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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Cork City Ireland on 5/8/2008
bought it in florida brought it home to Ireland works very well also bought a pro 50 scanner twenty years ago still going strong
This is the most complicated scanner to use I have ever owned. You have to buy commercial software and it will not download into the scanner. It halts about half way through. The manual is no use at all and I recieved no help from the local Radio Shack. They new less about it than I did. I would not recommend it to anyone for anything. It is being used as a bookend by me. That is the only good thing I have found it to good for.
i think it awsome . but cant get used to the CB band it echos a lot, and TRS Programing was my hardest!
I can't even moniter the 9600 Baud digital system here. The Sheriff (3600 baud is wonderful) Waste of money and you get ZERO support from RS. Good luck with any of them even knowing what the scanner does or how to operate it. Even with the very outdated firmware flash no luck.
this is way to high when you can buy a baircat for almost half and it dose even better
I thought it was to expensive for what you get. [...]Had to purchase frequencies on line after pruchase of scanner.
Being a member of our town fire service it is good to know that my family can stay on top of what is going on while out on a working job. Scanner was easy to program [...] I purchased for $5 three surrounding counties so I get all the action that is going on. Unit does seem to drain batteries so that is a Con. Other than this I am very pleased with the scanner.
from Oak Hill, VA on 3/27/2008
This is great. The only thing I dont like about it is that my local police station broadcasts with scramblers and I cannot always pick them up. So, you would propably be better off buying the tripple trunking scanner. It's about [$]
I use this scanner 24/7 and it is great. [...]
this is a good scanner, although you spend a lot of money on the extras (like an 800 Mhz antenna, the reason it don't come with one is so they can get more money out of you) battery charger/adapter and USB cable for downloading firmware from its website (for about [$])
from Toledo, OH Lucas County on 3/4/2008
RS - we need a newer firmware than v1.4 for this radio. A 13-tower digital P25 simulcast/multicast system here is unusable on this radio as not even half of the signals make it out on the radio. A single tower digital system is just fine, but this radio is a disaster on the multisite system. Please issue a firmware update, then I would love this radio, but for now I am not pleased with its performance.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from norcal on 2/26/2008
Great scanner. The initial programming is a little tough, but now I can pick up signals from over 100 mi. away, perfectly clear. Amazing amount of channels, I programed the channels by county and have altogether too much fun. Haven't found anything to complain about, it works perfectly. Great battery life. I use alkalines and have had my scanner on for 3 days and haven't had to change the batteries yet. Definately worth the price. I do wish it came with the AC adapter(273-0027), but that's an easy buy, just bring your scanner in to your local R.S. and they will find the correct size plug. Happy scanning.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Good scanner, way too high on the price. Has great reception,easy to program with correct software,don't even try manually! Stock antenna no good. Very light weight, no problems at all, have owned it since 2005. Recommend it to anyone, just have to know how to program it and read the users manual.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Memphis, TN on 2/9/2008
I've wanted one of these since since they came out, but the price is ridiculous. This scanner is especially unattractive since the GRE PSR-500 is the same price and far superior. [...]
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Beaumont, Texas on 1/26/2008
I bought this scanner cause a friend of mine told me that it was a good scanner, well, This scanner is very over rated. It doesn't even come with a charger to charge the batteries or power the unit.If I pay [$] dollars for a radio, I expect to get a charger or power supply to power the unit. Drains the battery pack with in a few hours. (not good) I would not recommend this scanner to a friend. Controls are very diffecult to use. Not satsfied with this radio at all. Returned the radio the next day.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Great radio. Does a good job decoding trunking systems with only the control channels programmed-saves lots of space. Display easy to read once you get used to it. I HIGHLY recommend getting some kind of programming software, it makes programming TONS easier. I couldn't imagine using the full resources of the radio without it! Military UHF Aircraft can be enabled with software but performance in this band is very spotty, depending on the specific portion of the band-some come in well, others do not. Would not recommend this radio if you are wanting to avidly monitor Mil. UHF band.
Wish they would include a Quick Reference card for most used functions.
