Bearcat BCS785D – Phase 1 or Phase 2 Compatible?

Introduction

In terms of digital scanners, knowledge of technical specifications is vital, particularly, when one intends to scan the highways using the public safety, fire prevention, EMS, or law enforcement channels. The question many scanning forumites have asked more than once is: Bearcat BCS785D, Phase 1 or Phase 2? This article addresses that very point, and is concerned with the characteristics of the Bearcat BCS785D and its place in P25 digital trunking ecosystem. Either you are thinking of getting this scanner or you already have one, then here is what you have to know.

Digital scanning phase 1 and phase 2 explanations

It is easier to plunge into the Bearcat BCS785D after realizing how the Phase 1 and Phase 2 differ:

• P25 Phase 1: This works with FDMA ( Frequency Division Multiple access ) and supports only 1 conversation within a frequency.
• P25 Phase2: TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) is used here, that enables two voice conversations to occur in an AE (Air-Earth) frequency. It is more effective and is being embraced by newer systems in the public safety field.

The information on whether your scanner is a Phase 1 scanner or a Phase 2 one will tell you the level to which it is future-proofed, and what digital systems you are able to monitor.

Bearcat-BCS785D – Overview

The Bearcat BCS785D is a bearcat digital trunking scanner product of Uniden. The model was first released in the early 2000s and was among the first scanners able to decode P25 Phase 1 digital signals with the installation of a digital card (APCO-25).

Important Bearcat BCS785D Characteristics:

• Digital trunking (APCO-25 phase 1 Digital card installed)
• Video memory system
• developable by digital voice card
• Bearcat BCS785D- Phase 1 or Phase 2?

The short one is:

BEARCAT BCS785D handheld radio is not compatible with any P25 digital system except Phase 1.

It does not have support of P25 Phase 2 TDMA systems. This is because its old hardware architecture and firmware cannot be edited to support Phase 2 decoding.

Summary:

In case your local agencies tasked with maintenance of the safety of the public are still using that Phase 1 systems, then the Bearcat BCS785D will also be operable. This is however not true, because in case they are already using Phase 2 or about to anytime in the near future, then such a scanner will not break their messages.

Is it worth getting or utilizing the Bearcat BCS785D?

Depending on what region you are in (apologies to our friends down under) where Phase 1 is still the norm, the Bearcat BCS785D is a worthy product still, and one that was affordable enough to be found on used market.

But in the future protection of your scanning capabilities however, or when your local systems are already using Phase 2, you have newer models such as:

• Uniden 436HP-BCD BCD (handheld)

• Uniden BCD996P2 (base/mobile)

• Whistler TRX-1 or TRX-2

The scanners are compatible with the modern digital system, as they provide support to P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 operations.

The Recap of SEO Keywords

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• Bearcat BCS785D

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• Phase 1 compatibility with BCS785D

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• P25 phase I and II scanners

Conclusion

In a bid to answer the question:Bearcat BCS785D- Phase 1 or Phase 2? This BCS785D bearcat model is Phase I digital scanner but will not support Phase 2 scanner system. Although it still has benefit in particular regions, it might not be the best operator in areas with modern P25 Phase 2 digital nets. It is advisable to find out the type of system used in your local agency before opting to use or purchase this model.