Bigpotter,
Since you're new to scanning I'm going to assume you don't have software, or a programming cable for your BCT8. That is by far the easiest way to program this paticular model. I have one, I know LOL. I'll try to walk you through step by step :
1 - In which ever bank you choose you need to enter all frequencies for the system you are wanting to monitor. I'm not familiar with the Jacksonville system & haven't looked at it in the DB, but if it is a SmartZone system there is no need to enter duplicate frequencies.
2 - Enter the frequencies in decending order meaning from highest to lowest. Some people may disagree, but I have always had more sucess monitoring this way.
3 - After entering all your frequencies do the following in order :
1 - Press the FUNC key
2 - Press the TRUNK key
3 - Press the number that cooresponds to the bank you put the frequencies in
4 - These scanners automatically default to monitor Motorola Type II systems, so if it is a different type system (i.e. EDACS, etc) you will have to change the type of system you monitoring.
5 - After you have completed these steps the scanner should go into ID search mode which is indicated by the numeric display portion showing all dashes.
6 - Press the HOLD button & that will park it on 1-1. These scanner are capable of 5 banks (per system) with 10 talkgroups in each bank. If you press the PROG button you should be able to enter then ID for the talkgroups you wish to monitor.
Do remember like Marshall stated that these are not digital capable, nor are they able to be upgraded to that capacity. However if you are interested, they will monitor the new VIPER system that is now up & running. You can monitor the majority of the NCSHP dispatch talkgroups, as well as other agencies statewide that use the system & operate in analog mode. This scanner will also do Control Channel only operation. For instance, if you choose to monitor VIPER, you can enter ALL the control channels statewide, and follow the system as you travel throughout the state.
I hope this helps, & if I have missed a step I apologize. I use software for all my scanners & the last time I actually entered something by hand on my BCT-8 was about a year & a half ago. If you need anymore help please feel free to PM me & I'll do what I can !!!!