Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather, and More, Black

This unit is versatile in that it is easily moved from a desktop installation to a vehicle installation - and it is ALMOST a portable unit except that it needs an external power connection. It is small and light enough to be moved about easily, and compact enough to fit in many cubby holes. Unlike some mobile units, its exterior is clean enough to look fine sitting out in the open on a desktop, yet it can be quickly/easily attached to a (pre-installed) mount in a vehicle, although it does require manual attachment of the power and antenna cables. Of course, the mobile mounting bracket could be used instead to mount the unit, say, under a shelf or whatever. Functionally, it works well in most respects. I was a little surprised that it seems to be a bit less sensitive than the old crystal-controlled scanner that it replaced. The backlit display is readable under most lighting conditions, but some indicators would seem quite small for quick reading in a mobile installation - unless the unit can be located fairly close to the observer. Fortunately, its not necessary to see them clearly during normal scanning mode. I havent yet used my unit in a mobile installation, but Im wondering if the buttons will be easy to see and access under poor lighting conditions. The buttons are small enough and spaced tightly enough that they might be difficult to use in a moving vehicle and/or with a gloved hand. Generally speaking, the unit is easy to use, but some of the functions dont seem to be intuitive - and so I often have to pull out the manual to do the operations that I use only rarely, in order to get all of the necessary steps in the correct sequence. The most tedious aspect is when manually programming (or removing) specific frequencies. While not particularly difficult, the process is time-consuming. It would help a lot if this unit had the ability to be programmed from a computer, because this likely would save a lot of time in the process. Meanwhile, programming frequencies by capturing actual transmissions is straight-forward, quick and easy - so long as the someone cooperates by transmitting on the desired channel when you want to capture it. I am still rather confused by how the channel banks interact with each other - and how to configure them properly. But, Ive been able to get the unit set up to do almost all that I need it to do. (The missing piece is that I dont know how to access the PL channels that are used in this area). The unit does retain its programming when power is removed - although I havent confirmed this over the long-term. The only problem Ive run into is being unable to find any specifications for the necessary impedance of the external speaker, and wasnt even able to find out from Tech Support. This isa rather concerning. Hopefully, they will be more helpful if there are any other support needs. Overall, I do like this unit, and I feel it is a good value.

when I turned this scanner on there was no sound, I connected an external speaker and it began to work.. I removed the bottom of the the unit and repaired the broken wire . Nice scanner after all that..

Doesnt pick up local lime it suppose to

Over the years Ive owned a number of Uniden BC355 scanners. Theyre simple to use and program, and the audio output is loud and clear. Of course, this is an analog scanner, but for areas like rural Vermont, analog systems are still very much in use. The unit comes complete with AC adapter, DC cigarette lighter cord for mobile use, telescopic whip antenna, and tilt-desk stand. AM aircraft reception is superb, and weather scan requires just simple one-button access. You wont have to worry about what CTCSS tone to use, because the 355N uses carrier squelch, only. If you live in an area served by analog public service radio, this model is perfect to catch up on all the action. (Note if you require digital P25 reception, this isnt the unit for you...for that see the BC996P2 or other digital scanners).

Right out of the box this scanner is pre-programed to scan a huge number of known frequencies in use by fire, police, ambulance, CB, weather, and aircraft. The upside of this is that if all you do is plug it in and turn it on, you will immediately hear communication activity. The downside of this programming is that you will pick up signals you eventually decide dont interest you and locking out the ones you dont want turns out to be similar to swatting flies or playing whack-a-mole.... you have to catch it in the act Too, you cant eliminate or lock out all of the frequencies you dont want to scan because there is a numerical limit to how many frequencies the scanner will ignore. The scanner boasts 300 user programmable frequencies. This is true but misleading. Within the grouping of frequencies for police/fire/ambulance you can program 100 frequencies. Within the grouping for aircraft/marine, you can program another 100 frequencies. And there is a private group which can be programmed with 100 frequencies. Total = 300. But....within any of the ore-programed groups, say, aircraft, you cant make the scanner look for only the frequencies you programed. It will always look at your frequencies after it has scanned the ones it is pre-programed to scan. This wastes time and creates the possibility youll miss something you want/need to hear since a large number of the pre-programed frequencies are either always quiet or irrelevant to your interests. If there is a way to make the scanner completely ignore its factory programming and scan just the frequencies of interest to me, I havent yet figured it out. (I could have the scanner scan only the private frequency group and ignore everything else, but doing this limits the number of scanned frequencies to only 100..... not really a solution, in my opinion.) I do like the scanner. And it represents reasonable value for the money, in my opinion. Id like it more if I had more control over what it scans and what it doesnt scan.

It does scan all 1700 available frequencies so its a little slow you miss a lot of the back and forth. It has amazing range i can pick up services 20 + miles away but I miss the local stuff cause I cant lock in only those channels. And yes you can save them in favorites but it scans them after making the the full sweep of the 1700 possible channels. Also go for the larger extension speaker the little speaker built in is a little small for the job. But all in all for the price you can hear all available channels , and it does come with everything you need to plug and play right out of the box.

Before I purchased this unit I read many of the reviews. I suggest that anyone considering a purchase do the same and after the purchase take the advise of several of the more knowledgeable reviewers. Being a Uniden I expected quality and some frustration. I was not disappointed. This is a very nice scanner and a good value if (repeat, if) you are patient and understand the limitations of the radio and the manual. If you want a be-all-to-end-all scanner, then spend $400-$500. This $100 unit will not suit you. Based upon my limited use so far I have found that the sensitivity is good and adjacent channel rejection is good. The functions are clearly marked and the display is clear and easily read. The speaker is terrible (normal for smaller radios) and you should purchase an after market speaker. The included accessories (antennas, DC power options, etc.) are good. An external antenna (AntennaCraft ST-2 for instance) is a good idea. Given the price I would say: Appearance - 5 (Nice smaller unit) Features - 4 Sensitivity / Rejection - 4 (This is based upon limited use so far and is subject to later revision) Ease of Use - 3 (Needs better manual. Programming is a pain, but worth it.) Overall - 4

Difficult to program.

Got this for listening to GMRS and HAM analog transmissions. Once you get the hang of programming the channels, its a snap to add all the ones you want.

Good product easy to use compared to my Aor scanner even outside the USA or Canada covered emergency frequencies in my home country no problems shane new zealand