Handheld with scannable banks?

[HHD1]

I'm looking for a HT that has scannable banks or groups if you will.  My AR-5rm allows me to select which channels I want to scan, usually programmed by CHIRP.  However, it's not convenient to change which ones to scan out in the "field".

I would like something that has multiple groups or banks that I can set to scan on the fly. Like, if I'm scanning all channels on bank 1, then decide to scan bank 2 instead, I could easily switch with a button push or two.

I'm sure something like that has to exist. I'm just not having much luck finding one in my searches.  Does anyone here have a recommendation? 

[tweiss3]

Anything commercial from Harris/Motorola/Kenwood

TK-3140 has Part 95 approval and can do multiple zones up to 250 total channels.

You likely won't find anything in the cheaper chinese radio market. 

[TerriKennedy]

39 minutes ago, HHD1 said:

I'm looking for a HT that has scannable banks or groups if you will.  My AR-5rm allows me to select which channels I want to scan, usually programmed by CHIRP.  However, it's not convenient to change which ones to scan out in the "field".

I would like something that has multiple groups or banks that I can set to scan on the fly. Like, if I'm scanning all channels on bank 1, then decide to scan bank 2 instead, I could easily switch with a button push or two.

I'm sure something like that has to exist. I'm just not having much luck finding one in my searches.  Does anyone here have a recommendation? 

Since you're talking about receiving and not transmitting (the BF-F8HP Pro is not type approved for Tx on GMRS - it's an amateur licensed hand-held)...

Wait for the next release of the BF-F8HP Pro firmware. I can't say when it will happen, other than "probably this month". Then look on the BTECH web site for highlights in the new firmware, or download the "Firmware update bundle" which has the firmware, quick installation instructions, and a detailed list of changes in each firmware version.

[Lscott]

Look at the Kenwood TK-3170, but only 128 channels and 128 zones. It also has Part 95 certification. I carry one of these around for UHF Ham and GMRS. It uses the typical K1 type plug, like most or the Chinese radios use, for programming and speaker mic accessories.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/263-tk-3170jpg/?context=new

 

[Jaay]

3 hours ago, HHD1 said:

I'm looking for a HT that has scannable banks or groups if you will.  My AR-5rm allows me to select which channels I want to scan, usually programmed by CHIRP.  However, it's not convenient to change which ones to scan out in the "field".

I would like something that has multiple groups or banks that I can set to scan on the fly. Like, if I'm scanning all channels on bank 1, then decide to scan bank 2 instead, I could easily switch with a button push or two.

I'm sure something like that has to exist. I'm just not having much luck finding one in my searches.  Does anyone here have a recommendation? 

Pick up a used Xpr 6550 for $125-200 bucks and assign what you need to zones, and just turn on/off your zones from the front panel.

[Socalgmrs]

What are we needing to scan?  It’s 22 channels and repeaters.  Here is gmrs, You go out in a group. You all agree on a channel or a repeater or maybe both. Maybe even more then one repeater and a couple simplex channels.  You do the activity. When you’re done you turn off your radio.   What are we scanning? How many strange men do you really need to talk to in a day?  If you scan 15-22 with no tones you just scanned every repeater in range.  It takes a radio 3 seconds to scan that or less really.  How many banks and repeaters does one person need to scan?   I’m one of the few that uses gmrs radios every single day 365 days a year for 10-12 hours or more a day, for many reasons both work play and emergencies.  I even use them in other states and I’ve never needed to scan multiple groups.  Again it’s 22 channels.  

[Hoppyjr]

I'm looking for a HT that has scannable banks or groups if you will.  My AR-5rm allows me to select which channels I want to scan, usually programmed by CHIRP.  However, it's not convenient to change which ones to scan out in the "field".
I would like something that has multiple groups or banks that I can set to scan on the fly. Like, if I'm scanning all channels on bank 1, then decide to scan bank 2 instead, I could easily switch with a button push or two.
I'm sure something like that has to exist. I'm just not having much luck finding one in my searches.  Does anyone here have a recommendation? 

I get what you’re trying to do and I wanted the same. I created a list of all the repeaters in my region, and those in the areas I travel frequently. I wanted to create groups to scan my home area, plus groups to scan other regional areas when visiting those areas.

It’s true there are only 22 channels, but I wanted different area repeaters with their respective tones, so I wouldn’t need to fuss with it and could dial in a channel (that I named) and go to town.

Now keep in mind, it’s technically not legal to use a Ham radio to transmit on GMRS frequencies, but I’m pretty sure you can listen with whatever you like. ;-)

I didn’t find a “legit” GMRS portable, but the Icom ID-50 can do the job nicely. It’s expensive, especially compared to the China made stuff, but it’s legit quality. It has 500 channel capacity and can be programmed easily into groups using RT Systems software.

I initially created two groupings, then expanded to three. You can have up to 100 in a group on the Icom. The software on device allows you to chose the group you wish to scan, or scan all groups. You also have dual watch / dual-scan options.

Having recently got my Technician Ham license, I’ve since updated groups.

If you understand the rules and chose to color outside the lines, you’d find the Icom products really really nice. I also like that it can charge in the car with USB-C.

Best of luck with your search.

[JBRPong]

Not sure if this is what OP is looking for.
Both my Wouxuns Q10 and UV9gx have 10 scan groups you can set.  You can just go into the menu and change the scan groups.  Can set different scan groups for each upper and lower bands and can scan them independently.  During the storms this week,  I set upper band to scan all the GMRS plus repeaters and the bottom band to scan the Skywarn/Ares frequencies in my area.

[73blazer]

The Wouxun KG-935G and 905G both have group scan capability. Or the 935H if you want the HAM version.