I also have a Pro-2096 in my truck which interfaces with the handheld without a problem. Usually I'll program the Pro-96 in the house with the laptop, then use the Pro-96 to program the Pro-2096 in the truck.
I found the manual for the 96 better then the manual for the 2096, it had usful info on the sides of many pages.
"Rubber Duck" antenna included with the radio performs VERY well.
My only problem is I have to constantly consult the manual to perform many functions which could just be the nature of the beast. After all, it is a complicated radio that does a lot of things for you. The days of 2 or 3 switches on a scanner are over and I may just have to get used to it!
from Raleigh, NC on 12/16/2007
Be careful before purchasing this scanner. It will not pick up the 700-MHZ frequencies of the North Carolina VIPER system that Raleigh and Wake County EMS is currently using. There are other manufacturers' digital scanners that will pick up frequencies in the 700-MHZ range.
Frequencies from http://www.radioreference.com:
Raleigh/Wake EMS 700Mhz/800Mhz Conventional Frequencies:
Raleigh/Wake Public Safety has several 700Mhz Frequencies to be used on scenes where 800MHz penetration into buildings is less than useable. The Frequencies are as follows:
Direct_1 Direct_2 Direct_3 Direct_4 VEHRPTR
764.150Mhz 764.175Mhz 764.200Mhz 764.400Mhz 794.400Mhz 764.400Mhz
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from SF Bay Area, CA on 12/15/2007
I have owned two PRO-96 units since early 2005. One has been in use almost daily, with no problems. The second unit was purchased as a backup and was hardly used in the first year. The main CPU failed just within the warranty period, so that was a free repair. One needs to burn-in a new scanner for 10+ hrs straight, before it can be considered reliable.Anyway, in 2004/2005, the county I work in as a fire-medic went to a 3600 baud Motorola Smartzone digital (IMBE/APCO P-25) trunked system operating in the 480 MHz range. I, and a large group of other active & retired FFs, PD officers, and hams made a group purchase of PRO-96s so we wouldn't be shut-out from monitoring. The system doesn't have I-Call/Private Call available, so I didn't care about that capability. Encryption is limited to a few select law talkgroups, and besides, it's illegal to decode public safety radio encryption anyway. We also use a few PRO-2096 units here at work to monitor other talkgroups that we don't want in our Motorola radios' scan lists.For those who think the scanner is overpriced, realize the development that GRE did to build this unit. DVSI, the company that developed the IMBE/APCO P-25 protocol, also receives royalties for digital decoding equipment that is built. If you don't think you'll *ever* need APCO P-25 monitoring capability, then you might consider a less expensive scanner.The Win96 software from [@] is invaluable. It expands the frequency coverage to enable 200/300 MHz AM mil-air and 700 MHz non-trunked reception. It also is the only way to enter multiple tables for Motorola trunking (as needed by the system I monitor). The Win96 software allows one to easily manage all the 5500 possible channel/frequency entries. Don Starr, the Win96 developer, worked closely with GRE on the software.LTR capability would be nice to have, but I don't have much need for it in my capacity or area. The V-Folder function is invaluable for travel. You can pre-load the V-Folders with info you entered into Win96 (or loaded from [@]) fairly quickly, and easily recall it when you are in the areas you want to monitor.Compared with our Motorola XTL5000 mobiles and XTS5000 portables, the digital reception of the PRO-96 is quite good. It doesn't have the bit error correction that the Motorola radios do, but the Moto units cost over $3000!I've also found that the VHF-High reception is quite good in my area, even with the stock antenna. The stock antenna does not do well on VHF-Low (=CHP freqs), but that't to be expected from a stubby duck. A longer and top-loaded duck antenna works quite well for VHF-Low & High. The EDACS trunked reception on the PRO-96 works well, but not as well as the GE/Ericsson or M/A Com radios I've listened to simultaneouslyThe speaker audio is better than any hand-held scanner I've ever owned, but not as good as a Motorola or Bendix King H/T. For mostly mobile use, the PRO-96 benefits from an amplified mobile speaker. The earphone jack circuit is attenuated for hearing protection, so this makes the external speaker input lower than it should be. This can easily be defeated by shorting the earphone jack body to the radio chassis (BNC antenna jack body) with a small jumper wire. This is normally done internally (open the case up), but can be done externally temporarily. The PRO96 Yahoo! Group is a great resource for this scanner.I give it a 4.6 star rating, as the case plastic is ok, but not up to commercial/public safety portable radio quality.
