BC125AT: BC125AT - Save CTCSS

[JoeBearcat]

There are many hardware differences that would raise the cost of the 'base model'.

(VOCODER, display, RX hardware, battery, and more)

The base model would probably end up being $400-500.

But, that is the path with the digital decoding (save P25). You buy the base model and add decoding formats (DMR, NXDN, and /or ProVoice).

 

[WRQS621]

There are many hardware differences that would raise the cost of the 'base model'.

(VOCODER, display, RX hardware, battery, and more)

The base model would probably end up being $400-500.

But, that is the path with the digital decoding (save P25). You buy the base model and add decoding formats (DMR, NXDN, and /or ProVoice).

Is it more accurate to say Uniden would charge you $400-500 for this capability? For instance Uniden has numerous “upgrades“ you can buy for functionality already in this scanner (DMR, NXDN, etc). Face it, Uniden is a monopoly for a small hobby and you overcharge us cause you can. Not complaining but it is the truth.

 

[Scan125]

If you are using your 125 scanner at home (with PC or laptop for mobile) then if you also use Scan125 then the program can auto store/log the frequency and any CTCSS/DCS tone.

 

[pb_lonny]

^ I have and I do. I would like a more portable solution.

 

[Scan125]

^ I have and I do. I would like a more portable solution.

Understand .... sadly something I'm not in a position to offer.

From this discussion it is obvious that via the programming API (and undocumented commands) there is available more information available than is offered/propagated to the scanner's keyboard/user interface.

I guess this comes back to Joe Bearcat's explanation / justification / etc. of scanner model capabilities, performance, etc. within "price bands".

Maybe a solution would be a phone/bluetooth AP (with Bluetooth to USB dongle for scanner). I see no reason why this could not be technically done and could be good for many scanners.

 

[wtp]

see post 6 about pen and paper... that seems to be the only portable answer.

 

[JoeBearcat]

Face it, Uniden is a monopoly for a small hobby and you overcharge us cause you can. Not complaining but it is the truth.

So what do you believe is a fair profit margin?

 

[dispatch235]

Is it more accurate to say Uniden would charge you $400-500 for this capability? For instance Uniden has numerous “upgrades“ you can buy for functionality already in this scanner (DMR, NXDN, etc). Face it, Uniden is a monopoly for a small hobby and you overcharge us cause you can. Not complaining but it is the truth.

I was raised in a "radio family" so to speak and can remember 10 channel scanners costing close to $200, and then you spent $5 or so for each crystal for the scanner, so around another $50 just for 10 channels. These were all basic analog technology...
Considering the capabilities of modern scanners with the way technology has changed and considering all the features they now have I really don't think we pay too much for our hobby... I am a dispatcher for our local fire dept. so it's a little more than a hobby for me but if you compare a Bearcat 15x which is about as "basic" as there is these days to the BC 210 made in the 70's the price is about the same and you have a multitude of more features. The flagship SDS200 at $700 has a lot of features most people don't need (except if they need one for simulcast) and is geared more toward us "hard core" users.
For most it is a "hobby"... and like all hobbies costs money. Especially a hobby that the younger generations no longer find interesting and would rather use an "app" on their phone to listen to. I really think we have a pretty good value for what we pay.
Now if you want to talk greed lets talk about Motorola...

 

[RU55]

I have a number of channels programmed with CTCSS / DCS search, when it displays the found tone, can I easily save this?

Yes, you can. When your scanner stops during reception of a signal and displays the CTCSS or DCS frequency simply press the hold button, and with the ctcss frequency (or DCS) fresh in your mind, press E, scroll to CTCSS or DCS, press the knob to enter, then scroll to the correct CTCSS or DCS and press E again.

It is not hard, I've been doing it for a while. I am surprised how many analog police frequencies use CTCSS.

 

[pb_lonny]

Thanks. That is what I am doing but was hoping for a method which does not need me to remember the code.

 

[mastr]

...Uniden is a monopoly for a small hobby and you overcharge us cause you can. Not complaining but it is the truth.

The pricing of most any product is determined by "what the market will bear". In other words, if people are buying a product in viable quantity at whatever the price is-why would the seller have any motivation to reduce it?

 

[RU55]

Face it, Uniden is a monopoly for a small hobby and you overcharge us cause you can. Not complaining but it is the truth.

I completely disagree. Uniden is not a monopoly. Are there no other scanners with similar capabilities?

How do you determine if a product is overpriced? The pricing is a matter of supply and demand. If there is high demand, the price will be higher. If there is low supply, the price will be higher, and vice versa. If the price is more than you want to pay, don't buy it! Each of us are entitled to our own opinions.

Personally, I find the BC125AT to be a very good value. I really like the product and think that the price is very fair.

 

[WRQS621]

I completely disagree. Uniden is not a monopoly. Are there no other scanners with similar capabilities?

How do you determine if a product is overpriced? The pricing is a matter of supply and demand. If there is high demand, the price will be higher. If there is low supply, the price will be higher, and vice versa. If the price is more than you want to pay, don't buy it! Each of us are entitled to our own opinions.

Personally, I find the BC125AT to be a very good value. I really like the product and think that the price is very fair.

Low demand hobby, with maybe two scanner manufacturers (Uniden and Whistler). I have a BC125AT and agree, it is a great analog scanner. I have had scanners for over 30 years. Uniden/Bearcat are the best. I am just wondering when Baofeng/Chinese manufacturing will help our hobby out like it did HAM? There are more HAM operators now than ever before due to Baofeng affordability. Just saying.

 

[Scan125]

Personally, I find the BC125AT to be a very good value. I really like the product and think that the price is very fair.

I think fairly good value as well. You can go into your local hardware store, buy a couple of light switches, junction box and cable and pay $50 (or there about) I think the BC125AT is a little more complicated that that with development costs etc. Light switch and cable are common, mass produced bits of plastic, metal & copper with little complicated and involved design issues. Only big cost would be UL Certification and associated testing costs, etc.

Having said this we all want and hope for lower prices

 

[RU55]

I am just wondering when Baofeng/Chinese manufacturing will help our hobby out like it did HAM? There are more HAM operators now than ever before due to Baofeng affordability. Just saying.

That is a good question. If Baofeng or other Chinese manufactures started selling more inexpensive scanners in the USA it would probably be good for consumers. I would imagine prices might become lower than they would be otherwise .

I prefer Yaesu for ham gear, as I see you seem to as well. I've got a FT-891 with a FC-50 and a home made EFHW for portable use, and a FTDX10 for base use. My HTs are old Yaesu radios as well. An old FT-411 2 meter HT, and a FT-470 dual band HT. Those old Yaesu radios just keep working. It appears that you are using your rain gutter for a counterpoise for your EFHW, that is smart. It should help keep the common mode current to a minimum.