Replacing a BC92XLT for a BC125AT?

[PMJ2kx]

So I've been pondering whether I should replace my BC92XLT for a BC125AT. It has more of the features (tags, more memory, narrowband) that I need in this area for railroad, local utilities (gas, power), and the occasional public safety monitoring.

I already have a 246T and a 396XT for 800Mhz and 700Mhz, respectively, so I don't see a need to plunk down more money than I need to.

What's the general consensus on the 125AT? Is it worth the $100, or should I just get a 346XT instead? I'd really like to know if anyone has encountered one to be more sensitive than the other in terms of distant VHF comms.

 

[ka3jjz]

Hearing 'distant VHF comms' is not just a function of the scanner (although it's true that it plays a role) - it also depends on the antenna (and the coax that connects the two).

Improving your antenna will definitely impact whether you hear anything that's distant. Just be somewhat careful - handhelds can be overloaded by too much signal somewhat easier than their base cousins. It can happen on any manufacturer's scanner - Uniden included.

Mike

 

[737mech]

Bc125at

I agree the better the antenna the 125 will do great. I have mine connected to a DPD LP and it keeps up with my BCT-15X and 15 just fine. The 125 doesn't trunk, it's basically a cheap and good VHF/UHF scanner for airbands and conventional freqs. They limited the Milair band to 225-380 not all the way to 400. Don't know why? But the 246 doesn't do milair. The 246 is a trunker and more $$. If you only need a fill in scanner the display is great and it actually does a great job!! Eats batteries quick so use good rechargers and avoid charging in the scanner. There's a switch under the batteries to prevent charging when usb plug is in make sure you check that. It will power up with usb alone no batteries. From what you posted I think the 125at is what you want.

 

[VE3RADIO]

I got very lucky and won an eBay auction for a BC125AT - the price.. 49.99 with free shipping! Well worth every penny! I actually love the scaner and would have paid full price for it now that I know how nice it is!

Great rail and air scanner!

 

[bigcam406]

totally agree

 

[SCPD]

Bc-92xlt vs. Bc125at

Hi--Saw your questions and I will answer it as best as I can. I am a dealer myself for Uniden Bearcat/GRE Scanners mainly selling to Police/Fire. First of all, the BC-92XLT has long been discontinued and so is the replacement BC-95XLT. If you do NOT need 800mhz/trunking..then the new AT-125 is a great way to go. You can see the features on utube. This handheld scanner is amazing for it's price-point... has alpha-tagging...ctcss/dcs..close call caption,etc. You can write me back here and ask me anything more you need. This scanner even comes with an instruction booklet, a USB cable to hook up to your computer and program,batteries but this one is very easy as it has channels..not a dynamic floating memory. I live in Yonkers, NY and they use APCO-25 digital and Westchester County, NY is now using trunking on working structure fires. Our main tone out is 33.960 and 46.26 so I am not sure what I am going to put on display.
The best feature is the huge display and it also has features of higher end handhelds.
Have a nice Sunday.

 

[SCPD]

first of all, you cannot buy a Bearcat AT-125 for $100.00. That is a little bellow dealer cost. Based upon what you have written...the Uniden AT-125 would be perfect for your area. It has a huge display..comes with a USB cable, a instruction manual(not a CD) and has CTCSS/DCS, and all the features of the more expensive handhld scanners. Paul oppitz did a great job designing this scanner. You can also take a look at the GRE PSR-120..this one has 800mhz too but the front end isn't as good. GRE used to just manufacturer for radio Shack..then about 6 years ago launched GRE.COM scanners. You can go to GRE America, Inc. - grecom scanner receiver, lcd modules, spread spectrum radio, wireless bridge, scanner antenna, scanner pre-amps. and look at their web-site. Feel free to contact me anytime on here for now.

 

[SCPD]

how is your Bearcat BC-15X? I may order one from my supplier. I am a dealer selling mainly to Police/Fire here in Westchester County, NY...we just started trunking about 2 years ago for 10-75's(working structure fires). Only digital in this area is Yonkers/Greenburgh/Tarrytown Police. The volunteer firefighters don't want to spend alot of money on base/mobile or handhelds here as I got my department members BC-72XLT's 6 years ago.
Have a nice Fall.

 

[questnz]

I have simillar dilema, on all accounts BC-125AT is a good scanner and good value for the money, but part of the original question was "or should I just get a 346XT instead?"
Yes 346XT cost more money but surely you get more for your money, analog trunking, more memory, mil air, better battery life etc etc.
Can some members who using both models would like to expand on 125AT vs 346XT, in my case it will be purely for handheld, travel and in vehicle use. I got plenty of antennas, Watsons, Diamonds and Nagoyas.

 

[nanZor]

Yes 346XT cost more money but surely you get more for your money, analog trunking, more memory, mil air, better battery life etc etc.
Can some members who using both models would like to expand on 125AT vs 346XT, in my case it will be purely for handheld, travel and in vehicle use. I got plenty of antennas, Watsons, Diamonds and Nagoyas.

Looks like you answered your own question with one difference about milair

If you need analog trunking there is no choice but the 346. If you need milair, the 346 doesn't cover it, so the 125 is the appropriate choice.

For conventional users, deciding between the 346 and 125 comes down to how intense your memory management needs are. You choose between bank/channel on the 125 vs dynamic memory management on the 346.

Smaller issues like a beefier swivel-clip on the 346 vs the standard clip on the 125, sma vs bnc antenna jack, not needing an external usb comm device for the 125, usb vs wall-wart charging etc.

The larger display of the 125 is easier to read, so if that is important (in my case it is very much needed), that will also sway your decision.

Getting more for your money does not necessarily mean buying the most costly scanner. Get the one that fits your needs.