Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.

It is very easy to use but the included antenna is not very good. I recomend the Diamond RH77CA insted.

It is suppose to be good, and You Tube video on it shows it in action. I obtained my refurbished in Canada and it came less a wrist strap but that is easy to fix at any camera store. Also any camera power plug you have with a USB port on it will charge this up off the wall socket and it has protection circuitry in it any way if you get the one that is to high up on the volts. Bad news so far there is no Macintosh software updater on it and it is best you use a PC to get the Uniden driver sorted out properly. I have not started it at all and there is some indication it will not work until you set it up on your PC first .. or wait till you get access to a PC to set it up with the driver download on the USB port. Once UNIDEN gets this worked out for Macintosh computers then it get 5 stars. I use it for the neighborhood watch as we do not have many cops in my county and the neighbors look out for each other for the most part. Lots of theft going on here apparently as there are lots of addicts in full drug mode.

My Uniden BC125AT now reads SCAN MODE ALL LOCKED! when I turn it on after just one day of pretty decent reception of my local railroads. When pressing the Hold button twice, it then reads ALL CHANNELS LOCKED OUT!. The owners manual makes no reference to this particular set of problems. I have erased all programmed channels hoping that this would clear it up but it did not fix it. I have a number of frequencies ready to load into it from my PC, but when I attempt to use the write to scanner function I get an error, which I presume is related to this problem. The error reads as follows: See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box. ************** Exception Text ************** System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException: Configuration system failed to initialize ---> System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException: Unrecognized configuration section system.serviceModel. (c:WINDOWSMicrosoft.NETFrameworkv2.0.50727Configmachine.config line 134) at System.Configuration.ConfigurationSchemaErrors.ThrowIfErrors(Boolean ignoreLocal) at System.Configuration.BaseConfigurationRecord.ThrowIfParseErrors(ConfigurationSchemaErrors schemaErrors) at System.Configuration.BaseConfigurationRecord.ThrowIfInitErrors() at System.Configuration.ClientConfigurationSystem.EnsureInit(String configKey) --- End of inner exception stack trace --- at System.Configuration.ConfigurationManager.PrepareConfigSystem() at System.Configuration.ConfigurationManager.RefreshSection(String sectionName) at System.Configuration.ClientSettingsStore.ReadSettings(String sectionName, Boolean isUserScoped) at System.Configuration.LocalFileSettingsProvider.GetPropertyValues(SettingsContext context, SettingsPropertyCollection properties) at System.Configuration.SettingsBase.GetPropertiesFromProvider(SettingsProvider provider) at System.Configuration.SettingsBase.GetPropertyValueByName(String propertyName) at System.Configuration.SettingsBase.get_Item(String propertyName) at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.GetPropertyValue(String propertyName) at System.Configuration.ApplicationSettingsBase.get_Item(String propertyName) at BC125AT_SS.Properties.Settings.get_ComPort() at BC125AT_SS.Main.writeToScannerToolStripMenuItem_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.RaiseEvent(Object key, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripButton.OnClick(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleClick(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEventInteractive(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEvent(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mea) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam) ************** Loaded Assemblies ************** mscorlib Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3649 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///c:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll ---------------------------------------- BC125AT_SS Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 1.1.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Uniden/BC125AT_SS/BC125AT_SS.exe ---------------------------------------- System.Windows.Forms Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3645 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll ---------------------------------------- System Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3644 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Drawing Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3644 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Configuration Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3654 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Xml Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3654 (GDR.050727-3600) CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll ---------------------------------------- ************** JIT Debugging ************** To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this application or computer (machine.config) must have the jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section. The application must also be compiled with debugging enabled. For example: <configuration> <system.windows.forms jitDebugging=true > </configuration> When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer rather than be handled by this dialog box. My expensive radio scanner is currently useless to me. There is no customer support available.

I am an experienced HAM Radio Operator and someone with substantial RF radio experience: If you have never owned radios of this type then you should know: Scanners, like this one, are not trivial pieces of equipment. many people buy them and think they are like a Mr Coffee appliance, in other words you just plug it in and it works. To get the most out of Scanners: 1.) they require programming. The Uniden supplied PC software is adequate and will get the job done, however it is nothing outstanding but it is FREE 2.) Antennas are the key to any radio reception. Scanners require NON-TUNED wire antennas like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKDN6YK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_E41kDbJ7R53JF for $8 it is a bargain. You should DISREGARD other comments you read about using 144/440 tuned ham Radio Transmitting Antennas. They will work fine if all you want to receive is in those frequency bands, but realize they are TUNED so their reception sensitivity will fall off rapidly when the antenna is out of its designed band. 3.) This is a fine piece of well designed gear, and for $100 it is a bargain. It has excellent sensitivity across all bands. PROS: Super fast scan speed, Clever well laid out keypad design that gives you access to menu functions with just a few simple keystrokes. 4.) Of course the CON is that they are using AA NiMH batteries. 4-6 Hours is top run time. Uniden made a bad design choice there, as this radio could have easily been designed to accept 18650 Li-Ion batteries then it would have run for days on one set. If you are going to use this radio on a daily basis then you will need a pocket full of AA and Powerex Charger to properly maintain them. I read many comments here in these reviews from well meaning folks that are simply in over their head and then say this is a bad scanner. My suggestion is to find a local Ham Radio Operator to explain some of the principles of how RF works, and to help you with programming and operation of this type of equipment. It is not rocket science, but there is a little learning curve.

