Close Call vs Frequency Counter – October 2025 Field Test

[pb_lonny]

Testing Location: Home backyard
Date: October 2025
Equipment:

• Uniden BC125AT (Close Call feature)
• Baofeng UV-17 (Frequency Counter mode)
• TX Source: 0.5W UHF CB handheld locked on Channel 80 (477.4125 MHz)

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The Test​

This backyard experiment was designed to compare how quickly and accurately two popular handheld radios can detect nearby transmissions — the Uniden BC125AT using its Close Call feature, and the Baofeng UV-17 using its built-in frequency counter.

A low-power UHF CB radio was used as the signal source, transmitting continuously on 477.4125 MHz (Channel 80). Both receivers were placed side by side at various distances to see which one would pick up the signal first.

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The Results​

The Uniden BC125AT consistently had the edge, triggering a Close Call hit about 2.5 meters earlier than the Baofeng UV-17 detected the same signal.

This confirms that Uniden’s Close Call system — which is purpose-built for near-field signal detection — remains faster and more sensitive at identifying strong, nearby transmitters compared to the Baofeng’s frequency counter, which relies on slower signal sampling.

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Takeaway​

If you’re hunting for unknown local transmitters or doing field monitoring, Close Call still wins for speed and reliability.

The Baofeng’s counter is handy in a pinch, but it’s more of a convenience tool — not a dedicated near-field receiver.

Still, it’s great to see both radios perform well in the test, especially in a simple home setup using everyday gear.

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🎥 Watch the video: Close Call and Frequency Mode Testing – October 2025 - Close Call vs Frequency Counter – October 2025 Field Test

 

[IC-R20]

Unsurprisingly the Baofeng is less sensitive. Though valid takeaway, I find the same to be true for close all even when T-hunting with a real frequency counter.

My favorite “hunt” tool of all time though is the Doppler array Ramsay Electronics used to sell, wasn’t without its hiccups at times but for the price it was a real workhorse and hooked up with my BCT15x busted many a goof-off during some club split drama 10 years ago. I regret giving it away now because I never realized Ramsay went under or that I would have much need for it again.