BCD160DN/BCD260DN: Is this a new Uniden model? BCD260DN

[Omega-TI]

So the new units are regressing in capability.

Everything I care for is disappearing so why not this as well.

Good times.

I do not believe that is necessarily the case. Believe it or not, there are people that simply want an easy to use product to do what they want. They may not be radio hobbyists or have a lot of time to waste.

How many posts have there been from people asking questions on how to get their scanner to work correctly? Under normal circumstances a product like that would develop sales issues as word got out. Imagine if you had to go online to ask people how to operate your car?

I'm old enough to remember when you could use a scanner out of the box without directions. That is CONSUMER CLASS and they usually sell more than hobby class products.

 

[werinshades]

So the new units are regressing in capability.

Everything I care for is disappearing so why not this as well.

Good times.

I do not believe that is necessarily the case. Believe it or not, there are people that simply want an easy to use product to do what they want. They may not be radio hobbyists or have a lot of time to waste.

How many posts have there been from people asking questions on how to get their scanner to work correctly? Under normal circumstances a product like that would develop sales issues as word got out. Imagine if you had to go online to ask people how to operate your car?

I'm old enough to remember when you could use a scanner out of the box without directions. That is CONSUMER CLASS and they usually sell more than hobby class products.

This is an accurate statement, but for some it's what they want...for now. I foresee a couple threads with frustrated consumers who didn't read up on the limited capabilities and "thought" they'd be able to listen to the local police and fire, but found out they're on a trunking system. If you go through some posts, that's already happening and debates over what it can and can't do. So it is going "backwards", but some here are not savvy enough to properly utilize the modern scanners and this might be what they're looking for, or "think" it's what they're looking for.

 

[Akuriko]

bearcat warehouse has taken pre-orders, estimated delivery is March 2024. haven't checked zip scanner, I was looking for Amazon, no dice, however i noticed after Christmas and the new year, prices went up on the older models and I was like wow what gave

 

[Trucker700]

The UBC125XLT has the 800 MHz band AND Close Call.

Except it is not sold in the US.
James

 

[Akuriko]

Except it is not sold in the US.
James

if people want a 800mhz scanner just get the 355N by uniden

 

[JCar24]

The BCD160DN has my interest. Years ago I had a BC125AT which was an excellent scanner except it didn't cover the 800 band. This BCD160DN looks to have about everything I would want except for whatever reason Uniden isn't including their Close Call RF capture feature in this model. Being able to capture the frequency and decode the CTCSS of who was transmitting close by was half the fun of the BC125AT. I wonder if close call could be added to the BCD160DN in a future firmware update if there's enough interest.

I hope it has an option to save a channel from Band Scope mode. Similar to the new Waterfall on the SDS100. The lack of close call is truly a turn off for what I would use this scanner for. From what I'm understanding, you will be limited to the search functions to find new frequencies. I really like the bc125at, except for not having the option of saving a ctcss/dcs code with one push of the enter button.

 

[JCar24]

Anybody else notice that on the Uniden Page.
Under overview it states that you can use Sentinel software for this scanner.

 

[Akuriko]

if sentinal is being used for the 160 and 260 i am game

 

[bearcatrp]

I still want to wait for Icom's new one coming out to compare before deciding if I want another receiver/scanner. Waiting on my 325P2 to arrive and get that going. Will also wait for real user information.

 

[trp2525]

if sentinal is being used for the 160 and 260 i am game

The current Sentinel Software (for the BCD436HP, BCD536HP, SDS100 and SDS200) is not currently listed to work with these 2 new models. As has been posted and discussed earlier in this thread, both ProScan and BuTel ARC260 are currently available for purchase for computer programming of the BCD160DN and BCD260DN.

Per JCar24's post #707 above, perhaps Uniden will introduce a new version of Sentinel just for the new scanners? Or it could just be erroneous information posted on the Uniden Page.

 

[03msc]

I still want to wait for Icom's new one coming out to compare before deciding if I want another receiver/scanner. Waiting on my 325P2 to arrive and get that going. Will also wait for real user information.

What new one are they coming out with?

 

[Akuriko]

What new one are they coming out with?

i want a link to see this new icom as well, how much will it cost and more.

 

[LowBat]

You people buy scanners as frequently as I buy flashlights. I guess we all have some addiction to feed.

