BC250D

THE BEARCAT STORY

It started with a slight vibration, then a muffled explosion followed. Jim Thompson's survival instincts wakened him. Something was not right. Sirens sounded, first one, then two, then more. Jim's wife, Sue, was now awake and the look in her eyes asked, "Are you sure all of us are safe?"

Jim leaned over to the night stand and turned on his Bearcat scanning radio. It was programmed for Police, Fire, Gas Company, News Reporters and Mobile Telephone calls.

"If the fire hits that tank, it will level the town." Was the first message Jim heard. The tone was professional - but Jim recognized an edge of terror in the voice of the police officer.

The scanner stopped on the fire frequency. "I've contacted railroad officials and the gas company. They have emergency crews headed for the South Yards. They said not to use water, repeat not to use water! Police are being directed to evacuate the entire area."

The story unfolded. Jim heard both the Gas Company and the Railroad identify the problem: a tank car, loaded with a deadly gas, had derailed. Jim also heard the Mayor talking on his mobile phone, instructing city officials, as well as news reporters calling in their reports from the scene. And Jim herded his sleepy family from the house to his car and safety.

This story is fictitious but possible - even similar to recent events. Its purpose is to illustrate the value of being able to listen to all the things there are to hear in the radio sound spectrum. It's a world of listening... Bearcatting we call it.

It means first hand knowledge of events, the news as it is happening - and you know it first! Bearcatting means peace of mind from knowing the truth, the appreciation of the dedication, the everyday drama and danger police and firemen encounter. Bearcatting means understanding the technical excellence of "Hams", hearing emergencies and problems of ships at sea, the motion picture crews, utilities, businesses.

Bearcatting means hearing all the things there are to listen to... including the humor and pathos revealed in mobile telephone conversations.

Bearcatting was invented by Electra, the leader in this exciting new industry. In Indiana, we build Bearcat brand radios, using advanced state-of-the-art. Custom integrated circuits - the same types of devices that made the latest electronic watches and calculators possible. Bearcat offers a complete line of listening products, both professional and consumer.

A new information and education tool, the world of listening ... "Bearcatting".

- From the side panel of the Bearcat 101 scanner box, circa 1977