheld and a PSR-400 surface mount.  Both scanners use the same programming software and manual programming steps.

They may be available on eBay.  Good luck!

[RobertW]

I didn't find the BC 330T in a quick search.  Is there an updated model?
How current is the scanner frequency list?

The official model name is:  Uniden BR330T.  Go to http://www.scannermaster.com
For the best up-to-date Frequency database and anything else radio or scanner related go to:  http://www.radioreference.com

[PHILL]

I have a whistler ws 1065 and I really like it, covers all the bands so you can have CDF /USFS and county it a desk top model, but you can put it in you car, all the stuff you need comes with it. for a price you can have them program it or if you know some one that can you can put your add ons.

I forgot the price, but it fit the bill for what I do with Weather ops.
there web site is www.whistlergroup.com,  I went thru scanner master.com, there you can compare prices.  I hope this helps, If you need more info feel free to e-mail me pdupree@bdcecs.org

if I can't answer it I'm sure I can get someone that can

take care

[Fire Scout]

The USFS and CalFire are still using VHF.  LA County Fire uses UHF.  San Bernardino County Fire uses 800MHz "trunking" but is not digital as of yet, though they will be in the future.  San Bernardino County Sheriff's will be going digital and "encrypted", while most believe Fire when it goes digital will remain "open".  Most City Fire Agencies like Burbank, Glendale, etc., are going to Verdugo Fire's ICIS system which is digital trunking. So at this time an 800 MHz non digital "trunking" scanner will suffice in Wrightwood and will cost you around $200.  You might check out the Uniden BC 330T. A digital capable scanner immediately puts you into the $500 range. I've always been partial to Uniden/Bearcat scanners but I hear the Whistler brand puts out a pretty nice unit now, though they are a little more pricey.  Check out www.radioreference.com for reviews.

To clarify, L.A. County does use UHF for day-to-day operations. However VHF is used exclusively for command and tactical operations on wildland fires and tactical operations on structure fires.

[RobertW]

To clarify, L.A. County does use UHF for day-to-day operations. However VHF is used exclusively for command and tactical operations on wildland fires and tactical operations on structure fires.

Oops! Thanks for the clarification. Blue Channels and Dozer Nets are UHF.