About Jonathan Higgins

Jonathan joined Scanner Master in May 2008. Along with being a scanner expert Jonathan handles all of the digital content; websites, point of sale management, social media, blogs, e-newsletters, phone system, and photography. Before working at Scanner Master Jonathan was in Radio as an on air personality and producer, in both the Boston and Providence Markets. Jonathan has been interested in scanners and two-way radios for over 25 years When not at work Jonathan loves to spend time with his wife Jodie and daughter Kortnie and there dogs Abbie, Daisy and Watson. He loves to go bike riding and camping with his family. He has an interest in trains and railroad history, check out his personal blog "Train Aficionado" about everything that rides on rails!

New Product – Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Scanner

Product: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Analog Conventional Scanner
MSRP Price: $179.95
Price: $139.95
Note: Available first week in February!

This scanner will not work in all areas, please check out sister site policescanners.net for compatibly.

Bellow is product description provide by Paul Opitz Senior Product Manger @ Uniden


BC125AT, 500 channels in 10 banks/50 channels per-bank, the BC125AT includes full VHF and UHF coverage (see the frequency chart below), including Air and Military Air channels, as well as full alpha tagging for all channels. PC programmability makes it simple to quickly program up for events such as air shows, auto racing, boat racing, and more.

Close Call® RF Capture including Do-Not-Disturb makes capturing those unknown frequencies a snap. Plus, Uniden has extended the Do-Not-Disturb functionality to include Priority channels, so annoying interruptions from priority or Close Call checks is a thing of the past.

The BC125AT includes all the feature enhancements you’ve come to expect from Uniden, including Temporary Lockout, CTCSS/DCS decoding, per-channel dropout delay, and complete search features, all in a compact, easy-to-carry chassis. Weather priority and weather alert will also keep you informed as to the latest weather and other hazard as announced by the National Weather Service.

BC125AT Features:

Memory Storage/Programming

  • 10 Channel Storage Banks – You can store up to 50 frequencies into each bank for a total of 500 frequencies so you can more easily identify calls.
  • PC Programming – you can download information into the scanner and control the scanner via your personal computer.
  • CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes – rapid search for CTCSS/DCS tones/codes used during a transmission. You can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes.
  • Direct Access – lets you directly access any channel.
  • Text Tagging – you can name each channel, using up to 16 characters per name.
  • Memory Backup – keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time if the scanner loses power.
  • Key Confirmation Tones – You can turn on/off a tone that sounds when you perform an operation correctly or if you make an error.
  • Key Lock – lets you lock the scanner’s keys to help prevent accidental changes to the scanner’s programming.

Close Call

  • Close Call RF Capture Technology – you can set the scanner so it detects
    and provides information about nearby radio transmissions
  • Close Call Do-Not-Disturb – checks for Close Call activity in between channel reception so active channels are not interrupted.
  • Close Call Temporary Store – temporarily stores and scans the last 10 Close Call hits in the ‘Close Call Hits’ system.

Lock-Out Functions

  • Lock-Out Function – lets you set your scanner to skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching.
  • Temporary Lockout – makes it easy to temporarily lock out any channel or frequency. The lockout is cleared when you turn power off, then back on so you don’t have to remember to unlock the channels later.

Priority Functions

  • Priority Scan with Do Not Disturb – lets you program one channel in each bank (10 in all) and then have the scanner check each channel every 2 seconds while it scans the banks so you don’t miss transmissions on those channels. Do-Not Disturb keeps the scanner from interrupting transmissions during receiving.
  • Priority Plus Scan – you can set the scanner so it scans only the priority channels.

Display

  • Display Backlight – You can turn on/off the LCD backlight, set it operate on squelch only, keypress only, or both.
  • Signal Strength Meter – shows the signal strength for more powerful transmissions.

Antenna/Reception

  • Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector – provides adequate reception in strong signal areas and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage. Or, you can connect an external antenna for better reception.
  • Triple-Conversion Circuitry – virtually eliminates any interference from IF (intermediate frequency) images, so you hear only the selected frequency.