Is one of the best scanners i have ever used. I did wish it had the 700mhz range. The oweners manul is hard to fallow , other than that great scanner. The pro-96 is my primary scanner in my house,jay
use this scanner and really liking it. Tried the newest Uniden scanners and literally wanted to throw them away but decided not to so I would be able to get my $ back so I would be able to get the 96. Funny thing is 15 yrs ago the sales people at [...] would know alot about their products. The people in my area knew SQWAT apparently they were in the mood to just sell cellphones! No one knew anything on how to operate the thing. First person init sold me the 97 but found out on my own that it did not receive mil a/c freq's. So i returned it and got this one. Had to research the main freq's and the the call groups in order to get the dig freqs. Otherwise it works great. Hope it lasts me a long time! [...]
from Fauquier County, VA on 12/1/2007
Win96, cable 20-047 and Teamspeak. All a must to add value to your purchase. Visit Radio Reference for all the freqs you need to program it. Teamspeak Server/Client is awesome as well which will let you listen to the scanner when your away using the internet. I also have the Pro-2096 for my vehicle. Love them both!
from Rockville, Md. on 11/27/2007
Great Scanner. Easy to Program with V-Scanner folders. However WIN96 and Cable 20-047 are a must to customize. (for example multiple custom extended trunking tables can only be programmed with WIN96 i.e. wash dc police) The 800 MHz Scanner Antenna 20-283 really makes a difference with reception a requirement if you have to deal with 800 MHz analog signal. Programming on the handheld requires a lot of reading a re-reading the manual. My only compliant is it’s not loud enough to hear in the car with the windows down. And maybe the display could be brighter and support more characters of text.
I bought the BC296D and the Pro-96 both. While the BC has more channels, it does not do half as well as the Pro on reception for digital. Simple to program and easy to use. Love it.
from Fallbrook, California on 11/19/2007
I've been listening to two Pro 96 units owned by local ARES and RACES Ham operators here in Fallbrook, California. During the fires they were part of our "life line". I've been looking at the Uniden Digital and Pro 96.[...] I hope this price isn't a sign that the 96 is being discontinued and a NEW and better unit is being introduced soon. More likely the sales people are tired of trying to answer questions about programming it. LOL. JB - K6QVA - Quiet Voice Audio.
One of the best scanners i have ever used. graet recive.
This scanner is great... It might be the oldest of the currently produced digital scanners but the digital reception is great. GRE (The OEM of the Pro-96) does a great job compared to Uniden on the digital and overall sound quality.
from Rapid city mi on 11/16/2007
i like it but it is a had scanner to program it, i just use the v-scan for the apco 25 syastem here in michigan
from Blair,Nebraska on 11/16/2007
The Radio is GREAT. Programing it was a cinch. Operating it is awesome. Reception is more than I expected. It picks up Digital very nicely. Even monitoring the Railroads is AWESOME. DO NOT use the stock Antenna that comes with this Radio,it sucks. Get yourself an Antenna that will suite your Scanning needs. Trust me.
from PA on 11/15/2007
This scanner is rugged, I've dropped it or knocked it onto the floor more times than I can count, and it is still ticking. It was recommended to me to 'upgrade' the antenna, so I got the one offered by [...] and it did seem to improve.As for battery life, my batteries last all day. I use the [...] rechargeables and haven't been disappointed one iota. My scanner is on almost 24/7, either on batteries or plugged in. I do make certain that I drain the batteries about once every few months, don't know if that helps or not, but whatever I'm doing is working!Thankfully I have a friend that programs my scanner for me, or that would be an issue. I think that makes a big difference having a 'local person in the know' program it beyond just [...] staffers. I would highly recommend asking around for someone local willing to assist you.I wish that the scanner came with a base in which to stand it on, because it is top heavy, one of the reasons why I knock it over all the time. That would be my only complaint, which is minor.
