If the police station has digital equipment, will this scanner (BCT15X) pickup the broadcast?
344607
From what I have found with mine, it will pick up just about anything other than scrambled transmissions. It is NOT very easy to program, however. It's an awesome scanner, but so good that it's a bit complex.
344608
No,You'll have too spend another $200 for a digital scanner. But the BCT15X is still a great scanner
344609
No, I don't think so... you would just hear the digital sounds (like a fax machine almost). The digital version of the Bearcat (like the BCD396XT and the BCD996XT) will receive the digital broadcasts... instead of the fax machine like sounds, you should the clear transmission with those. Unfortunately, the digital versions of the Bearcat cost a lot more.
344610
No, you need a BCD996XT (desktop) or BCD396xt (handheld) to pickup digital. I own both along with my BCT15x and they work great. Check out www.radioreference.com if you need additional assistance.
344611
Depends and what kind of Digital equipment, and if they're running a Trunk system/Encryption. If they're digital trunked. It will probably be P25 which the 15x Does not support. And if they're running Encryption then you're definitely not going to pick it up. The 15x Supports Moto Type I 800, Type II 800, 900 UHF, VHF (And rebanded 800MHz systems) as well as EDACS Wide, narrow, SCAT and TLR Trunking systems. Now, the only way to tell which trunking system (if any) they use would be to either check radioreference.com or be able to guess at it (if you happen to find the control channel(s). Now if they're not using a trunked system, or encryption they will definetely be using PL tones (or DCS/CTCSS) which is basically a sub-audible tone to open up the repeater system to allow them to talk the range they have (blocking out people from keying on the frequencies, without an extra step)
344612
NO, it will not. If agencies in your area use digital radio systems, you will need a digital scanner. Also be aware that some agencies--mainly law enforcement--are not only digital but encrypted as well, meaning that even with a digital scanner, the transmissions would not be understandable.
521684
Yes!! It is easy to use and is able to pick up police radar units at a greater range than most radar units in its price range.
1501245
It scans through stations so unless you are in an area with little/no transmission you will get interference.
64377
The scanner scans conventional frequencies and trunk systems. This one is called...triple trunking mobile/base radio scanner.Mine receives all the channels that I need for the areas I have used it. I assume it is analog.....but the only digital is the display..
609787
This scanner is not digital meaning that it cannot pick up new digital police frequencies. We are not refering to the display. but its receive frequencies. This is a analog scanner.
1058286
This is not a digital scanner. It will work on analog trunked systems only.
1871753
No it is not capable of receiving the new digital APCO 25 signals. This scanner is analog frequencies only. Do not confuse the digital readout on the LCD with the ability to receive the new digital signals. Shortly after purchasing this fine, portable scanner, the local city police and sheriff switched to digital signals. So, I no longer receive them on this unit.
1227872
The radio will scan, however it is not capable of receiving any agencies using Digital APCO transmissions, Trunked radio systems or LTR, so you may need a "real" scanner for area if the agencies you wish to monitor aren't on a standard analog conventional channel.
347872
I don't believe so. Mine is worthless so I purchased a different scanner. It is a Uniden Home Patrol. It picks up everything.
1989423
No. This device picks up digital broadcast signals. That means the signals that the television stations transmit over the air.
1421873
This scanner cannot decode digital systems. It can do 800mhz non-digital. You'll need to find out if they are digital or not. Jump on radioreference.com and check the database or register for the forum. There are forum sub groups by state and someone from your area may be able to help you pick a scanner.
645425
This is a great scanner. A lot depends on the terrain between you and the fire station. I would suggest a good outside antenna installed correctly. Then I would say yes to your question.
1421875
Yes, as long as the agencies are using analogue systems. If any of the groups or agencies you want to monitor use digital radios then no In that case you would better off, if you can afford one, buying a digital scanner. Also as others have pointed out, this radio is a challenge to program until you get the hang of it.
169944
This Radio Shack police scanner is not digital .. is a trucking police scanner you should be able to hear your 9-11 emergency police dispatcher and the police officers responding back to the 9. 11 dispatcher with No problem .. this police scanner is it easy to program all you have to do is search your state and then search your city or county directly on your police scanner and and save the search after that you are done.. in order to listen all you have to do is scan the police scanner ..
1084867
This scanner is Analog. Digital scanners cost an upwards of $400. Many counties are gradually converting to digital, but you can go to www.policescanners.net and type in your zip code to find out if law enforcement in your area uses digital or analog. I found the website very helpful.
2057116
If interested in receiving police transmissions, most areas have switches to digital...I've found the Scanner app to be very entertaining. Requires smartphone and wifi.
502286
This unit can be used in a vehicle (if you are licensed to have one in the vehicle) or used in the home or office. It is not a digital scanner so it will probably not pick up most of the newer frequencies that most all the police, fire and ambulance agencies use now. I made this mistake but decised to keep the unit anyway. It comes with a telescopping antenna that plugs in the back of the unit.