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

[Remon]

But as I have said the BUTTONS are not the same on the 125 plus the BACKLIGHT is OFF on the 160.
If you look at the 325P2 and 160 side by side the BUTTONS are the same and the BACKLIGHT is the same.

The backlight was off on both scanners in this picture.

The backlight is also brighter on the UBC125XLT. Maybe because the background material has a lighter color. I have to add that I had several 125's over the years with variations in brightness and the amber tint (some of them even leaning to red).

 

[blackbelter]

How does the performances of the 160DN compares to 125AT? Specifically in VHF/UHF Air.
Thanks

 

[buddrousa]

Has anyone got a confirmation on what the BCD160 BCD260 Firmware update is yet?

 

[Remon]

Trying to buy ARC260 on butel.nl: a Dutch company, with a Dutch domain name, made it impossible for a Dutch customer to purchase their software. There's simply no way to proceed because the Netherlands ain't in the (extended) list with countries. I have a CC and a PP account, but even with PayPal checkout I can't proceed.

I have wasted 6 hours programming in the demo version. After the first 3 hours it crashed, then I had to start over for 3 hours again. I can only upload Bank 1 while I was expecting it was a fully functional 30 days demo.

It is also loaded with bugs. If you press P while in the SQ Mode column, it will select dPMR...If you try the shortcut A you get IDAS while you'll expect Analog.

 

[RCjim]

Trying to buy ARC260 on butel.nl: a Dutch company, with a Dutch domain name, made it impossible for a Dutch customer to purchase their software. There's simply no way to proceed because the Netherlands ain't in the (extended) list with countries. I have a CC and a PP account, but even with PayPal checkout I can't proceed.

I have wasted 6 hours programming in the demo version. After the first 3 hours it crashed, then I had to start over for 3 hours again. I can only upload Bank 1 while I was expecting it was a fully functional 30 days demo.

It is also loaded with bugs. If you press P while in the SQ Mode column, it will select dPMR...If you try the shortcut A you get IDAS while you'll expect Analog.

You might want to give Scanner Master a go they handle that software here in the USA.

 

[RCjim]

How does the performances of the 160DN compares to 125AT? Specifically in VHF/UHF Air.
Thanks

Hi I had both side by side and for me my 125AT out performed the new 160DN, loudness, screen brightness and reception rail and airband. My 160DN had issues locking in on the weather channel search, my 125AT didn’t. Maybe others had a different experience.
I did try DMR on the 160DN and that seemed to work just fine compared to my SDS100.

Just noticed you asked about UHF air I didn’t try UHF air, only VHF AM

 

[buddrousa]

Do not have the 125 in any version but the BCDx60DN's are like some of the older Unidens a little wide on the front end and seen to suffer from co-channeling in a larger environment. I would say in the middle of Memphis it would suffer. Out in the lesser used RF areas it receives alot better and the range is better.

 

[blackbelter]

Thank you for your responses . Using an indoor antenna , my 125 solidly locks up to our local airport tower which is about 5 miles west of me . I seldom monitor these bands however ,125 performs well in our areas of marine and trains activities . I was merely Intersted in the 160DN for its additional DMR/NXDN coverages.

 

[buddrousa]

Then the bet would be frontend overload as I live in an area where it is not very rf loaded but when I get to an area that is it suffers a little.
Sitting out in a rural area along the CN Tracks it is great. At home 25 foot ST-2 antenna I get 2 Fault Detectors 20 each way from my house on my BCD260DN.

 

[blackbelter]

Thank you , appreciate your in-depth responses .

 

[Remon]

After the last debacle with the Butel programming software (feels like they don't want my money as a EU customer) I tried the free Uniden SS software. It's really nice, works well and got the job done in no time.

 

[JvdK]

After the last debacle with the Butel programming software (feels like they don't want my money as a EU customer) I tried the free Uniden SS software. It's really nice, works well and got the job done in no time.

you could also give ProScan a try. Works also with other scanner models and only $50,= with lifetime updates and virtual control. It works with my SDS200e and 3600XLT. Proscan can be used with the 160DN/260DN too 😉

 

[Remon]

What style BNC connection other BCD160DN owners have? This is my first Uniden with 4 contact springs for the inner pin. The official product page shows a classic 2 contact spring BNC connection: BCD160DN Radio Scanner

 

[W2GLD]

Hi I had both side by side and for me my 125AT out performed the new 160DN, loudness, screen brightness and reception rail and airband. My 160DN had issues locking in on the weather channel search, my 125AT didn’t. Maybe others had a different experience.
I did try DMR on the 160DN and that seemed to work just fine compared to my SDS100.

Just noticed you asked about UHF air I didn’t try UHF air, only VHF AM

I have a BCD160DN that’s hanging like crazy throughout the VHF aircraft band and also stops receiving periodically because the front end seems to be getting overloaded, and has to be rebooted to recover, whereas the BC125AT has been rock solid. Contacting Uniden next week for return and refund, even the receiver on the SDS100 is better than this turd.

 

[RCjim]

Contacting Uniden next week for return and refund

W2GLD, I did the same thing already, only took 4 days after returning to get my refund!

 

[KevinC]

I have a BCD160DN that’s hanging like crazy throughout the VHF aircraft band and also stops receiving periodically because the front end seems to be getting overloaded, and has to be rebooted to recover, whereas the BC125AT has been rock solid. Contacting Uniden next week for return and refund, even the receiver on the SDS100 is better than this turd.

That sucks.

 

[buddrousa]

@KevinC
Kevin I see this in my travels in my service van. It is bad when you get 1 mile from a VHF site.

 

[bearcatrp]

Thats pretty bad to hear how bad it is. Hopefully a firmware will fix these issues. I am going with the Icom R-15 instead.

 

[blackbelter]

Does nott appear to be a good AIR band or total VHF scanner . According to the fact sheets, the 125 AT has a richer volume and better Sensitivity.

 

[ScanFanEd]

These performance reports are a bit discouraging. As long as Uniden has been working on these, I was hoping for better performance...