I'm going to be completly honest. This is one of the most complex scanners I have ever owned. It has thousands of options to work with BUT by far the most fun. The manuel may look big, but seriously, who reads them anyway. Of couse your going to have to read a little but it's fairly organized and well explained. I have had mine for about two years and have never had a problem or wanted a new one. I live about 15 miles from any town and I get wonderful reception inside my house, of course that means that the cities have powerful repeaters but if your having trouble getting good reception, and don't plan on going mobile, get the 2096 with an outdoor antenna. Like I said though, I have the Mobile 96 and I just use it at home with the antenna it came with. Have fun with your new 96!
do not buy this scanner.Batteries do not last over 2 hours.Manual difficult to figure out[...]Wish I would have saved my money!!
from Bakersfield CA on 10/31/2007
I like the digital. Very clear audio when APCO signal is received. Will not decode digital encryption, however. There are some digitally encrypted police channels out there but not very many (cost of the radios). I wished this radio was a bit smaller, had stronger audio and close-call signal capture. I would recommend the Starrsoft win 96 to program the scanner. Comes with 5000 dynamically programmed systems.
Wow! After the first hour, programming was a piece of cake. Love this unit. Highly recomend Win96. Makes programming a breeze!
from Chicago, IL on 10/14/2007
i have had this radio for about a year now. its not the first Radioshack scanner i have had but it is the best and the last. This radio was made by GRE (which is better then the uniden made RadioShack scanners) and is an ok scanner. it doesnt do 700MHz band). Although 700MHz band can be opened up Via software (win96) The only major thing i see is it has alot of decode fall off on Illinois starcom 21 maybe need firmware udate that isnt yet out?
Scanner has great rf rx, and great audio. P25 decode is very good. PL/DPL decode feature is very nice also.
However it is missing some features that my 14yr old BC9000 already has.
1. user selectable channel spacing 5,6.25,10,12.5,
25/30 khz spacing
2. WFM for reception for FM and TV audio signals
Great for P25 an aircraft, but needs improvements in the area's described, also needs AC adapter/charger.
I do recommend to others for 800mhz P25 system being used by my county, but for all the stuff I monitor, I need to use 2 scanners.
Purchased this scanner & had to return it, as I discovered it does not have 700 Mhz frequencies. Some trunking systems are beginning to incorporate 700 frequencies (LATIE, for one in La.) and this scanner does not have. Too bad, as it seemed better than a Uniden BC396T, which does have 700 Mhz freqs. [...]
from worcester, mass on 9/9/2007
Great radio. Reception/audio is awesome. Trunking can be confusing. Big display. For the price, it should come with an ac adapter. If you have the software to program the scanner, which is highly recommended, it is very easy and quick to get this scanner operating. More pros than cons.
I bought this unit yesterday and had it working within a hour. It can be somewhat diffcult to program I myself still have a few bugs to work out! But, I bought it to listen to my local police and with a little help [@] and repeatedly looking at the manual I was able to get it going. I say if you have money to "burn" this seems to be a good scanner, a little expensive but well worth it if you live in a area that requires having digital and you enjoy hearing whats going on around you as it happens.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from South Florida on 8/25/2007
I really love this scanner but you would think for being Radio Shack's flagship portable scanner, and at [$], it should have LTR. This is where Uniden's BCD396 wins out over the PRO-96. Heaven forbid you need to monitor an LTR system, as you will need to spend another [$] to buy the PRO-97. One does digital but doesn't have LTR while the other does LTR but doesn't do digital. What was Radio Shack thinking? Great scanner but this is something the PRO-96 falls short in (and why Uniden likely gets a lot of sales over the shack). I would recommend this model ONLY if you were certain you would NOT need LTR capability.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Austin - Texas on 8/20/2007
Rough start-up until, you understand "the process" it uses and then, piece of cake. The manual - explains just about nothing important. My Pro 97 "hears" a little better both have the 800 MHz (extra) antenna. 96 has longer battery life than the 97. I have the county on analog (ergo the 97) and the Capital City on Digital (the 96) 96 can do both but I might miss something so I usually use both. 96 is great for hearing the multitude of repeaters.
