Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner, 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety

Ive had mine perhaps a year or two. Bought it to listen to railroad chatter on trips. The first time I traveled, I wound up putting it away because I couldnt figure out how to use it at all and I was pretty annoyed. The second time I traveled, I figured out that watching YouTube videos helped (especially when adding the word railfanning to the search), as did writing the Uniden tech support, where an employee really went the extra mile to try to be helpful. An individual named Charles explained things in plain English and was patient with my ignorance. I still had a little trouble, frankly. Then I learned that I could use it easily enough at home with a bit of a shortcut--pressing the function key (which is orange) and then the Svc button. By pressing those two buttons, I did not have to program anything but I automatically got to hear transmissions within range of us. That is all I had to do. So this is something like simply playing movies on ones VCR, DVD player, Blu-Ray player, etc., without even trying to use all the extra functions. The manual isnt all that useful as a guide even though it does label buttons and so forth. I had to acquire somewhat of a knowledge base before I understood what the manual meant (this is not the first time I had this experience with a manual). To be fair, I just didnt know anything about scanners, electronics, ham radios, etc. As far as I could tell at the time, this seemed to be the highest rated radio of its kind (in its price range) and the most talked about, and apart from the expected updated model of this same unit, that still seems to be the case. At the same time, there is a bit of a hurdle when it comes to entry into this type of hobby. We do not receive police transmissions. It seems that those in our area are encrypted now, so we wont be getting them. In a fairly highly populated city, there is still a limited amount to listen to (I am using the stock antenna) but we do get weather reports and a few other things. If I expected nonstop talking and wanted to listen to it for an extended time, I would have been disappointed (but that wasnt my particular interest). We turn it on around dinnertime and listen to the weather, etc. for ten minutes or so. Realistic expectations all around may be the key to enjoying this radio, which we now do. Now that I finally know more about how to use it, I am hoping that I will be able to listen to railroad chatter on our next train trip. That is the real reason I got it and I havent been able to do that yet. There are a number of YouTube videos that explain how to listen--which I didnt know when I bought this. Its helpful but still not a straight path to success. As for the unit itself, it seems fairly durable and it appears to work as intended. The buttons do require some pressure when you push them to get a response but that seems more or less like a good thing. Be aware of the button you need to slide inside the unit to indicate whether your batteries are rechargeable or not (its not hard). I am not a patient person and usually return electronics that I cannot quickly figure out. So it has been a bit strange that I have picked this up from time to time and tried again to use it. All in all, would probably buy the same unit all over again. Knowing that all I had to do was pick it up and press the two keys I mentioned earlier would have been of considerable help. But, from my experience as a novice, this isnt really an easy hobby to get started with, and if one wants to, some trial and error, with a considerable amount of non success, may be called for enroute to this goal. Up until now, I sort of regretted buying it. Reading the Dummies on two-way radios and scanners (this is not a two-way radio but the book has some content on scanners) helped me understand some of the backstory that eventually helped me use this. So, I wouldnt say dont buy it but I would say understand what the path may be like if you dont have related expertise, and go from there.

Like the product.

The scanner is perfect for the amateur listener. I have had others before and for the price it more than meets my needs. The only thing I would consider a negative is the use of the volumn knob for other purposes, requires you to remember to switch modes to return to the previous function. Its only slightly inconvenient. Other than that I wish there was an option to keep the backlight on for easier identification of the frequency when in low light situations. Easy to operate and program. Light and portable. Excellent product for the price. Couldnt be happier!

so first off this is not my first scanner by uniden my old one that crapped out was a bc60xlt which had problems. anyway the new one that i purchased i love work actually better then the old out dated unit that i threw out. this unit only needs to batteries rather then the old 4 battery which is a major plus because the unit is easyer to stand up and carry. the only real complaint that i have with the unit and company uniden is that its a pain in the butt to program the unit for the first time because the instructions are not clear. i would really recommend watching the youtube video on how to do it makes life and programming really easy and a flash.

The Bearcat BC75XLT is a great starter scanner for the beginner. I am finding this device to be a huge asset when it comes to knowing what is going on around me. Search my name, the make and model of this scanner on Youtube for a complete in-depth video presentation. Features I like about this radio: * Searching through the VHF/UHF frequencies is very fast. * 300 Memory Channels * Priority Channel mode. * Close Call mode. * Great reception when compared to my other HTs. * Customized Search feature that can be done directly on the radio. * Ten Service Bands, makes finding certain frequencies that much quicker. * Delay...oh how you need this. * Good build quality. * Uses 2 AA batteries, either Alkaline or NiMH. * Smart Charger built in for the NiMH batteries. * USB power can supply the radio enough power to run without battteries. * USB connectivity to the computer for downloading and uploading data to the scanner. Free software download. * Included USB cable. * Headphone jack is excellent, no noise, clean sound. * Nice and evenly lit LCD display. * Scanning stored channels is a breeze, and can be customized. * Temporary and Permanent lock out feature. * Informative Manual, lots of detail. Features that could be added or improved on: * A separate squelch knob would be fantastic. * A monitor button. * A full stop on frequency when searching. This would be nice so you dont have to have your finger resting on the hold button all the time. Overall, for the cost of this portable scanner, I am very impressed and recommend this as a first scanner to purchase and learn with. Just enough to keep you busy for months. I am surprised by the amount of analog activity that still exists around me.

SO happy I purchased this tiny little powerhouse! I have always had a large desktop scanner or even a few base scanners (huge, heavy things). This is right on my nightstand next to my telephone and I enjoy it every single evening without fail. Easy to SEARCH then find the frequencies you like and set them up in the BANKS so you can SCAN. I didnt have any problems at all and know I will enjoy this while out in the back woods or camping or taking along on trips. Excellent purchase.

My husband really likes this, after his old one finally died. He wasnt happy that he had to have me look up the frequencies online, but it was not difficult for me. He doesnt DO computers and doesnt like that everyone expects him to. Someone else may have gotten help from the public library, but its a done deal, now. We havent listened to it yet, so I dont know how it sounds, but it arrived quickly.

I have had the BC75XLT for about a month. It is easy to program; light weight; and reasonably durable. It is comparatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, the reception is not that great. Using the supplied rubber duck antenna, I had a hard time receiving UHF police broadcasts from surrounding towns. I live about a mile from my local public safety radio repeater. The reception - even from this short distance - was not that great. I bought a separate whip antenna. That improved the reception. Also, this unit seems to use up the batteries quickly. This scanner will drain two AA batteries each 10 hour period.

This little scanner offers a lot of features at a decent price, and gives you the option of convenient portability. Not much to say, other than that it works like its supposed to. The only thing to keep in-mind, particularly if you are not already experienced with scanners, is that you will not get great range or reception with the included antenna. If you need range, be prepared to install and use a larger/outdoor antenna, which is not difficult to accomplish.

Excellent performance in a small package. As a first time scanner user, manual was difficult to follow. Highly recommend searching some basic YouTube videos to get started. Overall, for the cost of this portable scanner, very impressed and recommend this as a first scanner to purchase and learn with. Enough to keep you busy for months.