Summarize:

When you purchase a scanner at an electronics or hobby store, it should come with a brochure that will provide the details for its particular make and model. Each scanner make and model is set up a bit differently, so it's a good idea to follow individual directions. Various regional agencies use different frequencies or "channels" for communication purposes, and you can find the frequencies for the agencies you would like to follow in your area. A frequency is the number you will need to program in your scanner to listen to the specific service provider you would like to hear. Since scanners work by radio waves, you can only receive signals from local frequencies, just as you can only listen to local radio stations that broadcast in your area. To find local frequencies, search online for the information, or inquire at the retailer where you purchased your scanner. You can also try www.radioreference.com, which is searchable by city. Once you've located your city, you can choose frequencies that you are interesting in receiving, which can include businesses, airports/aviation, utilities companies, news media, schools, and many other types of agencies. If you're interested in national frequencies, check out www.dxing.com/scanfreq.htm, where you'll find a list of frequencies like the National Guard and the National Weather Service. As you find frequencies you want to program into your scanner, write their reference numbers in a list. You'll need the list to be easily accessible as you program the scanner, so place the list where you can see it. You can go ahead and turn it on now to make sure that its working with no problems. Because you have not yet programmed any local frequencies, don't be surprised if you only hear white noise. This is totally normal. Depending on your scanner model, it might be labeled "Prog" or "PGM." This button may be located in a variety of places on different scanner models. Ask your retailer to show you the location if it is difficult to find, or look at your user manual. You may need to hold down the button briefly to activate the programming function. Look at the top of the screen. On most models, you will see "CH" flashing on the display, to indicate it is ready to program a channel. A channel is where you store your frequencies in order to easily access them when you need them. Think of it like the preset buttons on your car radio. The channel number is a 3-digit number used to store your frequencies. You should do this directly after you have entered your channel number, as this will locate that particular frequency within that particular channel. The frequency number is usually five or six digits long and contains a decimal point. Use the numeric keypad to enter the digits. For example, if your number is 123.456, you will press the keys in that order: 1-2-3-decimal-4-5-6. You can organize the channels and their frequencies as you like, but one method is to use a particular channel for emergency agencies like police, fire, etc.; another channel for local news media; another channel for utilities companies; etc. Keep a running list of where you put everything to make it easier to find later. " You should do this directly after you have entered the channel followed by the frequency. Now the frequency you entered is in that channel. " After entering the MAN, 110, MAN sequence, your channel and frequency should appear. Re-program the scanner if the test was unsuccessful by using the same process. Repeat the process with all frequencies you would like programmed in your scanner until you have the frequencies organized among the channels to your liking. When you are finished programming the scanner, hit your programming button ("Prog" or "PGM") again to exit programming mode.
Read the manufacturer's information. Find frequencies. Connect the antenna and plug in the scanner. Locate the programming button. Press the programming button. Insert the channel number. Enter one of your frequency numbers. Press "Enter. Verify the process was successful by going to another frequency and enter "MAN, 110, MAN.