Whistler launches DMR capable scanners

Whistler announces the addition of the TRX-1 and TRX-2 to their line-up of digital scanners that will support DMR, plus their existing scanner models WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, and WS1098 will all be eligible for a free DMR update.

Whistler 1098 Scanner DMR VA3XPR
The Whistler WS1098 digital scanner will soon be eligible for a free upgrade enabling DMR monitoring.

The old saying, “when it rains it pours” definitely held true today with an announcement by the Whistler Group, Inc., a leading industry supplier of state-of the-art mobile electronics, that it would be adding two new models to their digital scanner line up – the TRX-1 and TRX-2, that will both feature DMR monitoring capabilities. This announcement follows a day after Uniden made a similar announcement concerning its flagship scanner models, the BCD536HP and BCD436HP, that would both also be supporting DMR with paid software upgrade.

DON’T MISS: Uniden announces DMR support for its flagship scanners

The Whistler TRX-1 (handheld) and TRX-2 (desktop/Mobile) are multi-system adaptive digital trunking scanners that will support Motorola P25 Phase I, X2-TDMA, Phase II and DMR making them capable of monitoring the following unencrypted channels/systems:

  • Conventional DMR (entered as a DMR trunked system)
  • Hytera XPT
  • MotoTRBO™ Capacity Plus
  • MotoTRBO™ Connect Plus
  • MotoTRBO™ Linked Cap Plus systems

Also, Whistler announced that is is currently developing NXDN monitoring capabilities, which will be available for the TRX-1 and TRX-2 as a FREE upgrade when available.

The TRX-1 and TRX-2 will feature a full backlit alphanumeric keypad in addition to the easy-to-use Scan, Pause, Select and Navigation controls.  All USA/Canada services and frequencies are pre-programmed onto the included SD card making the units ready to use out of the box – they can even be programmed by entering your ZIP or postal code. Additional features for these models will include:

  • Upgradeable CPU, DSP, and library
  • Store Favorite Scanlists
  • EZ Scan PC Software
  • IF/discriminator output
  • Permits recording by scannable object and saves into a Windows compatible audio file
  • Clock and calendar function adds date/time info to the recordings
  • Dedicated SKYWARN®/Weather button
  • Spectrum Sweeper
  • Programmable audio and visual alert system

“We are extremely excited to add the TRX-1 and TRX-2 to our existing scanner line,” said Leslie Folsom, EVP of Marketing & Operations at Whistler. “When Whistler entered the scanner industry we were committed to bringing innovation and we are demonstrating that by our introduction of DMR and our development work on NXDN.”

As a further investment in their customers, Whistler will be offering a DMR update at no charge to customers owning models WS1080, WS1088, WS1095, and WS1098. This upgrade will be available via the EZ Scan pc app later this month.

The TRX-1 and TRX-2 scanner models will begin shipping in late June 2016.

About Don Trynor, VA3XFT

Don is a 16-year veteran of the telecommunications industry and a licensed Canadian ham radio operator since 1988. He is passionate about VHF/UHF repeater communications, especially using digital modes and he has owned and operated a number of ham radio repeater installations over the years, including ones in both the provinces of Ontario (VE3/VA3) and New Brunswick (VE9). In addition to ham radio, Don enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, biking and astronomy.