Uniden Bearcat BCT8

[muckleroy]

I haven't had a scanner in 20 years! I am a HAM radio operator so I understand the basics of radio communications, however I really haven't done anything with digital before, just analog.

I have run across a fellow ham that is selling a 6 month old, like NEW, old lady only drove it on weekends, Bearcat BCT8 for $100.

I'd rather have the next model up (it does digital) but I'm poor and I really can't justify spending $400+ on a scanner. I wanted a less expensive scanner to go in my Jeep, and I may be challenged to find a spot to mount this one, but I'm getting off track here.

My concerns are that this is an analog only scanner and I may be (in the Houston area) buying a soon to be obsolete technology. I'm still searching Google to see where the Houston services are in their analog, or digital worlds.

The other concern I have is I understand that this receiver is prone to inter mod (intermood?), and without tone squelch this can be a problem. Remember I'm in Houston, I even get inter mod on my 2 meter radio! ;o)

So basically what are your thoughts on buying an analog only scanner, and what do you think of the quality of this specific model? Oh and perhaps you have an opinion on what the useful life of this analog scanner would be. I guess a couple of years would make it worth it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[N8GXZ]

Personaly, I would not buy it , I would check what freqs are used in houston and decide from there . Doing a completed items search on ebay and I see they are going anywhere from 88.00 and up to as high as 150.00+ So it could be a deal .

 

[muckleroy]

Personaly, I would not buy it , I would check what freqs are used in houston and decide from there . Doing a completed items search on ebay and I see they are going anywhere from 88.00 and up to as high as 150.00+ So it could be a deal .

Thanks! Yeah I noticed the prices on ebay shortly after the post. Seems like I find the best information just after I ask for help.

I'd like to have the remote head capability as well. I have it on my ICOM 706 and that really helps when find a place to mount it in my little Jeep.

I found that this site has a great list of frequencies and services. Looks like most everything around her is analog but you never know how long that will last, then I'll have a fancy paperweight. Although I suspect the volunteer fire departsments will probably be analog for a while.

I've just been wanting a scanner for a few years now and I got overly excited about the affordability of this unit.

Thanks again.

 

[Comint]

I'd like to have the remote head capability as well. I have it on my ICOM 706 and that really helps when find a place to mount it in my little Jeep.

Maybe I misunderstand your post, but I don't know of any remote head for the BCT-8.

--
Comint

 

[muckleroy]

Maybe I misunderstand your post, but I don't know of any remote head for the BCT-8.

--
Comint

I must have lost a sentence while editing. I was looking at the Uniden Bearcat BCD996XT Scanner which has the remote head capability, I just didn't want to spend that much money. This is why I was looking at this BCT8.

 

[rexgame]

BCT15 and BCT15X analog only versions of 996t and 996xt can use the remote head. A lot cheaper than their digital counterparts.

 

[muckleroy]

BCT15 and BCT15X analog only versions of 996t and 996xt can use the remote head. A lot cheaper than their digital counterparts.

Hey that's great information, saves me some searching and dreaded reading!

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

[kayi4cle]

Don't get the BCT-8. Although it has a very fast scan speed, it has no alpha tags, makes a loud beep every time you turn it on, and doesn't hold enough frequencies for a large metro area. You would be much better off with digital because Houston currently has digital conventional and trunked. Some of the trunked may go TDMA in a couple years, but there should still be other digital to monitor (DPS, feds, etc.). If you can't go with digital right now, I would suggest the Uniden BC15XT or 346XT. With an analog radio you will still have lots of stuff to monitor. Check out the Radio Reference Database to get some idea of what's what in the Katy area. Good luck and 73!