BC125AT: BC125AT

[C2C]

Just bought this scanner. Followed the directions after pulling it from the box...not receiving anything (i.e. ATC from airport 10 miles away). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- C2

 

[tvengr]

Which airport? Check your squelch setting. Turn it fully counterclockwise and slowly turn it up until it just quiets the noise. That will be your best sensitivity.

 

[C2C]

KRDU. I live in north Durham, NC.
'Noise' meaning the static?
Appreciate your help.

 

[wtp]

yes, it would sound like rain.

 

[tvengr]

Are you aware that Uniden has programming software for the BC125AT?

 

[C2C]

OK. Did that.
Still nothing.
Definitely user error.

 

[C2C]

Are you aware that Uniden has programming software for the BC125AT?

MAC or PC?

 

[mass-man]

manually program 123.8 and see if you can hear it. That is the 24/7/365 automated info service. there are lots of possibilities other than operator error...your elevation, what's between you and the tower, the antenna you're using!

The software is for a PC....trust me I had to buy a cheap laptop to be able to program my radios.

 

[ladn]

You can also try the NOAA weather station(s) in your area. They are usually located on high ground and broadcast continuously on VHF-FM.

Here's a link to locations and frequencies: NOAA Weather Radio County Codes

 

[majoco]

Scan125 - brilliant programme and free!

Scan125 Control Program

 

[C2C]

OK. Here's the deal:
- I'm brand new to this scanning thing.
- What I'm looking to do while I am plane spotting and working in my garage:
1. Listen to civil atc and associated frequencies
2. Listen to MilAir etc and associated frequencies
3. Listen to local law enforcement frequencies

Am I not using the right scanner? I was told the BC125AT would be perfect for this. Using a RH77CA antenna. No joy on the frees Im dialing in nor anything else.

- C2

 

[hexagon_keyhole]

OK. Here's the deal:
- I'm brand new to this scanning thing.
- What I'm looking to do while I am plane spotting and working in my garage:
1. Listen to civil atc and associated frequencies
2. Listen to MilAir etc and associated frequencies
3. Listen to local law enforcement frequencies

Am I not using the right scanner? I was told the BC125AT would be perfect for this. Using a RH77CA antenna. No joy on the frees Im dialing in nor anything else.

- C2

The BC125AT will work for 1 and 2 but this is highly dependent on your specific location and antenna.

As for number 3, a quick peek at Wake County appears that the law enforcement is on a digital trunking system, and you won't be able to receive with the BC125AT.

 

[JethrowJohnson]

OK. Here's the deal:
- I'm brand new to this scanning thing.
- What I'm looking to do while I am plane spotting and working in my garage:
1. Listen to civil atc and associated frequencies
2. Listen to MilAir etc and associated frequencies
3. Listen to local law enforcement frequencies

Am I not using the right scanner? I was told the BC125AT would be perfect for this. Using a RH77CA antenna. No joy on the frees Im dialing in nor anything else.

- C2

Your local law enforcement uses the Durham-Fayetteville network according to the database. The BC125AT is an analog conventional scanner so it won't work on that system because it's a P25 Phase I network.

 

[mass-man]

If you're only 10 miles from RDU, drive over there with the scanner programmed and see if it works within site of the tower. It's not likely, but sadly possible you got a dud of a scanner. Try the 123.8 again! Set the squelch per earlier instructions.

If you find it works there and not at home, then it's an antenna and/or location thing. You might need an external antenna and a run of coax into your garage work area.

 

[tvengr]

The BC125AT is excellent for civil and military air. If you want to receive Durham sheriff and police, you will need a scanner capable of P25 Phase 1. Durham, Raleigh, and Fayetteville use P25 digital trunked systems. Your scanner is for analog conventional frequencies only. The least expensive scanner would be the Whistler WS1040. The sites for Durham, Fayetteville and Wake County are simulcast. Depending upon your location, you may experience simulcast distortion which results in missed transmissions, dropouts, and garbled audio. You would also need to purchase programming software. You could also use the Uniden BCD325P2 which looks similar to the BC125AT and is capable of P25 Phase 1 & 2. For that scanner, you could use FreeSCAN software which is free.

 

[wtp]

c2c,
i sent a personal message to you.
look up at the top right of this page.

 

[WRQS621]

Just bought this scanner. Followed the directions after pulling it from the box...not receiving anything (i.e. ATC from airport 10 miles away). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- C2

I live in Holly Springs. Use a BC125 everyday. PM if you need help. I can send programming files for RDU area.

 

[Ubbe]

Monitoring while plane spotting at the airport would work but while inside a garage, probably not. Aircraft and tower use low power transmitters, they both have line of sight to each other and doesn't need much power, but listening with a scanner at ground level inside a garage will not produce enough of a signal. You will need to install an antenna on the roof or in the attic and have a coax cable going down to your garage and connect to your scanner. If the take off and landing are done over your house then it would be possible to hear the aircrafts when they are that close to you.

/Ubbe

 

[C2C]

Monitoring while plane spotting at the airport would work but while inside a garage, probably not. Aircraft and tower use low power transmitters, they both have line of sight to each other and doesn't need much power, but listening with a scanner at ground level inside a garage will not produce enough of a signal. You will need to install an antenna on the roof or in the attic and have a coax cable going down to your garage and connect to your scanner. If the take off and landing are done over your house then it would be possible to hear the aircrafts when they are that close to you.

/Ubbe

Thanks for the feedback and advice!

 

[donc13]

OK. Here's the deal:
- I'm brand new to this scanning thing.
- What I'm looking to do while I am plane spotting and working in my garage:
1. Listen to civil atc and associated frequencies
2. Listen to MilAir etc and associated frequencies
3. Listen to local law enforcement frequencies

Am I not using the right scanner? I was told the BC125AT would be perfect for this. Using a RH77CA antenna. No joy on the frees Im dialing in nor anything else.

- C2

All else aside, are there hills between you and the airport. AND how far away from the airport are you?

VHF air frequencies (civil air) are line-of-sight mostly. You should be able to hear aircraft that are flying, but not on the airport. If you have hills between you and the airport tower you more than likely not hear the tower or aircraft on the ground.

For example, I am 4 "air miles" from our regional airport but I am in a valley relative to the airport. I. can hear the aircraft once they are in the air, but not on the ground nor can I hear the tower, ground control nor can I hear ATIS/WX because they transmit from the ground. If I drive to the top of the Ridge (1/4 mile away) that's the same height as the airport, I get everything loud and clear.