Hi everyone. Newbie to scanners...really enjoying it

[3Dphil]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. New to this forum and radio frequency scanning in general, but and finding it relatively simple to transition into. I just got my first radio, a BCD396XT and had it up and running in under 10 minutes (after connecting it to freescan and shelling out $15 for 180 days of premium service) and I was in business. I'm from San Diego and also found a City of San Diego System file made by user DDan (dude thanks, you are awesome)

Just really digging my new radio, listening to all the stuff happening around me, and reading all the threads in this amazing forum.

I purchased this radio in the hopes of freelancing some video or photos to the local news outlets from time to time, as well as keep better apprised of the happenings in my community (I am a total info junkie and for that reason alone have instantly fallen for my new toy...err work tool)

Now I have to figure out what antennas I want to accessorize it with (mostly for 800 mhz, but also thinking that marine..live on coast...and ISS would be fun to try and pick up.)

[KD2DLL]

Welcome to Radio Reference. And welcome to scanning in general! Feel free to ask questions about anything on here. Everyone is here to help. Great first scanner too.

[W8RMH]

Now I have to figure out what antennas I want to accessorize it with (mostly for 800 mhz, but also thinking that marine..live on coast...and ISS would be fun to try and pick up.)

I have been using the Comet CH 32 Antenna as my handheld scanner antenna for over 15 years. At 1.75 inches It is a great choice where size is an issue. It works great for me in my terrain.

The Diamond RH77CA is 16 inches in length, but the best wide band handheld scanner antenna available. Both have a range of 120/150/300/450/800/900 MHz.

For 800 MHz. the GRE 800 Antenna can't be beat. Grab one now as GRECOM's future is questionable.

[jmp883]

Welcome to the wonderful world of radios! You've got a great start with the 396XT. There is so much to listen to, and not just on the scanner bands. The HF bands are active with civilian aviation, military operations, marine shipping, and a lot more. If you can, pick up a copy of Monitoring Times or Popular Communications magazines, or check out their websites. Along with all the excellent resources here at RR.com they will show you all there is to listen to.

As to antennas there is quite a selection. I know that you have a handheld scanner but for when you're listening at home I'll recommend a base station-type antenna that should be mounted as high up as is possible. The antenna I'm thinking of is a discone antenna. A discone is omni-directional (receives equally from all directions) and most of them have a frequency range from VHF-Low (25 MHz-30MHz) through the 800 MHz band. You can find some great antennas, and other scanner accessories here:

Scanner Master - Police Scanners by Uniden Bearcat, AOR and Radio Shack.

Another good antenna is the Antennacraft ST-2 from ScannerMaster. I bought an ST-2 years ago and mounted it on the old TV antenna mast on the eave of my house. It's a great antenna. I have it running into a pre-amp and then split out to 5 scanners.

Have you considered getting your ham radio license? It's another whole segment of the radio hobby. I hold a General class license which allows me to operate on the VHF, UHF, and most of the HF bands that are allocated to amateur radio. Hams can operate using Morse Code, voice, digital, slow-scan TV, and microwave. I've made contacts using voice and digital all over the world.

As you can tell, the radio bug bit me hard. Professionally, I've been an emergency services dispatcher for the last 21 years so I've got a lot of time behind the microphone. Between my radios at home, in my vehicle, and the scanner apps I have in my smartphone I'm never out of touch with what's going on.

It's a great hobby.....have fun!

[Rt169Radio]

Hi 3Dphil and welcome to RadioReference, its cool that your enjoying your scanner and the hobby. You came to the right place for all things radio, if you got a question just ask away.

[russellmaher]

Hi 3Dphil and welcome aboard. It's good to hear that you're enjoying the hobby. You made a good choice with the 396XT - it's an awesome unit - and you seem to have the programming figured out. That's one item that usually drives new Uniden owners crazy...so good for you.

You'll find that this hobby can become addictive, if you haven't already.

Again, welcome to RR.

Russell

[wtp]

you mentioned the ISS.
first you have to know when they are around
my favorite is amsat iss tracker
you can google iss track and see what happens
if its close enough just a plain antenna will do
if you want to hear it father away
get an outside antenna
ok now they don't talk much
voice is on 145.8 fm
however packet is pretty active on 145.825
it is just digital noise or brapps as i call them
just a note they can be 300 miles away but no hills or trees are in the way

[One13Truck]

Welcome as well! I love my 396XT. It's the best scanner I have ever owned (although hopefully soon I'mm also pick up the 996XT to go with it). You made a great choice. Enjoy!