SmartRaceFan Communications

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(This Guide/Information is written to assist the Newcomer to Nascar - We hope it helps!)

In search of a scanner?  What are you needing it for?  What accessories do you really need for your purpose?  Don't let eBay listings lead you to purchase more than you need.  The prices on some listings can be misleading in order for the cost to cover the multiple accessories included and you could possibly find another combo listing that has only the accessories you need for a lower cost.  But lets get to the subject of the actual scanner.

Of course there are multiple kinds of scanners with different number of channels available for each.  This can confuse even the avid scanner guru at times.  Think hard about your main purpose for the scanner and what you really want to scan with it and how often.  Then think about the particular accessories that will assist you in enjoying your experience to the max and stick with getting those.

New to NASCAR? How many drivers will you want to listen to? Keep in mind that the field usually has less than 44 drivers.  Are you going to scan more than one series?  Cup, Busch and/or Truck Series?  There is also MRN and track officials - less than 10 additional frequencies.

If you are only going to be involved with one of the series or even two of the series - you should do just fine with the BC72XLT - 100 channel scanner with very minimal reprogramming.  You could go with the BC60 or BC80 but these have basically been replaced by the BC72, BC92 and SC230. 

If you are going to be involved with two of the series or even three of the series and don't mind spending a little more money - you should do just fine with the BC92XLT - 200 channel scanner with very minimal reprogramming.  (You will most likely end up with several unused channels)

Do you need a scanner with 1600 channels?  Programming scanners is not difficult.  Actually the more channels you have the more difficult the programming can be.  But the advantage to the more channels is that you normally only have to program them once and you can include frequencies outside of NASCAR that would allow you to use your scanner at home - police, fire and rescue as a few examples.  Check your local entity communications systems though - if they are trunked or encrypted your normal scanner will serve very little to no purpose for you.  A trunked system bounces around on different frequencies making it difficult for any of the above scanners to capture an entire conversation, you would need to invest in a trunk tracker scanner and they are more costly.  If the system is encrypted you aren't going to be able to scan it at all, as of yet.

How about the accessories?  The stubby antenna is not a requirement, but at a NASCAR event it is highly recommended.  (See our guide on the notorious stubby antenna)  You need at least one headset - and if you are like us - it's much more enjoyable to take a friend with you.  So, you will need two headsets.  Two headsets require the "splitter cord" to connect both headsets with your scanner.  Scanner case?  You've invested big bucks in your scanner - why not include a little protection for it?  This is an inexpensive accessory that will assist in doing that from the "drinkers" around you as well as any wet weather.  The "leg strap" - adds comfort to your nascar experience - keeps you from dropping that scanner or having to hold on to it every time you jump up to catch the track action!  How about the tote bag?  Most of us have all kinds of tote bags around the house that will be track legal and suffice for carrying all of the above - or you can pay a little extra and purchase combos that include these.  A tote bag really isn't a requirement because you can carry all of these items in the track attached to your body and save your tote allotment for more important things such as that cooler or food items or an extra cooler with more refreshment!  This call is entirely up to you.  Each person is only allowed 2 carry in items.  A bookbag counts as one and can suffice as a bag for your scanner and accessories as well.  Then you get another carry on item.  (We suggest you go to our website under the calendar section where you can click on any track that you are planning to attend and go to their specific website for any other rules and regulations for the fans.)

We hope this has helped you gather your thoughts while you are searching around.  We invite you to visit our website where you can request FREE Nascar race frequencies with periodic updates.  You can do this with or without a purchase from us.  Our number one goal is the Nascar fan and enjoying their experience!  We would love to have you as a customer - but want you to be fully informed and equipped for your venture regardless!

Check out our feedback of 100% - we go above and beyond the call of a normal business transaction.  We are here to help you!  See our About Me page to access our website.  Thank you so much for your time and hope our input has helped. 

SmartRaceFan Communications