Scanner Appraisal

Uniden Bearcat BC178XLT Programmable Scanning Radio

This is a Uniden Bearcat BC178XLT, a 100-channel, 11-band programmable scanning radio from the 1990s. The device is housed in a textured black plastic chassis designed for desktop use. The front panel features a numeric keypad (0-9, decimal, and E), dedicated function buttons such as 'SCAN', 'HOLD', 'WEATHER', and 'SEARCH', and two primary rotary knobs for 'VOLUME' and 'SQUELCH' located at the bottom left. The unit features a small rectangular LCD display window and prominent branding, including a red oval label stating 'Programmable Scanning Radio Featuring Weather Alert'. The aesthetics are classic mid-to-late 20th-century consumer electronics, characterized by boxy geometry and tactile buttons. Condition-wise, the unit displays significant surface dust, light scuffing on the plastic casing, and the remnants of a Goodwill price sticker on the right side. The markings are clear and legible in gold and red print, though the overall appearance suggests it has been stored in a garage or similar environment. It lacks an attached antenna in the photo, and its operational status is unknown, which is a critical factor for vintage electronics of this type.