Recommended Scanner Packages

Buying this scanner for yourself or as a gift? Consider these recommended packages below compiled by our scanner experts. (See below for an important note about scanner programming, critical when giving a gift, for novice scanner users and many others.)

 

BCD396XT Recommended Packages   1. In-Vehicle Use Consider these accessories when purchasing the scanner for use in your car or truck. You'll want a way to program the scanner, mount the scanner in your car (we recommend a car vent mount but there are numerous options), and to power and re-charge it with the cigarette lighter cord. We highly recommend that you purchase a mobile scanner antenna which will greatly increase the range and clarity of your reception, and you you should consider the GPS option. With the special GPS receiver antenna and proper programming you'll save yourself loads of effort trying to turn banks on and off as you drive. a) BCD396XT Digital Trunking Scanner b1) Scanner Programming (Have Scanner Master do the work), or b2) ARCXT Basic Programming Software c) RadioReference Subscription (recommended whether or not we program the scanner) d) USB Cable (only if you'll be programming and only if you don't have a serial port on your PC. The PC cable the comes with the scanner is a serial cable) e) QS-200 Car Vent mount f) Cigarette Lighter Mobile Power cord (this way you can operate and charge your rechargeable batteries in the scanner by plugging into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle) g) SpectrumForce Mobile Antenna (low-profile easy on/off antenna for your car that will really improve reception over using the stock antenna that comes with the radio under the steel roof of your vehicle) h) GPS (When programmed with the GPS coordinates, this scanner really shines! You'll need the special GPS receiver to make this work plus a null modem and double-male DB-9 adapter. 2. Around-Town or On-the-Job Use a) BCD396XT Digital Trunking Scanner b1) Scanner Programming (Have Scanner Master do the work), or b2) ARCXT Basic Programming Software c) RadioReference Subscription (recommended whether or not we program the scanner) d) USB Cable (only if you'll be programming and only if you don't have a serial port on your PC. The PC cable the comes with the scanner is a serial cable) e) Carry Case (to help protect the scanner and/or to keep on your belt) -- two options available f) Cigarette Lighter Mobile Power cord (this way you can operate and charge your rechargeable batteries in the scanner by plugging into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle)   3. Around the House Use a) BCD396XT Digital Trunking Scanner b1) Scanner Programming (Have Scanner Master do the work), or b2) ARCXT Basic Programming Software c) USB Cable (only if you'll be programming and only if you don't have a serial port on your PC. The PC cable the comes with the scanner is a serial cable) d) RadioReference Subscription (recommended whether or not we program the scanner) e) Mount - Portable one scanner (or more if you have other portables) mount f) Shadow Earpiece   Other Antenna Considerations: If you're primarily going to monitor 800 MHz trunking systems we strongly recommend the 800 MHz 2.5db gain antenna which will help pull in signal on that band. If you want to improve all-band reception you should consider the Austin Condor or the WSMA 881 Super-Gainer. Note though that all band reception on a portable scanner will only improve marginally -- it's not like putting up an outside antenna on your home which will make a major difference. For mobile scanner use we definitely recommend a mobile scanner antenna. Getting the antenna out from under the steel roof of your car or truck will provide a significant improvement. Try the SprectrumForce antenna or other more expensive (and better) antennas such as the Comtelco or Austin Spectra.

 

*Important Scanner Programming Note*
Scanners must be programmed for the particular public safety radio systems in the area in which the scanner will be used. If you're an experienced scanner user then we recommend you buy the programming software and a RadioReference database subscription to program the scanner on your own. Even for experienced and technical folks, programing scanners, particularly trunking and/or digital scanners, can be very time consuming and frustrating. It's best to have an understanding of the programming methodology of the scanner and of the type of radio system you're programming. This is why Scanner Master programs scanners for a great many of its customers. This way the scanner is ready to use and enjoy, right out-of-the-box, for the area that has been programmed.