Service Banks/Searches

  • Service Banks – frequencies are preset in 10 separate Police, Fire/Emergency, Ham, Marine, Railroad, Civil Air, Military Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS/MURS, and Racing banks to make it easy to locate specific types of calls and search any or all of these banks.
  • Custom Search – lets you program up to 10 Custom Search Ranges and search any or all of these ranges.
  • Quick Search – allows you to enter a frequency and start searching up or down from that frequency.
  • Turbo Search – increases the search speed from 100 to 300 steps per second automatically for bands with 5 kHz steps.
  • Search Lockouts – you can lock up to 200 search frequencies: 100 temporary frequencies and 100 permanent frequencies in Custom Search, Service Search, Close Call Search, or Quick Search Modes.
  • Scan/Search Delay/Resume – controls whether the scanner pauses at the end of the transmission to wait for a reply. You can set the Delay time for each Channel, Close Call Search, Custom Search, and Service search. You can also set a negative delay where the scanner stops on transmissions for a set time then automatically resumes.

Weather

  • Weather Alert Priority – the scanner scans active WX channels every 5 seconds to check for the presence of a 1050 Hz Weather Alert Tone.
  • Weather Alert Standby – the scanner allows you to monitor for weather alerts broadcast on NOAA channels.

Power

  • Two Power Options – let you power the scanner using the included two AA rechargeable or alkaline batteries or the supplied USB cable.
  • Battery Save – works when there is no transmission for 1 minute in Scan Hold Mode and any Search Hold Mode (without Priority Scan). This feature turns off RF power for 1 second and turns on it for 300ms to extend the battery life.
  • Battery Low Alert – the icon will blink in the display and a tone warns you every 15 seconds when the battery power gets
  • Built-In Charger – allows you to charge Ni-MH batteries in the scanner using a USB port on any computer and the supplied USB cable.

Frequency Coverage:
25-54 MHz
108-174 MHz
225-380 MHz
400-512 MHz

HomeTown Programming Services

As scanner technology and memory management advances to keep up with advanced communications systems, scanners have become increasingly complex to set-up and program. Scanner Master is the nation’s leader in scanner programming, relying on our nearly 30 years of experience.

We Program the following scanners:

Uniden:

BCD996T/XT, BCD396T/XT, BCT15/X, BC346XT, BC246T
GRE:
PSR-300, PSR-310, PSR-400, PSR-410, PSR-500, PSR-600
Radio Shack:
PRO-163, PRO-164, PRO-106, PRO-197
….as well as many older model scanners

Programming made as easy as 1,2,3!
Step 1 – Download Our Programming Order Form [PDF file]
Step 2 – Fill out order form
Step 3 – Pack up your scanner and ship it to us

Ship Scanners to:
Scanner Master Corp
ATTN: Programming Department
260 Hopping Brook Road
Holliston, MA 01746

Generally we program Police/Sheriff/Highway Patrol, Fire and EMS unless otherwise requested. Programming generally takes one to two weeks as we often have many radios to program at one time. Special requests may incur an additional fee.

—————————————————————————–

Set-up and Optimize Service for Pre-Programmed Scanners

Uniden:

HomePatrol HP-1

GRE:
PSR-700, PSR-800
RadioShack:
PRO-107, PRO-18


This great service covers the following:

  • Setting up a local favorites list/Scan List for your hometown
  • Updating the national pre-programmed database to the current date
  • Updating the radio’s firmware (operating system) to the latest version

Set-up and Optimize made as easy as 1,2,3!
Step 1- Download our Setup and Optimize order form [PDF file]
Step 2 – Fill out order form
Step 3 – Pack up your scanner and ship it to us

Ship Scanners to:
Scanner Master Corp
ATTN: Programming Department
260 Hopping Brook Road
Holliston, MA 01746

Tips for Scanning During Severe Weather

By Jonathan Higgins
When making up your Emergency Preparedness Kit you may want to add a scanner to the list. A scanner will give you a tool of knowledge during a storm. You can get weather updates, road closures, and so much more.

Severe Weather Scanning
Having a scanner can be very helpful during a severe weather event. With most scanners you can get updates on weather via NOAA Weather Radio. Some scanners can alert you when there is severe weather coming, such as hurricanes, Tornados, severe thunderstorms and so on. Monitoring your local and state public safety will keep you informed what going on during the event.

