Connie - The first thing is to find out what sort of radio systems are in
use by your local police, fire, and EMS agencies and what frequencies they
use. You can probably find this information on the Web.

Your 100XLT is fine for monitoring conventional systems. To monitor trunked
systems, you would need something like the BC785 or Pro 95 you mentioned.

Again, do a Web search to learn about trunked vs conventional systems.

Enjoy!

Greg

From: (ConnieG999)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Newsgroups: rec.radio.scanner
Date: 30 May 2004 03:10:08 GMT
Subject: BC 100XLT - Please dont laugh!

I've just been given a Bearcat 100 xlt handheld scanner. Heaven only knows how
old it is - the manufacture date reads: ICHO. Anyway, is the darn thing even
worth downloading a manual for? I know it "works" because I can pick up the
weather service. The preprogrammed channels, however, don't work in my area.
This was a friend's attempt to save me a few bucks. So, in the event that you
folks don't think I should waste my time with this old thing, what make/model
would you suggest for me? I just want to entertain myself with whatever I can
listen to, especially at night when I can't sleep. I'm on disability and
housebound, so money is an issue, but I'll pay a little extra if it's worth
going up a step or two to have access to some "good stuff."
I read parts of the FAQ and have the impression that the recommendations might
include Uniden BC 785 or Radio Shack Pro 95. I don't care if it's handheld or
table model.
Thanks for all the help you can provide.


Connie
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My mind is like a steel...um, whatchamacallit.