Tag Archives: Uniden

Scanner 101 – Installing PC Drivers Uniden BC125AT

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Installing Drivers for the Uniden BC125AT

Step 1
Download the driver for your Uniden BC125AT
– Click here to download –

Step 2
Select Save as, then save the file to the desktop

Step 3
In your start menu, go to “Control Panel”

Step 4
In the Control Panel select “System”

Step 5
Select “Device Manager” (Top left)

Step 6
Plug in the Uniden BC125AT info the PC Via the USB Cable

Step 7 
“Other Devices” should pop up on the list as seen bellow.

Step 8
Right click on “BC125AT” and select “Update Driver Software”

Step 9
Select “Browse my computer for driver software”

Step 10
Click the “Browse” button and select “Desktop” and then hit “Next”

Step 11
You computer will find and install the drivers for the Uniden BC125AT Scanner.

Step 12
Take a look at your “Device Manager” window you will see the “BC125AT” listed under “Ports (COM & LPT)”  Once you see this you have successfully installed the drivers.

Scanner Master Road TripLas Vegas Part 2

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Scanner Master Road Trip
By Jonathan Higgins

Part 2
Race Day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Sunday, March 11, 2012

What to bring with you?
I would recommend packing all your scanner gear into a cinch bag, this light weight bag can be worn on your back. You can bring non open bottles of water into the track. Don’t forget the camera!

My Cinch bag had the following:

Getting the track!
This was my first time attending a race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, so it was quite the experience. If you’re staying on the strip I would recommend checking out the shuttles available. If you want to get there early like I do, I would recommend renting a car. If you don’t plan on having a car for the full vacation, I would recommend getting the rental car the night before. I would recommend reserving a rental car well before your trip, cars can be hard to get on Race weekend. For the best selection of rental cars and companies I would recommend renting from the McCarran Airport.

Our Hotel was the Luxor on the southern part of the strip, the track is north of the strip, approximately 30 minutes away without traffic. The Track is easy to get to, Simply get on to I-15 North to Exit 54 “Speedway Blvd” and follow the signs.

Tickets
Our seats were just before turn 4 on the top row in the “Blue seats”.

Neon Garage
We also purchased two “Neon Garage” passes. You can peer into your favorite driver garage stall as they are getting the car ready for the race. You will also have access to pit road before the race. There is live entertainment, and food available inside the Neon Garage area. This area can be access via a tunnel under the track near the start/finish line.

Listening at the track
You can get frequencies for the upcoming race from Racing Frequencies Online (from Scanner Master), you can also purchase a frequency list at the track for $5.00 at Racing Electronics Haulers.

Driver Channels
These channels change week to week. Most driver have about 4 channels but they only use two channels during the race.

Example
Carl Edwards #99
466.2750 – Primary
468.8250 – Alt. Channel

  • The Primary channel is used for driver communications between the spotter and crew chief.
  • Alt. Channel, is used as a back-up if the primary is having interference issues .
  • Some teams use NEXEDGE Digital for non driver communications, this type of communications cannot be monitored by a scanner at this time. For example Carl Edwards team uses the NEXEDGE channel for communications between the spotter and crew chief. The channel acts as a relay if the main channel is tied up.

Track Officials
461.2000 – Race Control 461.2000
464.6000 – Race Control / Back Up
451.2250 – Safety
451.5750 – Qualifying
MRN/PRN Radio Broadcast
454.0000

Track Operations
For track operation frequencies I would recommend checking RadioReference.com. Here is what I found for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Putting the Uniden BC125AT to the test at the track
Great scanner for the race track! The large display made it simple to see who talking. I had to enter a few more frequencies at the track, it was super simple to field program without a PC. Audio and reception was great! If you’re looking to replace or buy a scanner for the race track, I would consider the Uniden BC125AT Scanner for sure!

Make sure you check out Part 1
Visiting and listening to Las Vegas!

Scanner Master Road Trip Las Vegas Part 1

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Scanner Master Road Trip
By Jonathan Higgins

Part 1
Preparing for the trip
Monitoring on The Las Vegas Strip

Destination: Las Vegas, NV and Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Last weekend my wife and I took a weekend vacation to Las Vegas to see the NASCAR Cup Race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Before we the trip we pack our gear for the race which includes:

We spend our long weekend checking out the sites, Las Vegas Strip, Hover Dam and Grand Canyon West Rim. Our accommodations were at the Luxor Hotel on the Southern Part of the strip. I brought the BC346XT for the race and to monitor the public safety in Las Vegas area.