What type of scanner do we recommend?
We highly recommend a portable scanner, in the event of power failure. Portable scanners are easy to carry with you and also operate on batteries, AC and DC power.

The Scanner models below will have NOAA Weather Radio plus weather alert technology. To see what scanner is the best for your area please visit our sister website: http://www.policescanners.net

   Type of Scanners Uniden Scanners
Analog trunking Uniden BC346XT
Digital Trunking Uniden BCD396XT
Pre Programmed Uniden HomePatrol-1

If your new to the scanning hobby, we have programming options available for each model listed above. We also carry software for programming too.

Recommend accessories with your portable scanner:

  • Carrying Case
  • AC adapter and mobile power cord
    (most scanners come with AC Adapter)
  • Alkaline /Rechargeable Batteries
  • Battery Charger with AC and DC plugs

    Already own a scanner? Here are some programming tips…
    In addition to programming your local Fire EMS and state/local police you may want to program some storm related departments such as:

  • Local and Statewide Emergency Management Agencies
  • Highway/Dept of Public Works
  • Electric Utilities Company
  • Intercity Fire and Police Networks
  • Most of this can be found on RadioReference.com

    You don’t always need to scan these departments, but you can stored them in the scanner, so in an event of a storm they can be turn on.

    Helpful Links: Basic Emergency Supply Kit
    Disaster Supply Kit
    Hurricane Evacuation Kit

    Scanner 101 – HomePatrol-1 Extreme Trunking Discovery and Analysis



    Paul Opitz, Senior Product Manager at Uniden continues his video series about the new HomePatrol-1 Extreme features:

    Trunking Analysis

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ay-8aH6bE&w=350&h=350]

    Trunking Discovery

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHp2PJmiUEg&w=350&h=350]

    Click here to see all past videos.

    How do you get HomePatrol-1 Extreme, click here to read the details.

    New Product – Audio Isolator Cables

    The Products:
    Isolator Cable Male to Male (6 foot)
    Price: $19.95

    Isolator Cable Male to Female (6 foot)
    Price: $19.95
    (Both cables made by Comtekk)

    Streaming your scanner online? The Isolator Cable is a must have. The Isolator filters out unwanted line noise improving your streams audio. This cable will also protect your computer with the exclusive Comtekk’s 600-ohm isolator with DC Blocking, ground loop elimination “hot chassis” and surge protection.

    We carry the Male to male cable for direct connection from PC to the scanner and the male to female cable so you can use extension (male to male) cable for those longer runs.

    In the photo below is the Isolator Cable Male to Male (6 foot):

    Riding the Rails – Steamtown National Park


    If you like trains and railroading, like I do, bring your scanner with you the next time you take a train trip. It will give you an exciting behind the scenes look at railroading!

    Steamtown National Park
    Scranton, PA

    Over my July Summer vacation I was able to Ride the Rails at Steamtown. Steamtown is National Historic Site located in Scranton Pennsylvania. The museum sits on 40 acres of the Scranton Railroad Yard of the Former Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The collection consists of locomotives, freight cars and passenger cars, and Maintenance-of-way equipment. The collection includes Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 Built in 1941.

    You can even ride on historical passenger cars pulled by a vintage steam locomotive or an historic diesel-electric locomotive. Most of the excursions are on the weekends (see 2011 Excursion Schedule). Or you can take the “Scranton Limited” a guided tour taking you out of the historical roundhouse into the active rail yard and over Bridge 60 built in 1912.


    The Electric City Trolley Museum
    Scranton, PA

    Trolley fan? Across the parking lot is the “Electric City Trolley Museum”. You can check out the Museum and take a 10 mile round trip ride on vintage trolley. This scenic ride on Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley (Laurel Line) right of way will take you through 4,474 feet long Crown Ave Tunnel, one of the longest interurban tunnels ever built.


    Rail Scanning
    Bring along your scanner, and program 161.4600MHz. Lots of active from the museum communications to the local freight passing through. I was able to find the frequency by using the Railroad Service Search.