Currently my only scanner is a 20ish year old BC92XLT that I got used off eBay for $40. No alpha tags, no CTCSS, no trunking, no digital, no dynamic memory or software programming. Just a cheapie radio that works for what's available in my area. I wouldn't mind upgrading to the BCD160DN except I'd lose the close call feature I like.

 

[bearcatrp]

i want a link to see this new icom as well, how much will it cost and more.

Icom shows new IC-R15 at Tokyo Ham Fair

"On August 19, 2023, Icom Co., Ltd. exhibited the handheld wideband receiver "IC-R15" as a reference exhibit at the "Ham Fair 2023" venue. The reception frequency range is 76 to 500MHz, and it supports AM/FM/WFM, and can receive two waves simultaneously in all bands. Equipped with an...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Starcom21]

It is only one frequency NXDN/DMR no truncking.

It won't even be the same as "ONE FREQ DMR" that we are used to. It won't display RIDs, it WON'T Display TALKGROUPS. It WON'T display SLOTS. It will simply decode the DMR/NXDN, give you the CC/RAN and the audio. Nothing else. There could be multiple talkgroups talking and you won't know the difference by looking at the display.

And, if it KNOWS P25, then there must be some kind of functionality for it? Another upgrade LOL? Can they upgrade these?

 

[Akuriko]

i got a feeling they will push back the March date for this, any company allowing you to pre-order them and be done with it?

 

[Akuriko]

woops apperently bearcat warehouse is doing pre orders

BCD160DN Base/Mobile Digital Scanner

The Uniden BCD160DN Base/Mobile Digital Scanner is packed with features to help you detect signals faster than ever before. These exclusive features include Band Scope, Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, and Narrow-band Reception. With Uniden's reliable performance and innovation, you can rely...

bearcatwarehouse.com

BCD260DN Base/Mobile Digital Scanner

The Uniden BCD260DN Base/Mobile Digital Scanner features innovative technology such as Band Scope Rapid System/ Channel Number Tagging, Narrowband Reception, and a range of search features, making it one of the most powerful, efficient scanners available. Enjoy heightened search capabilities and...

bearcatwarehouse.com

and zip scanner isnt saying if there taking pre orders or charging the card right away.

BCD160DN Uniden Police Scanner

BCD160DN "digital" police scanner from [Uniden]. BCD160DN is a Uniden handheld scanner. FREE shipping, 35,268 happy customers, #1 rated police scanner store, expert programming, best price guarantee, easy returns, lifetime tech support.

www.zipscanners.com

BCD260DN Uniden Police Scanner

BCD260DN "digital" police scanner from [Uniden]. BCD260DN a Uniden's base scanner. "Uniden" & "Whistler", FREE shipping, 35,268 happy customers, #1 rated police scanner store, expert programming, best price guarantee, easy returns, lifetime tech support.

www.zipscanners.com

 

[JCar24]

The current Sentinel Software (for the BCD436HP, BCD536HP, SDS100 and SDS200) is not currently listed to work with these 2 new models. As has been posted and discussed earlier in this thread, both ProScan and BuTel ARC260 are currently available for purchase for computer programming of the BCD160DN and BCD260DN.

Per JCar24's post #707 above, perhaps Uniden will introduce a new version of Sentinel just for the new scanners? Or it could just be erroneous information posted on the Uniden Page.

I hope it comes with a simple program like the bc125at did. If it doesn't, then the projected price is entirely too high. BCD125AT software

 

[trp2525]

I hope it comes with a simple program like the bc125at did. If it doesn't, then the projected price is entirely too high. BCD125AT software

FWIW I just found this tidbit of information on page 11 of the BCD260DN English owner's manual:

PC Program - you can transfer data to and from your scanner and your
personal computer and control the scanner using a computer through
BCDX60DN SS program software (available through the product page on
www.uniden.com/products).

And found on page 64 in the same English manual:

UPDATE FIRMWARE USING PC
From time to time, Uniden will release firmware updates to improve existing
functionality, add new features, or address issues found in its operation.
Updating the firmware takes just a few minutes and is easily accomplished
using Sentinel software.
BC_VUP software is available for download through the BCD260DN’s product
page at www.uniden.com, Customer Support. BC_VUP connects to the
internet and checks for the current firmware version to download.
After downloading the BC_VUP software to your PC, simply connect your
scanner to your PC using the supplied USB cable. Then, in BC_VUP, select
Model/Version and follow the on-screen prompts.

 

[pinballwiz86]

I wonder if analog reception will be better than the 125AT. For me, would be the only reason to buy.