Thanks for all the helpful information.
One more question, I currently have the Pro-96 and recently purchased a used
BC796D, will the 796 do 700mhz trunking?
Thanks again,
"Richard Carlson, N9JIG" wrote in message
...
In article ,
bitwisebob wrote:
On Mon, 25 Sep 2006 15:45:59 GMT, "Thanks......."
wrote:
Can anyone give me an honest opinion of the above scanner? Also is it PC
programmable like the Pro-96 and what would I need to to program it with
a
PC?
looks like the same scanner, in a different case.
... more or less.... anyway
---
Bob Anderson*Bitwisebob
Eugene Oregon
Actually that's pretty accurate. The Pro2096 and the Pro96 are for the
most part identical radios. You can clone between them and they both use
the same programming cable and software.
There are a few options when it comes to software, I recommend Win96
from Don Starr (www.starrsoft.com).
The programming cable is available from a variety of sources. Radio
Shack has them and you can get some from eBay and other places. I
actually use my Icom cable with a Stereo to mono adapter. I have to
adjust the reply time a bit, but it works fine.
The 2096 is a fine radio, it decodes the digital modulation very well
and the V-Scanner is pretty neat for traveling. It programs more
conventionally than the 996 (Is this good or bad, you decide...)
It has been passed up by the Uniden 996 in some of the features
available however, as it doesn't track 700 MHz. trunking, it requires to
to select PL or DPL for tone search, has less memory channels and limits
you to 10 banks. The 996 also has things like Fire Tone Out and GPS
connections and more, any of which may or may not interest you.
You can usually get a new 2096 for about $400 on sale at Radio Shack and
some dealers, while the 396 is usually between $525 and $550.
While I have both the 996 and the 2096, I prefer the 996 for most
scanning uses. I use the 2096 mostly with a program called Pro96Comm
that decodes the 9600 baud data signals used on a local trunking system.
Others prefer the 2096, if they don't need the 996's features or
coverage. If 700 MHz. trunking is in your area or coming, I would go
with the 996. (The 2096 can monitor 700 MHz. after programming with
Win96 but can not trunk track there).