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

[JCar24]

They answered your question.

In my opinion the 160 is way overpriced for the lack of features it provides. Close call and other forms of frequency storing are big in portable scanning. With the added frequency storage and number tagging system in Dynamic Allocated Channel memory architecture scanners as well as the ability to quickly stalk a signal, The 325 is more value for your buck.

 

[dispatch235]

I'm usually not one to be the "first kid on the block" to purchase a new model when it comes out, but decided to get the 260 as looked pretty useful for me as an addition to my 15x for analog scanning. I've had it for a couple weeks and so far for my use it's a winner.
I like the "996 style" display. it has the same color choices to choose from and dimmer levels. The receive led is a neat little touch similar to commercial radios. Would have been nice if it had select-able colors similar the the way the scroll knob led on the 536 and 200.
Although I'm very comfortable with navigating "quick keys" and "number keys" I really like the "bank style" structure to be able to just simply punch in the channel number and jump to the channel I want when somethings going on (especially when I'm dispatching).
"Close-call" is a feature I really never used anyways, I just prefer to search certain ranges and the "service searches" so it won't be missed for me, although for some that seems to be a deal breaker.
I really don't have any DMR/NXDN except some utilities in my area but from what little I've listened it seems to work well on DMR that it's designed for.
It is definitely a radio I could recommend as an upgrade for the older scanner crowd that all they've ever had is a basic bank style scanner, but would love to upgrade to a radio with alpha-tags, ctcss/dcs and be able to still navigate the familiar bank style architecture.
The 160 and 260 weren't designed to replace any radios, but fill a sort of sort of niche market i suppose you could call it... If you need/want a radio that does it all we already have those, and it sort of compliments a gap between the 15x/125 models and the 325/996 models if you will.

 

[JCar24]

With everything being said, I don't really use a base scanner at home. I have an antenna adapter for use with my sds100. It handles the simulcast issue the 325 just can't. It's a really good scanner. I am not really comfortable with lugging it around to air shows, railroad frequency hunting, or auto races. My hobbies per say. It's just too expensive to expose it those environments. Truth be told, I think Uniden should upgrade the 125 to be able to quick save codes. That is a perfect portable scanner. I would probably be willing to pay for the upgrade. It's nothing more than changing the firmware (software of the operating system) to accomplish this. I've previously read here on the forums, maybe not on this particular thread, that to get that feature one would need to spend more money on a higher end model. This came from a so-called Uniden rep. I was excited about the release of the 160, until I actually got to read the manual, and watch the railroad guy's video. Yes, the 160 is not a replacement for another scanner. But it is not an improvement in scanning technology one might expect in 2024. I stick to my original assessment, that the 160 is an overpriced dumbed down 325.

 

[buddrousa]

@JCar24
If you do not want a x60 do not buy it. The scanner was built for a certain market if the scanner is not in your market buy one that is.
As stated before this Scanner meets its market very well. It also will work for a market that only needs NXDN and DMR with out having to drop well over $500 for a 325P2 or a 996P2. While you are at it call Chevy tell then I want a $20,000 car that will run like a Vette and ride like a Caddie. I forgot get the fuel milage of a Spark.

 

[03msc]

@JCar24
If you do not want a x60 do not buy it. The scanner was built for a certain market if the scanner is not in your market buy one that is.
As stated before this Scanner meets its market very well. It also will work for a market that only needs NXDN and DMR with out having to drop well over $500 for a 325P2 or a 996P2. While you are at it call Chevy tell then I want a $20,000 car that will run like a Vette and ride like a Caddie. I forgot get the fuel milage of a Spark.

Yeah, I just don’t get why some people think that “since it’s not for me then it’s not for anyone”.

 

[JCar24]

@JCar24
If you do not want a x60 do not buy it. The scanner was built for a certain market if the scanner is not in your market buy one that is.
As stated before this Scanner meets its market very well. It also will work for a market that only needs NXDN and DMR with out having to drop well over $500 for a 325P2 or a 996P2. While you are at it call Chevy tell then I want a $20,000 car that will run like a Vette and ride like a Caddie. I forgot get the fuel milage of a Spark.

Have you seen the prices of consumer grade electronics lately. The trend is bigger and more technology advanced, with a whole lot more features at a considerable price decrease, year after year. And thanks for suggestion, I'll head over to the GM forums now.

 

[JCar24]

Yeah, I just don’t get why some people think that “since it’s not for me then it’s not for anyone”.

