Monitor all of the major types of munications systems used by public safety local government and amateur radio operatorsSupport for P25 conventional channel that includes NAC and TGID user differentiation (P25 1-frequency trunk)EDACS support control data output – allows the analysis of control channel data without the need to perform invasive modifications to the scanner Close Call temporary store (last 10 hits) GPS support for location-based scanning location alert and crows-flight navigationFi
Amazing full-featured Scanner!,
I’ve owned scanners since the mid-’70s and this little beast is the finest one I’ve ever owned, hands down. It has more features than I’ll ever use (or comprehend), but it’s tidy, compact form factor, superlative audio, and superb built quality puts it in a class all its own.
If you decide to get one, please do yourself a huge favor and get a decent USB programming cable…yes, a serial cable comes packed with the rest of the goodies, but how many people have access to serial ports on their computers these days? Don’t toss the serial cable, with the optional GPS rig and a null modem, you can enjoy GPS-enabled scanning wherever you go!
And there are several excellent programming programs available; I use Freescan which makes programming ridiculously easy, especially if you subscribe to a site like radioreference…programming digital modes is a cake walk.
Yes, I am delighted with my 396XT and have become a ‘true believer’ <g>.
Thanks for reading!
de KC5JLA
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A Very Nice Scanner,
I bought the analog version last year this time, and enjoyed it for a month before I returned it. It was too much money for what it did. This year, I tried again, but stepped up to the digital version. This scanner picks up everything in my area (except my encrypted county). Once I added an external antenna, things came in loud and clear. It takes a LOT of practice. it is very complicated and your knowledge of radios will have to increase. After over a month, I am still practicing daily.
Anyway, its very well organized, picks up the signals well, and is easy on the batteries. Does exactly what its supposed to. Haven’t found any bugs either. Finally, this year they have an actual manual. The website that tried to be a manual is horrible.
This scanner has helped me navigate traffic on the interstates many times. I won’t send this one back. Eventhough I think its overpriced, I’ll be keeping it.
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Buy the following essentials to enjoy this scanner,
Great Scanner you will need the following to program without frustration.
This is my first scanner and after 1 day I had all the counties in my state programmed. I went with police, sheriff, Fish and game, and state patrol only.
1. Order the car charger, also you will need a 9 pin male adapter with a usb port. The scanner comes with a 9 pin female adapter.
2. Order ARC-XT Basic Software. This is the software that makes programming much easier. It also has an online manual you can click for reference.
3. Equally important under the internet tab you will see the radioreference icon. Click that and order a 6 month subscription for roughly $9.00 create your user name and password and they also accept paypal. This internet site will work inconjunction with your ARC-XT software and allow you to click on your state or where ever your located and you simply scroll through the couinties, then click import, followed by copy to clip board, next you click the upper send icon which is a radio icon. This automatically sends all frequencies and names of the department to your scanner.
4. Lastly, and i blew this the first time dont forget to hit the save icon, and save as profile(i used my first name) this way all your county, state, federal, ect frequencies will be saved on the left side of your profile. At any time you can upload them all, or make changes to them. If you close the window after spending a good hour or two selecting all the frequencies from various counties they will not be saved. So dont make the mistake I did save save save your profile.
If you still have trouble look up scannermasters.com online, they have a live help chat, a remote access to your computer app, and if you prefer you can send your radio in and have them program it.
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