Communications: Voice, Radio and Data - Uniden Bearcat 30 Channel Scanner

I have a Uniden Bearcat 30 Channel 10 Band Radio Scanner, Model BC60XLT-1. It is MANY years old. Our town recently had a new communications system installed for fire, police, etc. and I can no longer receive transmissions for the channels I have always picked up (fire, police). The scanner will actually pick up the transmission, but all you hear is a "snow" sound. Is this because the new communications signal is different, perhaps digital and my scanner is not capable of the new signal? If you believe this to be so, please tell me what I need to purchase to pick up the new communications signal. Is there a specific scanner I should look for? Any suggestions will be wonderful as I miss listening to my scanner.

There is a website out there that you can actually see what your city/county/whatever uses for radio communications.

I'm no radio expert..but if you are receiving the transmission but just get snow, it sounds like it is probably a digital encryption system. Most stations are upgrading to digital systems as they replace equipment.

Found the site...
RadioReference.com - Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference Database (http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/)

Virtually all of the new communications systems are digital, and they're encrypted. Homeland Security doesn't want people listening in anymore.

Thank you both for all of your help. I did go to RadioReference.com and found that our particular town is digital AND encrypted. That explains my "snow" that I have been receiving. I do realize that criminals listen to scanners to monitor police activity and that it is an advantage to have the channels encrypted. I had listened to the police scanner basically to learn what was happening in our town. We live in a suburban area and never hear (by newspaper, tv) if something, such as a break-in, happens on the next street over. The scanner, at least helped you stay informed. :(

If you have a Radio Shack in your area, check with them. They sell digital scanners and can tell you which channels / departments are actually encrypted. In my area, only certain channels such as detective and SWAT frequencies are encrypted.

If you have a Radio Shack in your area, check with them. They sell digital scanners and can tell you which channels / departments are actually encrypted. In my area, only certain channels such as detective and SWAT frequencies are encrypted.

Better yet, try to find a local Uniden dealer.
Try CB shops , etc.
They'll probably even program your new digital scanner, RS won't!!

fred

I guess they are friendlier in my corner of the world. They loaded my handheld with all departments within a 50 mile radius. also marine, aircraft, cb and frs channels.