Is there much analogue traffic?

[vk4jaz]

Hi, new member here.
I currently monitor the air bands in Brisbane with my Yaesu FT2DR and am thinking of expanding into other areas without committing too much in the way of funding just yet. I notice that entry level scanners like the UBC-126 AT and UBC-355 XLT may do the job, but before I take the plunge, would like an idea of whether there is much/any analogue FM traffic still going on, or has most migrated to the digital modes?
Regards
Grant VK4JAZ

[tanger32au]

I was on the goldcoast in late 2019 and heard a heap of FM traffic. While I did hear some digital signals, I heard more analogue FM.

[Kazzaw]

There is a reasonable amount of non digital traffic going, however there is also a reasonable amount of digital traffic.

I think 2 options here, either take a stab around with a cheaper entry level scanner, or grab the cheapest (still exy) entry level DMR NXDN compatible (paid upgrade from uniden) scanner (UBCD436PT) and have access to all of it

[peteramjet]

Analogue is still in use, but it is becoming less common is main centres like the GC. If you already have an analogue scanner I would not bother with another, unless you have a specific need for one. Digital options are more expensive, but they will have a longer service life. There are plenty of trunked digital networks around, where plenty of businesses have migrated - and you won’t hear those with an analogue scanner.

The UBCD325P2 would be a good choice. Standard with P25 (Phase 2), and paid upgrades for DMR and NXDN. Great sensitivity and easy to program. Great battery life.

Next there is then the UBCD436PT/546PT (handheld/mobile). Standard with P25 (Phase 2), and paid upgrades for DMR and NXDN. Good sensitivity and while more complex to program it comes from free software.

Top of the line is the the USDS100. Again, standard with P25 (Phase 2), and paid upgrades for DMR and NXDN. Good sensitivity and while more complex to program it comes from free software.

Prices range from ~$450 to ~$850, plus any paid upgrades. Expensive, but in my mind worth it for the ability to scan heaps more.

[vk4jaz]

Thanks guys, very insightful and useful information. I don't have any scanners at present, only a bunch of tranceivers, ham stuff etc. What are your views of the UBC-126 AT as a starter? And what do you think about the EZ130 XLT? Any good?

[Kazzaw]

Both will work well as a basic analog receiver

[Radio_Australia]

Not a lot of exciting stuff on analog in SEQLD .

most are on dmr and the odd NXDN , and with P25 Digital uhf NSW gov radio network been able to be heard on the GC ,

Also Energex have a P25 digital system now .

Personally I wouldn’t bother with a analog only scanner for se qld ,

The whistler trx1 or 2 are great for digital , they don’t charge for digital upgrades like uniden do

[Kazzaw]

The whistler trx1 or 2 are great for digital , they don’t charge for digital upgrades like uniden do

That they don't, however they won't trunk track like uniden will

[Radio_Australia]

The whistler trx1 or 2 are great for digital , they don’t charge for digital upgrades like uniden do

That they don't, however they won't trunk track like uniden will

They don’t need trunk track aka LCN numbers to work correctly, in fact my trx1 works better then 436 and SDS100 on trunking systems