    My Scanning Gear
    Uniden BCD396XT with the stock antenna
    Soft leather Case with Swivel

    New Product – HomePatrol – Uniden Nylon Travel Case

    The Product:
    HomePatrol – Uniden Nylon Travel Case
    Price: $69.95
    For: Uniden HomePatrol HP-1

    On the go with your Uniden HomePatrol? We now carry the HomePatrol – Uniden Nylon Travel Case. With the clear plastic cover over the screen you can see and operate the HP-1 in the Travel case. This Travel case is a must have for someone moving the HP-1 for from location to another.

    Storage above for:

    • Flex Antenna
    • AC Power Adapter
    • DC power Adapter
    • Desk Stand
    • USB Cable
    • Extra Batteries.

     

    Case Size:
    10” x 7” x 2 ½”

    There are opening on the sides for hook-up to antenna, power, GPS, and headphones. You can close these opening with the Velcro flaps located inside the case.

    Other availbale cases for the Uniden Homepatrol:

     

    Scanner 101 – Understanding BuTel ARCXT Software

    Last month Gommert Buysen, the owner and software developer of BuTel Software stopped in at our corporate headquarters in Holliston, MA. During his visit we shot two great videos about the ARCXT Software.

    Products used in this Scanner 101:
    ARCXT Basic
    ARCXT PRO
    Uniden USB Cable

    The ARCXT Software works with the following Uniden scanners:
    BCT15X
    BC346XT
    BCD396XT
    BCD996XT

    What are the differences between the ARCXT Basic and PRO?

    Option
    ARC-XT-BASIC
    ARC-XT-PRO
    Multi scanner support
    Yes
    Yes
    Enhanced Editor for conv./trunk channels
    Yes
    Yes
    Bandplan Editor
    Yes
    Yes
    Multi Trunk site programming
    Yes
    Yes
    Virtual Control
    No
    Yes
    RadioRef Import
    Yes
    Yes
    GPS US address lookup utility
    Yes
    Yes
    Enhanced Virtual Control
    No
    Yes
    Data logging/history
    No
    Yes
    Bandscope
    No
    Yes
    Waterfall Display
    No
    Yes
    ‘no loss’ Harddisk Audio Recording
    No
    Yes
    Closecall/Subtone logging
    No
    Yes


    Video 1 –
    ARC-XT Scanner Radio Software Walkthrough

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mchtwl4ugbM&w=400&h=350]

    Video 2 –
    ARC-XT PRO Scanner Radio Software Virtual Console Walkthrough

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuoUJYVYk38&w=400&h=350]

    Road Trip back from Dayton Hamvention

    By Richard Barnett

    Destination: Dayton, OH
    Event: Dayton Hamvention
    When: Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22, 2011

    Dayton Hamvention Report

    Gommert Buysen of Butel Software and I just returned from the Dayton Hamvention in Dayton, OH. The Hamvention is the world’s largest Ham radio show and has been held every year in late May since the early 1950s. For the past dozen or so years Scanner Master has had a booth at the show where we meet scanner hobbyists and amateur radio operators, talk scanners and show and sell scanners and accessories.

    We drive out to the show each year from our Massachusetts offices and this year we brought with us the Uniden HomePatrol HP-1 for the ride and mounted it on Uniden’s new windshield suction-cup mount along with our Garmin GPS receiver kit to provide the HomePatrol with constant automatic position data. This set-up was simply amazing. We did not have to touch the HP-1 more than a couple of times on the entire route from near Boston to the far side of Ohio. The radio constantly updated the active channels based on our location. As we drove the State Police/Highway Patrol was always active and the county sheriffs and local police channels enabled and disabled automatically as needed. If we wanted to listen to fire services as well we just pressed the menu key, pressed the select service types key, and the fire key. That’s it.

    At the show the HomePatrol received universal praise from other very serious hobbyists as well as Ham radio operators for its ease-of-use and, like us, everyone who drove to the show with the GPS functionality on were simply wowed at how well it worked. As the RadioReference database which fuels the HomePatrol gets better and better every day the radio becomes more of an incredible tool. Yes we’re gushing, but this scanner deserves every accolade it gets.

    We’ll have more on the show and other radios that people loved in an upcoming posting.

    Rich Barnett