Hobbies And Interests
The basics
To become a more advanced user of the BC92XLT, you must first master the basics. The first skill needed is the addition of frequencies in programming. To enter a new frequency, press the "Hold" button then enter the number of the channel you wish to program such as 100 and then press "Hold" again. Now press "Func" key then the "Pgm" key and enter in the frequency such as 465.125. To complete the entry press the "E" button. Sometimes you will want to exclude a channel while listening. This can be accomplished by pressing the "Func" key and then the number zero. These are the two most important skills you will need to start listening.
Magic of antennas
The antenna that comes with the scanner is a six inch rubber antenna, commonly referred to as a rubber duck antenna. This type of antenna resists damage and is compact but, is not the best for receiving signals. For use in a car a magnetic mount antenna will greatly increase the range of signals you will receive. Home antennas can be very elaborate and expensive however, a simple base antenna can be purchased for fifty dollars and up. This type of antenna is usually attached on top of a structure and increases the range of reception many times. If you wish to stick with a rubber flexible antenna, models are available that will provide greater performance for less than thirty dollars.
Advanced features
The most important advanced feature the BC92XLT incorporates is the "Close Call RF Capture Technology." This allows the scanner to listen to frequencies in one range and lock in on the strongest signal. Usually the strongest signal will be the radio transmission that is geographically located near you. This function is useful at an event when the frequencies in use are not published. To engage this feature press the "Func" key and the "Hold" key until "Band" appears on the screen. Choose the frequency range using the up and down arrows, using the "E" key to save the function. Press the "Scan" key to resume scanning. Press the "Func" key and the "Hold" key until a small "c" appears in the top right of the screen. Now the scanner is listening for the closest signal in range.
Knowlege is king
A great deal of information about frequencies and signal codes can be found on the Internet. Use a resource like Radio Reference on the Internet to discover frequencies for your location. This will help you find many interesting frequencies with the least time invested. Often local police and fire web sites will have information regarding frequencies or signal codes for your locale.