The Uniden Bearcat TrunkTracker BC 895XLT is a scanner for the serious radio enthusiast. The BC 895XLT is packed with an impressive array of features, such as trunk tracking, delay, lockout, search and scan, Continuous Tone Control Squelch System (CTCSS), one-touch weather scan, and severe weather alert. In addition, this scanner has a strong frequency range of 29 MHz to 965 MHz.
Setting up the BC 895XLT was simple--we attached the antenna, plugged in the AC adapter, and turned on the unit. With so many function buttons on the face of the unit, using the BC 895XLT may seem daunting without consulting the manual. However, the manual is incredibly user friendly, with definitions of all functions, pictures, and step-by-step instructions for performing certain applications. It also includes a foldout diagram of the face of the unit with descriptions of each button so you can easily reference while skimming the manual.
With 300 channels, the BC 895XLT provides more programmable channels than most scanners. Organized into 10 bank keys that hold 30 programmed frequencies each, the scanner can also be preprogrammed with 10 priority channels. We had no problem performing basic operations and programming active frequencies into selected channels and banks. Features such as scanning, channel lockout, weather alert, and searching were relatively easy to figure out using the operating guide. More advanced features such as CTCSS operation and trunk tracking, while more complicated, were also accessible.
One nice touch is the squelch control, which raises or lowers the "Squelch Gate" so that you can control what kind of signals get in and eliminate the constant hiss that accompanies weak signals. We also appreciated the adjustable LCD backlight, which makes the display easy to read in almost any condition, and the desktop stand, which allows you to see and use the scanner at a more viewable angle. The auxiliary jack lets you connect an external recorder so that you can automatically record any activity on a specified channel. There is also an external speaker jack that can be used to connect headphones for private listening.
The unit ships with a Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide that lists some statewide and city frequencies used by police and fire departments, weather services, forest rangers, as well as ham radio operators and miscellaneous frequency assignments. You can also order the Betty Bearcat Regional and National Police Directories or Mr. Scanner's Local Frequency List for more in-depth listings including rescue squad, local government, forestry radio, marine radio, aircraft, amateur radio, and federal government frequencies.
If you're interested only in simple radio scanning and tracking, then take a look at a lower-end model. But if you're an expert radio operator looking for a super-powerful tracking device, you'll be thrilled with the BC 895XLT. The folks at Uniden thought of everything when designing this one.
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
Great radio for monitoring public safety channels, July 13, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Uniden BC895XLT 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner (Electronics)
If your local public safety/gov't agencies are on a trunking system, this scanner will allow you to follow those transmissions with no problem. Also scans conventional radio systems, although you can't monitor trunked and conventional systems at the same time. The BC 895XLT, though it looks complicated, is easy to learn how to use. Good sensitivity, and it doesn't overload from strong signals. Can be computer controlled with software available from a variety of third-party sources. And it DOES cover the aircraft band. And has a weather alert feature. If you are interested in how your community really works, you should get this radio and hear the news as it happens
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
Scanner is the best out there; Service is the exact opposite, January 19, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Uniden BC895XLT 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner (Electronics)
The BC895XLT is the best scanner you could get, especially when PC controlled. It is super simple to get operational even for beginners. Just punch in the frequencies and there you go, they even include partial lists of them. Not to mention they come in crystal clear. But if yours is to break, be prepared for an enormous hassle. You'll never talk to a real person and you have to blindly send the unit in for repair. Bottom line: Uniden's product is the best you could buy; you're not buying any service though.
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This review is from: Uniden BC895XLT 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner (Electronics)
I have been using this scanner for about 3 weeks now. I own 4 other different models of scanners -- 2 from Radio Shack (PRO-92 / PRO-2067) and 2 from Uniden (BC 245XLT and BC 235XLT).
I like the BC 895XLT because:
- Fast scanning of 100 channels / second. The Radio Shack (GRE made) scanners that I own only go 25 channels/second. And while they are more technically sophisticated, I miss the scan speed which is desirable if you live in a busy area.
- CTCSS tone capability - What this does is let you enter in a special "code" that filters out different companies using a frequency. In busy urban areas it is not unusual to have three or four businesses on the same frequency. They use a special code called a "PL" code which allows their radios to only hear their broadcasts. The 895xlt supports the use of the PL tone through the CTCSS tone capability built in.
You might want to rethink your purchase if:
- You want to follow BOTH trunked and conventional... Read more
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