to adjust the squelch turn it all the way down (static) then slowly turn it up until the static stops. Look up the frequencies you want to scan, if you only scan the airband range (108-137mhz) you will get alot of junk and birdies (internal radio noise). Also if you scanner came with a rubber ducky (short rubber coated antenna) consider buying a new one, I suggest a cheap radiohack antenna (for $16 - $25 you can get a decent antenna). The rubber ducky will only give limited reception to air band. Lastly read the guide that came with your antenna and "tune" it the the median frequencies you are scanning. say you are scanning a range from 118 - 132 you may want to tune your antenna to 125 to get the "best" coverage. a good place to look up frequencies is radio reference, just google it.