I don't get why posting an opinion, in a thread that has pages and pages of people discussing what the new scanner is, and how it came to be, should deserve snarky and smarta..... replies. It's kind of like a lot of people here get paid by Uniden or something.

 

[KevinC]

I don't get why posting an opinion, in a thread that has pages and pages of people discussing what the new scanner is, and how it came to be, should deserve snarky and smarta..... replies. It's kind of like a lot of people here get paid by Uniden or something.

I'm guessing @JoeBearcat gets paid by Uniden...but I could be wrong.

And I miss the old days of being accused all the time of getting free stuff from Uniden simply because I tried to keep the forums under control.

 

[03msc]

I don't get why posting an opinion, in a thread that has pages and pages of people discussing what the new scanner is, and how it came to be, should deserve snarky and smarta..... replies. It's kind of like a lot of people here get paid by Uniden or something.

Exactly. When you post in a public forum you will get responses. Especially when it's a flawed view.

You're 100% entitled to your opinion. And others are 100% entitled and within their rights to respond and/or disagree.

 

[03msc]

getting free stuff from Uniden

You mean it's not true that you get a new free SDS200 every month?

 

[KevinC]

You mean it's not true that you get a new free SDS200 every month?

Every month? No.

 

[JCar24]

Exactly. When you post in a public forum you will get responses. Especially when it's a flawed view.

You're 100% entitled to your opinion. And others are 100% entitled and within their rights to respond and/or disagree.

Flawed, or just doesn't agree with your view? Thanks for proving my point.

 

[buddrousa]

We think you want a SDS200 for $199?

 

[03msc]

Flawed, or just doesn't agree with your view? Thanks for proving my point.

Oh no, you can have your opinion but when it's clear you don't understand the market and the target, that's going to be pointed out as flawed.

Keep thinking what you want, that's a good thing. But don't expect to not be challenged or called out about it. That's the point.

Not sure what point you thinking was proven, though.

 

[JCar24]

Oh no, you can have your opinion but when it's clear you don't understand the market and the target, that's going to be pointed out as flawed.

Keep thinking what you want, that's a good thing. But don't expect to not be challenged or called out about it. That's the point.

Not sure what point you thinking was proven, though.

Look, all I'm getting at is that (I believe) it doen't make good business sense for
Uniden to retool a production line with different components to produce a new scanner. Not when (I believe) a more cost-effective firmware (software re-write) of the 325 would produce what the 160 appears to be. Nothing personal. I do get the intended market, read my posts about how I thought it has potential with an even bigger market, especially with the added digital aspect of it.

 

[03msc]

I do not work for Uniden nor have any insider knowledge/information...but...the way my mind works...it tells me that a simple firmware update wouldn't have added features found in the 160/260 to other existing models. To me that's just logical thinking. Internal components are different or something like that. A different chip to decode this mode or that mode, etc.

By all means, if anyone doesn't want to like the scanner then don't like the scanner. But for the targeted user it is a good model that will fill the role and save money vs paying more for things not needed.

As someone who has a degree in business, I know there are a lot of reasons that companies do things and sometimes we, the consumer, don't know those reasons and won't know them. They wouldn't have gone through the steps to produce it if they didn't feel (or know) there is a market for it.

Just like there is a market for the 325/996 or the SDS line.

 

[buddrousa]

The intended target then is not you. The intended target is Railroad fans and Air fans.
And like I said I will not tell a little old lady she has to buy a over $500 scanner to only get NXDN or DMR and does not need or want P25 Trunking. We do not see buying a more expensive scanner than is needed for the job. You are free to buy UNIDEN and run it any way you want.

 

[TwoKings]

I am looking for a hand held scanner to pair with my SDS200 and I am leaning to the bcd160. It looks perfect for what I want, which is portable air and railband. The DMR and NXDN included is a massive plus for listening to the utility trucks around me. I am glad I saw this before I bought the 125.

 

[buddrousa]

@TwoKings
The 160 and 260 have a little hotter receiver on DMR NXDN and ANALOG than the 325p2 and 996p2. This is compared to me running both on the same antenna at the same time both from my base rack setup and my 4 port stridesberg in my car.

 

[TwoKings]

@TwoKings
The 160 and 260 have a little hotter receiver on DMR NXDN and ANALOG than the 325p2 and 996p2. This is compared to me running both on the same antenna at the same time both from my base rack setup and my 4 port stridesberg in my car.

Thanks for this info. Looks like I'll start looking at the 325p2 then.