Customer Rating: Summary: Do some research first before buying Comment: I'm a newbie scanner and was looking for a good, all round scanner. I knew most of the bigger systems out there are using the "Trunk Tracking" technology, so decieded to buy a scanner that could track those systems (duh). After programming the freqs into the scanner banks (daunting at first but once you do the first couple it's pretty easy and quick) I was surprised by how 'quiet' certain airways were. After a little research I discovered that some of the larger agencies systems are actually DIGITAL, and this scanner can not listen into them. That was a little annoying. Uniden now have Digital scanners and Trunk Tracking III capability, so if your area is digital (check before you buy) then you might be better holding off for the newer generation scanner. Apart from that little snafu I am very happy with the product overall and have enjoyed several hours of listening to airport and other frequencies. Wish it could monitor FM and TV audio (I have a radio-reciever, yet can't listen to local radio broadcasts on it, seems a bit weird). There is a gap in coverage between 512 - 805 MHz for some reason, so I miss some airport tower chat. Not a huge deal. In summary, ignore some of the hype that it has Trunk Tracking II capabilities, if your area is digital, it makes no difference. I'll probably wait until the prices come down to a sensible level and get a digital & analog system. Happy Listening. Customer Rating: Summary: Fun factor 10 Comment: I have always had a curiosity about "scanners", but never quite curious enough to buy one. I received a rather generous gift certificate for Christmas this year and decided to get something I might not ordinarily buy. I chose this particular Uniden, Bearctcat, Scanner. As stated in another review, to the beginner, the "art of scanning", can seem a little overwhelming. Rest assured, any effort exerted in learning how to use this scanner will pay off with many hours of listening enjoyment. My Bearcat II has been rock solid thus far and is for all intents and purposes a quality, user- friendly product. The manual refers to "third party software" that allegedly allows you to program your scanner using your PC. This software is quite pricey though. I would recommend spending some time learning your new scanner and determine how much you care to invest in this hobby before spending another 40.00 to 70.00 on software. Some of my friends who initially scoffed at my scanner purchase were quite shocked by the amount of information available via the airwaves. Several have now purchased one. I live in a Major City and continue to be amazed by the well-choreographed "dance" between dispatcher and L.E.O. I worked for a very tight knit S.O. for well over a decade, and as a natural consequence, I understand the terminology. A novice will want to pull many of the codes from the Internet and either learn them or have them easily available for reference. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!? Customer Rating: Summary: A rock solid start Comment: I have always had a curiosity about "scanners", but never quite curious enough to buy one. I received a rather generous gift certificate for Christmas this year and decided to get something I might not ordinarily buy. I chose this particular Uniden, Bearctcat, scanner. As stated in another review, to the beginner, the "art of scanning", can seem a little overwhelming. Rest assured, any effort exerted in learning how to use this scanner will pay off with many hours of listening enjoyment. My Bearcat II has been rock solid thus far and is for all intents and purposes a quality, user- friendly product. The manual refers to "third party software" that allegedly allows you to program your scanner using your PC. This software is quite pricey though. I would recommend spending some time learning your new scanner and determine how much you care to invest in this hobby before spending another 40.00 to 70.00 on software. Some of my friends who initially scoffed at my scanner purchase were quite shocked by the amount of information available via the airwaves. Several have now purchased one. I live in a Major City and continue to be amazed by the well-choreographed "dance" between dispatcher and L.E.O. I worked for a very tight knit S.O. for well over a decade, and as a natural consequence, I understand the terminology. A novice will want to pull many of the codes from the Internet and either learn them or have them easily available for reference. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!? Customer Rating: Summary: Nice Scanner until Uniden quit offering Smartscanner ability Comment: I purchased my BC245XLT with the idea of being able to take advantage of using Uniden's Smartscanner Technology and downloading my frequencies based on my area code. It seems that Uniden has dropped this feature as of February 2002 and according to one of their tech support people, have no intention of bringing this service back. So, if you can find the list of frequencies and then have the time to set each one, have at it. Personally, I would pick another manufacturer that advertises and stands behind their product's features. Customer Rating: Summary: Only if you really need trunktracking Comment: In the handheld scanners with trunktracking possibilities world theres basically two options:... If you really need trunktracking then go with this Uniden because even tough its a "cheap" scanner it is still superior... to his counterpart, in most aspects. BUT if you dont care about trunktracking systems, DONT buy this unit. All Uniden handhelds scanners are built cheap and you can feel its cheapness all around. The material is poor and the sound, oh the sound its not good at all. In a scale of 1 to 10, sound is 5. This unit is easy to use, has a computer interface and its scan and search speed is very good. Its sensitivity is above average. But again, if you dont need trunktracking look for professional models (that in fact are not that expensive ...
