Newcomer- Scanning in GTA

[zapper1]

I hope a plea for help is OK in the forum. I am a senior new to scanning and from what I have read, I may
not be too successful in my environment or my scanner which is a Bearcat BC144xl from long ago. It is new in box and not expensive. Coverage is 29-54mhz 137-174 mhz 406-512 mhz.
I have read a lot on scanning/scanners recently and trying to understand fundamentals but am not too confident in getting the most out it, I do realize that Toronto ATC frequencies are not within this radio's coverage as well as many emergency services.I just got it today and seem to be getting only vial rail and taxis.
Can anyone assist in providing other Toronto/GTA frequencies within the above mentioned coverage?
I also am not sure if I am using squelch properly . I have it on always..Also, I am in a condo and limited to the attached antenna so this, as well as a very
basic scanner ,could keep me from ' big time' scanning.
I also am not sure if pms happen in this forum. I think I would get a better understanding of it all if there was an opportunity to speak with a member on the phone to sort out what I am doing/doing wrong or the limits that I am faced with. ( Boy, Have I got a headache form my first scanner day!)
Thank you moderators and everyone!

 

[VE3JSO]

I hope a plea for help is OK in the forum. I am a senior new to scanning and from what I have read, I may
not be too successful in my environment or my scanner which is a Bearcat BC144xl from long ago. It is new in box and not expensive. Coverage is 29-54mhz 137-174 mhz 406-512 mhz.
I have read a lot on scanning/scanners recently and trying to understand fundamentals but am not too confident in getting the most out it, I do realize that Toronto ATC frequencies are not within this radio's coverage as well as many emergency services.I just got it today and seem to be getting only vial rail and taxis.
Can anyone assist in providing other Toronto/GTA frequencies within the above mentioned coverage?
I also am not sure if I am using squelch properly . I have it on always..Also, I am in a condo and limited to the attached antenna so this, as well as a very
basic scanner ,could keep me from ' big time' scanning.
I also am not sure if pms happen in this forum. I think I would get a better understanding of it all if there was an opportunity to speak with a member on the phone to sort out what I am doing/doing wrong or the limits that I am faced with. ( Boy, Have I got a headache form my first scanner day!)
Thank you moderators and everyone!

from what i am seeing there is not much you can get with that scanner since every one is switching to digital radios and in some cases in the 800mhz range here is a list of frequencies that you can look through and try

Toronto County, Ontario (ON) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference
any time you need help it always ok to post here there is always great people willing to help

 

[glennradio]

Help for you!

Hi Zapper1. Send me an email at glennradio500@yahoo.ca and we'll see if we can't help you out with some scanning frequencies and hints for reception.
Glenn

 

[VE3RADIO]

I hope a plea for help is OK in the forum. I am a senior new to scanning and from what I have read, I may
not be too successful in my environment or my scanner which is a Bearcat BC144xl from long ago. It is new in box and not expensive. Coverage is 29-54mhz 137-174 mhz 406-512 mhz.
I have read a lot on scanning/scanners recently and trying to understand fundamentals but am not too confident in getting the most out it, I do realize that Toronto ATC frequencies are not within this radio's coverage as well as many emergency services.I just got it today and seem to be getting only vial rail and taxis.
Can anyone assist in providing other Toronto/GTA frequencies within the above mentioned coverage?
I also am not sure if I am using squelch properly . I have it on always..Also, I am in a condo and limited to the attached antenna so this, as well as a very
basic scanner ,could keep me from ' big time' scanning.
I also am not sure if pms happen in this forum. I think I would get a better understanding of it all if there was an opportunity to speak with a member on the phone to sort out what I am doing/doing wrong or the limits that I am faced with. ( Boy, Have I got a headache form my first scanner day!)
Thank you moderators and everyone!

There are lots of things you could listen too.. even some repeated trunked stuff.. but you would do much better with a newer scanner... I have an older decent one I could program and sell to you cheap..