Programming in the BC346XT

My Favorite Drivers
(Systems 1-10)

Las Vegas Metro Police
-All channels (System 11)

Clark County – South Nevada Area Communications Council (SNACC)
Motorola Type II SmartZone (System 12)
– Las Vegas Fire Talk groups
– North Las Vegas Fire Talk groups
– North Las Vegas Police Talk groups

Nevada Shared Radio System
EDACS Networked Standard Analog (System 13)
– Nevada Highway Patrol Talkgroups

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
LTR Trunking System (System 14)
– All talkgroups

Excalibur Hotel and Casino
Motorola Trunking System (System 15)
– All talkgroups

Monitoring Notes

The Uniden BC346XT was a great unit for the Las Vegas area. All of the systems in Las Vegas is using analog conventional and analog trucking.

Las Vegas Metro Police
Most of channels on Metro Police System are using the (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department) – OpenSky Trunking system, but they are simulcasting on the old VHF System. The short time monitoring the simulcasted channels, it seem like the OpenSky System is plagued with problems. Multiple times I hear the dispatch “could you please repeat that”. At one point I hear the system get stuck, the officer audio was studding. Very much like the audio I heard from the story out of West Palm Beach FL reported on back in May 2011.

Clark County Trunking System & Nevada Shared Radio System
Pretty descent coverage, lots of towers to choose from we were in range of a few towers from our Hotel. You can hear the NV Highway Patrol on this system.

Monitoring the Hotels
I would say the Security talkgroups were the most interesting to monitor. I wasn’t able to monitor the Trunking system in the Luxor because it’s a Nexedge Standard Trunking system.

Make sure you check out Part 2
Race Day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Sunday, March 11, 2012

Show Off Your Shack!

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We would love to see photos of your shack at your home, office or vehicle, or even your antenna set-up. A few times a month the Scanner Master Blog will feature a customer shack, maybe yours! Some of you may be asking what is a “Shack”? It’s your monitoring post where you spend your time listening to your scanners. If you think you have a cool set-up we would love to see it. Check out the shacks so far! Your Shack could be here, Next!

Simply follow the steps below to show off your shack! Step 1 Take photos of your shack, up to 4 jpg photos. —

Step 2
Description of your shack:
  • What your station consist of … scanners, two way radios, and so on.A little about yourself:
  • Your Name
  • Your City and State
  • Ham Call Sign (if you have one)
  • How long you been in the hobby?
    What you like to listen to? —

Step 3
E-mail us your write up and attach your photos and keep eye on the Scanner Master Blog!

—
Scanner Master reserves the right to edit text, and photos. We may not be able to feature all “Show Off Your Shack” entries.

Scanner 101 – Programming the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Scanner

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Product: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Scanner

Scanner 101 Topic: Manually programming the BC125AT Scanner without software.

———-

Here are the steps to programming a conventional frequency into BC125AT

Step 1
Press Hold Button and Press the channel number you want to program then hit hold again.

Step 2
Press “Func” (Orange Button) then hit “Pgm E” button.

Step 3
“Enter Frequency” will be highlighted press “Pgm E” button.

Step 4
Press in the frequency you would like to program, then hit “Pgm E” button when you done.

Step 5
Select “Edit Tag” by scrolling the knob at the top of the scanner one click clockwise, then press “Pgm E” button.

Step 6
Using the knob at the top of the scanner scroll thru the letters and stop on the one you want then hit the “6 >” button to add the next letter. (repeat this step on until complete) Once your done with your Text Tag then hit the “Pgm E” button

Step 6
Select “Set CTCSS/DCS ” by scrolling the knob at the top of the scanner one click clockwise, then press “Pgm E” button.

Step 7
You can select from the following CTCSS/DCS options

  • Off
  • CTCSS
  • DCS
  • CTCSS/DCS Search

If the frequency has a CTCSS or DCS you can program it here or you can Search for it.

Step 8
The other options in the menu you wouldn’t need to worry about when programming. You can now hit scan to start scanning. To add more frequencies repeat Steps 1 – 7.
—–

Programming Software
Programming software is available from Uniden and from BuTel software. Uniden Software will be very basic vs. the BuTel Software will more advanced. With the BuTel Software you will have capability to import frequencies from RadioReference.com with a paid Membership.

