BC125AT Scanner Questions

[aidenscanner]

Hi everyone,
I am recently getting into the scanner type of stuff and i’m already really enjoying it. I own the BC125AT scanner and I like to scan Manchester Fire Department because it’s super close to me and I understand they have a pretty high volume of calls. I have watched a few youtube videos on the scanner and it’s understandable but also confusing.
What other fire departments around me can I scan that will be high volume?
Is it normal for the close call feature not to bring anything in?
Are there any ways to transcribe the traffic for cheap?
What youtube tutorials should I watch on learning more about it that you would recommend?
Thank you

 

[W1KNE]

Well the most obvious one would be Hartford Fire on 154.3100 167.9. In Manchester you should have no issue hearing that.

East Hartford FD can be quite busy at time, as well as a number of the other more urban suburbs. You can probably get the West Hartford FD simulcast on 166.2500 167.9

-- Mike

 

[aidenscanner]

I know I heard Hartford Fire when I listed a few weeks ago to it. It was hard to understand I don’t know if that’s an issue with my antenna or something else. What’s going to help me listen to more and farther away? Is it my antenna? What’s the difference because you gave two frequencies for each. Thank you.

 

[Bob1955]

Well the most obvious one would be Hartford Fire on 154.3100 167.9. In Manchester you should have no issue hearing that.

East Hartford FD can be quite busy at time, as well as a number of the other more urban suburbs. You can probably get the West Hartford FD simulcast on 166.2500 167.9

-- Mike

W1KNE- I just sent him a PM with several additional frequencies in his area but being that you are in his region, I'll let you take it over.
I'm in lower Westchester County, NY.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Bob

 

[wtp]

i sent a personal message (PM) if you look to the top right of the page.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Is it normal for the close call feature not to bring anything in?

I'll let those in your area answer most of the questions, but as far as close call goes it is used for what the name says "Close Call". What I mean is you need to be around or near (talking feet or yards, not miles) a strong enough signal to actually receive, unlike the scanner itself that will pick up a repeater signal miles away.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I'll let those in your area answer most of the questions,

Good move, you wouldn't want to be among the "out of area folks chiming in"

 

[RaleighGuy]

Good move, you wouldn't want to be among the "out of area folks chiming in"

I don't mind being an out of area responder IF I actually have answers to contribute.

 

[W1KNE]

W1KNE- I just sent him a PM with several additional frequencies in his area but being that you are in his region, I'll let you take it over.
I'm in lower Westchester County, NY.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Bob

It's too bad there isn't a giant database that accurately lays all of these frequencies out.

 

[nhfdcadet]

It's too bad there isn't a giant database that accurately lays all of these frequencies out.

Somebody should work on that!

 

[Bob1955]

i sent a personal message (PM) if you look to the top right of the page.

Very nice of you wtp!
Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[cg]

What you can hear with a handheld with attached antenna varies drastically depending on a multitude of things such as obstructions, interference, elevation, etc.
I would suggest 3 Searches
1) learn how to use the SEARCH function in the radio. The scanner has Service Search and Custom Search. They are explained in the manual

https://www.uniden.info/download/ompdf/BC125ATom.pdf

2) SEARCH the forum here for answers to questions you may have. Upper right corner of the page is the Forum Search link.
3) SEARCH the database for the users when you get activity

RRDB | Connecticut Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Connecticut (CT)

www.radioreference.com

RRDB | United States | Query

RadioReference Database Query - United States

www.radioreference.com

Scan New England WIKI also is a very good local reference