Baltimore Co police feed

[wavfc27]

Great site! Just a few questions. Years ago I would spend hours listening to the County police in my area, actually when it was on 39.44mhz. After the 800mhz changeover I lost intrest. Now recently getting back into the hobby. Heres my question: Can the trunking scanners lock into the local area I'd like to monitor? I love to listen to the live feeds here but when I do purchase the trunking model scanner would I be able to lock into a particular "talkgroup" for instance "Towson" or just "Parkville"? Also, I heard that Baltimore County Police upgraded their in-car Computers.. Is there any word on them changing over the radio system to Digital or an "Intranet" system? Once again, great site! Hope someone can advise me of the correct scanner to purchase. Thanks, Wavfc27

[Roy]

1. Yes, any trunking scanner will allow you lock onto the talkgroup or talkgroups of your choosing.

2. Baltimore County is in fact in the process of converting to a digtal radio system.  They are building out a series of new towers to support that system and the most recent information was that expected completion is fall of 2010.  Once the changeover happens, analog scanners will no longer work.  If I was purchasing a scanner now, I would go with a digital one so that I would be ready when the change over to digital happens late next year.

As far as which digital scanner, much depends on whether you want a portable or desktop/mobile and what features are important to you.  The GRE PSR-500 or PSR-600 ( http://www.scannertainment.com/GREMain.aspx ) will be a bit less expensive and in many cases will provide a better sound on simulcast digital systems like Baltimore County is going to be using.  The Uniden Bearcat BCD396XT or BCD996XT ( http://www.scannertainment.com/UnidenMain.aspx ) cost a bit more but have more features as well, like gps integration the ability to change display colors. 

Feel free to call anytime to discuss your specific needs at 410-757-1676.

[wavfc27]

Roy, Thanks for your input. Your information was 100% accurate. I was able to ask the Chief at the firehouse last night about the changeover. They are going digital next year. He was unsure if the County Fire Dispatch (46.46mhz) would change as well. Since this freq has the alert tones. I also read on the Baltimore County Government website that the work has already started on the new system. Police and fire along with county road maintainance and other agencies would change over. Again, thanks for your input and great job on this forum!     wavfc27