This is just an average scanner for an average price, which is what I should have expected. The item was introduced around 2012, so its already old technology. It works, and it scans pretty fast, but theres nothing outstanding about it. One disappointment is the relatively short battery life. Im sure that I dont use it for more than an hour per day, but it seems that I have to charge it at least once per week. I have another scanner that this was supposed to replace (the LCD screen is dying on that one), and Im sure the batteries last twice as long between charges.

I’ve been using the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT 500 channel handheld scanner with Alpha-Tags for five months and I have to say, this is the best handheld scanner I used so far. The BC125AT is equipped with a stronger receiver than the BC75XLT 300 channel conventional scanner, which I also operate. The BC125AT enables me to listen to both airports in our area as well as all of Fire/EMS, Police frequencies, Rail, marine, NOAA Weather/All Hazards and miscellaneous frequencies in our area and also in the surrounding parishes as well. Now, if law enforcement in your are, uses the 800Mhz-900Mhz band, this scanner will not receive those frequencies, but, it will, however, receive low band VHF, UHF and high band VHF, which includes NFM and AM transmissions. If you enjoy listening to (ATC) air traffic control (airport and ARTCC) communications than the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT 500 channel scanner with Alpha-Tags is what you need! The BC125AT also allows one to monitor ham radio communications as well as Auto racing and GRS communications. Also, I’ve discovered that the BC125AT and the BC75XLT both Have greatly improved reception when the RH77CC Diamond Antenna is connected to the BNC jack instead of the supplied duckbill stock antenna. In conclusion, I highly recommend the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT for anyone who enjoys listening to airports or ARTCC communications, police or Fire/EMS as a hobby or an occupation.

I am going to write a good honest review on this scanner and not rate it a perfect 5 just because I bought it! First off, I will list the negatives. 1. It only comes with a USB cord for recharging it or powering it. I think that is disgusting that Uniden is so cheap they cant throw in a $5 AC Wall Charger with that cord. Yes, you can hook that cheap cord up to a PC providing your PC is left on and charge or power your Uniden. But it is just so much simpler and easier to plug it into an outlet! 2. It only is made for 2 rechargeable or alkaline AA batteries. Most of the older scanners or even new ones have 3 or 4 batteries providing more using time before recharging or changing them. 3. I am old fashioned and would much rather prefer an AC-DC power supply over this USB thing! Yes, it requires a learning curve and can be complicated until you have the patience to take the baby steps and learn all the functions. If you realize you are the kind of person that has a hard time programming a DVD recorder or VCR, this is not for you. You should have known better before you bought it! Now for the good points: 1. The volume is surprisingly loud, crisp and clear for that small of a radio. 2. It has a very nice, large display screen that you can easily see and read. 3. I think it is fantastic that a $112 scanner can be programmed to have an alpha-numeric display for all your frequencies. It is so nice seeing what that frequency is, instead of trying to remember the numbers. 4. It also offers Ctcss which is a simple code you can program with each frequency to block others from interfering on that same frequency. 5. For those of you that can handle a scanner with a learning curve, this scanner has many things to offer you once you get into the programming modes. You can customize the close call for various bands to monitor and activate the DND, (Do not Disturb) so it doesnt interfere with frequencies you are listening to. A 4 is a decent, honest review on this scanner considering the positives and negatives I found. There is only one handheld Analog Scanner I would rate a perfect 5. That is the former Gre-Psr 310. That scanner pretty much done the same as this one except it went all the way up to 1300 MHz and this one only covers to 500. The Gre 310 had more batteries which allowed it to stay on longer before charging or changing. It also had a regular power receptacle on it for charging or powering the unit instead of this USB thing. Whistler is now taking over Gre/Radio Shacks line of previous scanners but doesnt have that model in their lineup yet. When they do, I would take that model in a heartbeat over the Uniden BC-125 even if it was $50 more. For the money, this Uniden 125 is probably the best ANALOG scanner CURRENTLY on the market.

This radio has been great. I have been studying for my FAA 107 Certification and purchased this radio so I can get used to monitoring flight traffic in the area. I have a private airport near by and this radio helps me know when aircraft are coming in and when there are ski divers close by. So useful. The setup is not hard but yo do need to read the manual. We are actually about 20 miles from the private airport and I can listen to the tower from here. I also have our community security programmed in so I can catch anything of concern here. The only upgrade i hope to see in future models is a usbc charging port. I will have to carry an extra cable to charge this radio. If this review helped you in any way please let me know below. If you would like to see more of my Tech product reviews, click my logo to check my account. Really want to see more? - Search for AlTone Tech on Youtube! Thank You

I purchased this product for use when I go out railfanning, to be able to listen in on where trains are located on my local rail line. The scanner works really well and is able to receive radio signals from a pretty far distance away when youre close to an active rail line. The build quality is good for the product, its mostly made of plastic. But thats not a deal breaker in my opinion, since the product feels very durable and doesnt feel like it will fall apart the second it falls onto a concrete floor. I found the interface very easy to understand, all the button functions are clearly labeled and are very easy to figure out all of the functions. The programming software was very easy to use as well, its very similar to using Microsoft Excel. I personally prefer the BC125 over the BC75, because the 125 can store a lot more frequencies and you also get the ability to add in custom names/alpha tags. The only drawback to the product is the range is not very good... But that comes with using the antenna that is provided with the scanner, since its not very long. The scanner can receive signals from channels I programmed as far as 10 miles away from my local railroad mail line, but that applies mainly frequencies that are used on my local railroad. Overall the scanner works very well for my uses, I am very happy with the product, and I would recommend any railroad enthusiast to purchase a radio scanner to use while railfanning. Since it will make your railfanning sessions a lot more fun, since you will know ahead of time whats coming in your direction.

As a former firefighter I like to keep up with the calls thru out my county, Im still a first responder if needed. Glad to be retired.