AND IMPORTANT - I used the Pro 96 in Vegas - WOW! I sat in my room (good idea not to carry it around!) and what you will hear is really HOT STUFF. Room cleaners, eh, floor/show activity, better and then the security stuff. WOW!
I would recommend it - but ask or email someone to have them show you how "easy" it is to program. Search FIRST - store the control channel - THEN program the mode/trunk channels.
Worth the money - even though expensive. (price of two HT's)
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Saint Petersburg, Florida on 8/16/2007
Great scanner. Does everything that I need except it doesn't have the iCall or private call feature that I wanted. I bought it for the digital feature but make sure it is avaliable in your area or you're just spending your money for a feature you can't use unless you travel. The BC246T is a great companion to the PRO-96 and with both you can get everything. Happy Scanning.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
This is a very great scanner one of the best hand helds i ever had but it needs a carring case. so you can keep the dust off the buttens and screen and to keep the case clean.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Simi Valley, CA on 8/2/2007
I have had this unit for over a year. When I first started using it I was amazed at the reception. However about 6 months after I got it I started to notice the reception becoming intermittent then gone for good. I sent it in for repair [...]. Once I received it back it worked great for about 2 months and now it's doing the same thing again.
from California on 7/5/2007
When I first purchased the scanner a few years ago, I was very impressed. But, that only lasted a few days. I didn't have trouble programming it except at first, but most people do. The first thing that went bad was the antenna connection. I personally know 3 other people who have this scanner with the same problem. The connection between the antenna and the board is very weak and breaks easily. Apparently there is some complication with not being able to get it repaired by the RadioShack warranty. I personally re-soldered it myself to get it to hold in place. If you've ever looked inside the case of the scanner, you will see that there is 75% open space, unlike the Uniden BCD396T. The Uniden BCD396T, for the same price, is a million times better. If you have any choice at all for a digital scanner, get the Uniden. They are easier to program, very tough, with strong antenna connections and loaded with more features. The only advantage the Pro-96 has over the BCD396T is that sometimes it decodes APCO-25 audio slightly faster, and the AGC seems to be more effective.
This Radio is amazing, it is great for people who get in to Dx'ing. It does PL codes, and ID's Trunked Systems. Also has the best audio Quality on FM AM MOT ED and APCO-25 of any scanner I have ever had. A score out of ten I give it an 11!!
I have had only Uniden scanners for years,My first Radio Shack scanner ROCKS, awesome reception.
I had both this and the Bear Cat scanners. There is NO comparison. I sold my Bear Cat. The Radio Shack scanner is all ready programmed, easy to operate and customize programming, batteries last all day not just a few hours, great support compared to no support. I was a Programmer/Analyst for 20 years. I spent 2 weeks trying to program the Bear Cat and still had to buy software and pay someone to program it, seconds to program the Radio Shack. Everything is better about the PRO-96 Digital Trunking Handheld Scanner, hands down!
I purchased this scanner less than four hours ago. From my local Radio Shack customer service rep(s) during check-out to a couple of hours of personal-use, I'm absolutely astonished with the capability of my new digital scanner! No patronization intended, but immediate performance of this scanner along w/ my Radio Shack knowledgeable representative(s) again prove to be total 'CLASS-ACT' and then some!
Programming instructions in the owners manual leaves a lot to be desired, a lot of it was not correct and it was mostly trial and error for me, but eventually got it. Reception with the stock antenna was poor, went to Radio Shack and purchased a high grade antenna for trunking scanners and the static cleared and got crisp, clear reception. All in all its a great scanner once you get it going.
I LOVE THIS SCANNER. BEST ONE EVER MADE BY GRE. The only issue I have with it is the CPU upgrades aren't covered by warranty and they cost $100 to be upgraded. Other then that the firmware is easy to upgrade. The Pro96 and the Pro2096 decodes the CQPSK (Simulcast)systems far better then the Unidens will.