Product Test – Uniden Bearcat BC125AT

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By Jonathan Higgins – The Scanner Expert

Product Tested: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT
Cost of product: $139.95

Out of the box
I’m very impressed with the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT, everything I could ask for in a basic analog conventional scanner. Alpha Tagging, PL Tone, NOAA Weather Alerts, and much, much more!

Once programmed, I had great reception inside of our Holliston office. The speaker audio quality was clear and crisp. Unit is pretty light weight even with the batteries installed.

This scanner will be ideal for someone that in area using analog conventional communications . Also great for auto racing, railroad buff or aviation hobbyist.

What makes this scanner different from BC72XLT and BC95XT?
Uniden added a lot of features, that are available in the XT models.

  • ALPHA Tagging – you can program a frequency and assign a name to the channel such as:
  • Private Line Tone (PL Tone) along with programming the frequency you can program CTCSS or DCS. If you’re not sure what the PL Tone is you can do a CTCSS/DCS Search. This is very helpful with blocking interference.
  • Bigger Memory – 500 channels, 10 banks, 50 channels per bank.
  • NOAA Weather Alert Mode
  • Narrowband Compatibles
  • Includes Military Air Band
  • Priority Scan with “do-not-disturb”
  • Close Call RF Capture with Do-Not-Disturb

    Design
    BC125AT is very handsome in it black and gray case, with its easy to press black and white buttons. Very compact and can fit in a shirt pocket without a problem. The display is much larger then BC346XT/BCD396XT, and super easy to read. Across the top of the scanner you have; multifunction knob at the top right, head set jack in the middle and BNC antenna connection on the left. Charging/ remote programming port on the right side. The back of the scanner you have the fixed belt clip and AA Alkaline/rechargeable battery compartment.

    Memory System
    Bank structured memory system with 500 channels, 10 banks with 50 channels per bank. The layout is very simple to understand for someone trying to field program the scanner.

    Band Coverage
    25-54 MHz
    108-174 MHz
    225-380 MHz
    400-512 MHz

    Service Searches
    Very simple to turn off and on Press “Func” then “Srch”. The services are broken down into banks and you can turn them on and off by press it number. Let’s say you want to turn off “CB Radio” press the “8” button to turn it off and to turn it back on just press the “8” again. To return to normal scanning press the “Scan” button.

    1. Police
    2. Fire/Emergency
    3. Ham Radio
    4. Marine
    5. Railroad
    6. Civil Air
    7. Military Air
    8. CB Radio
    9. FRS/GMRS/MURS
    0. Racing

    Custom Band Search
    Band Searches, press “Srch” button, you can set up to 10 custom search band limits. While in this mode press “Func” then “Pgm” then Select “Program Limits”. You will have a list of 10 custom search bank.

    Powering the Scanner
    Very much like IPhone/IPod, the BC125AT comes with a multipurpose USB cable. This cable can connect to the PC for programming and firmware updates. This cable powers the scanner via a USB AC or USB DC adapter (Sold Separately). Rechargeable batteries can be charged inside the unit.

    Programming Software
    Programming software will be available from Uniden and from BuTel software shortly. Uniden Software will be very basic vs. the BuTel Software will more advanced. With the BuTel Software you will have capability to import frequencies from RadioReference.com with a paid Membership.

    Weather “WX”
    This compact unit is great for monitoring NOAA Weather radio. You can also receive NOAA Weather Alerts while the scanner is scanning. Or you can run the scanner in Weather Alerts Standby mode. In this mode the BC125AT will act as weather station, audio will kick-in with weather alerts. To see all weather options on the scanner press “Func” then the “3 WX” button.


    In the Box

  • BC125AT
  • Rubber Duck Antenna
  • Multipurpose USB Cable

    Owners Manual
    (available online PDF)


    Recommend Optional Accessories
    Scanner Master is currently developing multiple carrying cases and we will keep you posted on that. We carry both optional AC USB and DC USB adapters, along with backup rechargeable batteries. We also have full line of portable antennas with BNC connections. If you plan on using the BC125AT in the home make sure you check out “Spectrum Force Desk Mount for One Portable Scanner“.

    • New Product – Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Scanner

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    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

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    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

    New Product – HomePatrol – Uniden Nylon Travel Case

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    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: