DF>Hi, I am new and am looking to buy my first scanner, I have
DF>a RCA (very old) that scans 4 crystals, but it sucks. I am
DF>looking to buy the BC700a and am wondering if it is any
DF>good, and if it isn't recomend a comprable scanner. I
DF>would also appreciate ANY other advice on scanners anyone
DF>could give me.
   Drew,
   I am relatively new to scanners too, but here's my findings.
   The Uniden Bearcat 700A scanner is listed at $189.99 (+ $8.00 Shipping)
   in the SCANNER WORLD USA catalog (800-476-7640). It is a mobile\base
   unit so I assume you plan on using it in your auto? IAC it has 50
   channels and 800 mhz coverage. Now that I look closer at it, it looks
   very nice for the price. It has coverage of:
    29 -   29.7 Mhz (10 meter Amateur Band)
    29.7 - 50 Mhz (VHF Low Band)
    50 -   54 mhz (6 meter Amateur band)
    108 - 136.9756 Mhz (Aircraft Band)
    137 - 144 Mhz (Military Land mobile)
    144 - 148 Mhz (2 Meter Amateur * good radio info stuff on this band)
    148 - 174 Mhz (VHF High Band)
    406 - 420 Mhz (Federal Gov't Land Mobile)
    420 - 450 Mhz (70 cm Amateur Band)
    450 - 470 Mhz (UHF Standard Band)
    470 - 512 Mhz (UHF "T" Band)
    806 - 956 Mhz (Public Service) excludes Cellular band
    The Radio Shack mobile scanner that compares with the Beartcat 700A
   is in the New 1997 Radio Shack catalog. It is the Radio Shack Pro-2046
   mobile 100-channel scanner with 800 mhz and VHF air band. It sells for
   $229.99. It has coverage of:
   29 - 54 Mhz
   108 - 174 Mhz
   406 - 512 Mhz
   806 - 823.9375 Mhz
   851 - 868.9375 Mhz
   896.1125 - 956 Mhz
   I assume the Radio Shack Pro-2046 coverage is about the same as the
   Bearcat 700A mobile scanner. The ranges are given as they are to save
   space in the RS catalog. It you compare the numbers you will see both
   scanners actually cover the same frequency ranges, but are simply printed
   differently. Apparently this is common practice but it can be confusing.
   Also I *think* both scanners may have pre-programmed frequency coverage
   which may be good or bad depending on your requirements.
 Conclusion: If it comes down to a choice between the Bearcat
 700A and the Radio Shack Pro-2046, the BearCat 700A looks as good as the
 Radio Shack 2046 and is cheaper. (Not to mention that with the Radio Shack
 you must purchase the AC adapter seperately.) OTOH, for $40.00 more you
 get 50 more channels with the Radio Shack Pro-2046 (plus extra for the AC
 adapter, etc.. which comes included with the BearCat. At least in the
 Scanner World USA catalog it's included in the 189.99 price.). So we're back
 where we started. The choice is up to you! :) Good luck!
- Robert Fortune
 * OLX 2.1 TD * "Imagine there's no countries (it isn't hard to do)."
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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