Love the difference between analog and this digital scanner. Reception is very good(I live in a National Forrest). A bit difficult to program. This scanner is just what the PROS AND RETIRED PROS need.
Started with an analog uniden. I was able to get HAM freqs quite often, but no police or medical. After research, I learned that my area had turned to a digital system. Purchased the Pro96 in February, 2007. Very easy to program with the software. The V-Folders allow for many different varieties of settings depending on your location. It will be several years before I consider switching this one out. Excellent Radio Shack customer service. I bought the unit, they hooked it up to their PC and programmed it right there on the spot. I brought it home, hooked it up to my pc to see what they had put on there. Perfect! Now, in order to shut the thing up, I have to turn it off.
Best Scanner I have ever owned. Easy to program, since i am used to a Pro-95. Not much digital in the area, but i am planning ahead. Would be nice if it had LTR trunking.
Love the product.
The best handheld p-25 capable scanner i've ever owned. Even though it's 4 years old. It's still popular with the scanner hobbyist. Just wished their was more upgrades available for this scanner.
All Bucks and Mont. County went to ditigal , and being a fire fighter and wanting to hear what is going on. Gotta have it!!!!
Good reception w/1.3 upgrade however rebanding has started in my area and there is no support for this radio yet. R.S. needs to get some upgrades to keep up with the changing 800-900mhz bands. Splinter mode will not help. good upgrades so far just need to keep them coming. The pro 96 is still a better radio than uniden, ive got both. 96 has better reception but signal stalker would make it a good deal.
very expensive model but very worth it. the fire companies here all went digital so couldnt hear much without it. it was different to go from the pro95 to the pro96. i feel it was easy to program but according to my friends im a programing master
A little hard to use at first, but once you figure it out you wont beleive what you have been missing on the digital channels.( If the police, fire, and rescue havent gone digital in your area, they will soon!) I cant put it down!! I love it!! The only draw back is that Radio Shack doesnt include any power cords for the unit. For the price of the scanner at least the home power cord should be included!
solid scanner , a bit complicated if your just starting out but the manual is very detailed and once you get the hang of it its all gravy
I have been really pleased with the quality of this scanner and I can listen to my local and state police clear as day.
One year using Pro96. Very good sensitivity. Good selectivity. Sold the BCD396T after side by side evaluation. DSP 1.3 upgrade not usable in this area. Factory installed DSP 1.2 produces better results. Recently bought Pro2096 also. Good performance using DSP 1.2 also. Still waiting for 700 MHz firmware from manufacturer.
Since owning this unit, I have been impressed by the quality of reception after upgrading the dsp to 1.3!! I notice that when you have a scanner the news seems like the old version of obtaining the news because half the details they describe on the news is on the my scanner. Also, I wish there was a carrying case for this scannner to enhance the life of the scanner (just a thought)!
Goes great with ProCom 96 and Win 96 with the serial patch cable! Win 96 also allows you to open up the overall frequency coverage of the Pro-96. Digital quality is above par for me, weather thats a 3600 or 9600 baud control channel with APCO voice. Upgradeable DSP software is also a plus.
Like the scanner... had a friend program it because I failed Rocket Science Class in college. As long as he's around to help me with the programming I will keep the radio.
ive been listening to scanners since 1968.i know its digital and not conventional.i like the display style.reception is fair.i have a lot of friends who can nolonger enjoy listening due to the price.i think if the price was lower,sales would go up.
I've been listening to scanners for about 15 years now and this is probably the last one I'll need. It works absolutely great in my area. The only problem I find is the interference.
Not worth the money at all radio shack has over charged for this peice of juck some times it will pick up my calls and some times it won't I half to keep moving the scanner just to get to get to or three calls In a day don't buy this save your hard earned money
Also have a Uniden BC296 and the digital reception on the Pro96 is much better.
I gave it a 5 because it's the clearest ... best receptive unit in the handhels up to $300.00 price range. It outperforms my AOR I paid $300.00 for! There is one bad fallback ,,, the volume and squelch button on top of each other ... pain in rear !