Radio Scanning

[NSlover92]

Hello,

     I am a avid model railroader, but resently I have been getting into railfanning. I am trying to figure out how to get set up for scanning the radio freq. I have a Uniden Bearcat, its pretty old, and my grandma used it for scanning fire and police stations. I would like ot know if that would get the railroad freq. and if anyone knows where i can find the manual online or how to program stations into it.

[Dakguy201]

I don't know how to set the scan on that set, but the frequencies you want to cover are 160.110 to 162.000

[chad thomas]

If it' old it may use crystals. Crystals are frequency dependant and have to be changed to change frequency. Not very convienent, but if you are faceing buying a new $70 & up scanner vs buying a few $1-5 crystals then it might be worth the saveings. Modern scanners are programable and you just punch in the freq. If its programable you will see the freq displayed. If it's crystal then you will probably have a row of leds with corresponding numbers like 1-10 (one for each crystal)

 

[NSlover92]

This one doesnt use crystals.

[duiker]

I was able to download a manual for an old Bearcat Scanner form their web-site.  Do a Google search for Uniden.  You should be able to find that iinformation there.

[wwhitby]

If you can find a manual online, the manual will have instructions on how to program it. 

For frequencies, go to the Ohio Railroads page on radioreference.com - http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=1165

Feel free to ask me any questions that you have.  I've been listening to the scanner for almost 30 years, and have really enjoyed listening to the local railroads.

Take care, and good luck!

Warren