BCD160DN/BCD260DN: My Thoughts of the BCD160DN After a Month

[buddrousa]

Because you question me and quoted me

 

[Ubbe]

No, you already replayed in #36 that you had no answer to my #35 inquiry and where just spamming.

Never mind.

/Ubbe

 

[buddrousa]

If you do not want me to answer then do not Quote me.

 

[Ubbe]

I where quoting dmfalk but you answered instead and had no additional info to the scanners dual slot behavior and where only spamming.

Moderator, please delete all our non BCD160/260 related posts.

/Ubbe

 

[a727469]

Gentlemen, can’t we all just get along🤝😂

 

[a727469]

If you have local radio stations close to you, you may need a fm trap filter as the 160 is fairly sensitive. Read allot of posts that folks complained about overload. Some sent it back. I use mine on my discone with a mini circuit FM trap filter. Works really well good. Don’t forget to post your results.

Have had my 160 for a few days and have mixed feelings.

Likes…
Simple to use and program
Love the old style bank system
Great search features
Seems quite sensitive
Fast scan and search speeds
BNC antenna connector
Uses AA batteries…good and bad, see dislikes
Decent audio clarity
Would probably be great for air and rail especially when taken to locations because of previously mentioned simplicity to program and search on the go not like an sds100. Will try air in the future. The KISS principle.
DMR reception quite adequate. No NXDN around here so cannot test

Dislikes
Display lack of options(color, information etc)
Sentinel software lacking in many ways, yes I know Proscan and Butel available
Battery usage like the 325 limited time. Bring extras when traveling.
Volume seems less than what my former 325 had.
As I have previously stated, P25 displayed but not available and again I realize this is not the aim of this radio, but I still feel there is a way to unlock
Normal useless Uniden antenna, not unique to this radio.
Where’s the clock and date(only kidding)

Final rating. Just a very good, old style basic scanner with a specific market.
Will probably keep for now especially for the DMR.

 

[robbinsj2]

I bought the 160 to replace my 246 and to free up my SDS100 for more complex scanning. I like it a lot for the price point and am considering adding a 260 for my workdesk. My biggest annoyance is the battery life coupled with it only charging when it is turned off and even then you have to press E to start the charging. I wish I could set it to rechargables then let it top off when plugged in and operating.

 

[bearcatrp]

I bought the 160 to replace my 246 and to free up my SDS100 for more complex scanning. I like it a lot for the price point and am considering adding a 260 for my workdesk. My biggest annoyance is the battery life coupled with it only charging when it is turned off and even then you have to press E to start the charging. I wish I could set it to rechargables then let it top off when plugged in and operating.

Get an external usb battery. About 24 hours of continuous scanning.

 

[bearcatrp]

Found my older posts about the battery and cable that works. Get these for longer scanning. Since the 160DN has no record capabilities, will work just fine. Using any external battery with the 436 and SDS100, you lose record capabilities.

https://www.amazon.com/Aibocn-External-Battery-Flashlight-Smartphones/dp/B00VWV8LD4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Aibocn&qid=1704680992&s=wireless&sr=1-1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/CERRXIAN-9Inch-Cable-Charge-2-Pack/dp/B01N5PHSJE/ref=asc_df_B01N5PHSJE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309773039951&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5023236876492134158&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019603&hvtargid=pla-569789268448&th=1

 

[a727469]

That external not available but almost any small 10000 mah or so would work although still a pain to have(attach with tape?🤪) to use on what is supposed to be a portable. If long truly portable life is needed this or the 325 are not very good unless you take a few extra sets of batteries.

 

[bearcatrp]

That external not available but almost any small 10000 mah or so would work although still a pain to have(attach with tape?🤪) to use on what is supposed to be a portable. If long truly portable life is needed this or the 325 are not very good unless you take a few extra sets of batteries.

I use a military ammo pouch. Both radio and external battery fit perfect. Clip it on your belt.

 

[a727469]

I use a military ammo pouch. Both radio and external battery fit perfect. Clip it on your belt.

Yes sounds good

 

[a727469]

Have had my 160 for a few days and have mixed feelings.

Likes…
Simple to use and program
Love the old style bank system
Great search features
Seems quite sensitive
Fast scan and search speeds
BNC antenna connector
Uses AA batteries…good and bad, see dislikes
Decent audio clarity
Would probably be great for air and rail especially when taken to locations because of previously mentioned simplicity to program and search on the go not like an sds100. Will try air in the future. The KISS principle.
DMR reception quite adequate. No NXDN around here so cannot test

Dislikes
Display lack of options(color, information etc)
Sentinel software lacking in many ways, yes I know Proscan and Butel available
Battery usage like the 325 limited time. Bring extras when traveling.
Volume seems less than what my former 325 had.
As I have previously stated, P25 displayed but not available and again I realize this is not the aim of this radio, but I still feel there is a way to unlock
Normal useless Uniden antenna, not unique to this radio.
Where’s the clock and date(only kidding)

Final rating. Just a very good, old style basic scanner with a specific market.
Will probably keep for now especially for the DMR.

I am seriously thinking of selling…just not a fit with my listening. Sometimes we just make mistakes. 🤪

 

[TRamrod38]

Has anyone had a problem on BC260DN with DMR frequencies hanging up on the channels with 5 bars on signal strength, analog is fine

 

[lamarrsy]

Has anyone had a problem on BC260DN with DMR frequencies hanging up on the channels with 5 bars on signal strength, analog is fine

DMR frequencies hanging is a sign of a Trunked system, which the 260DN cannot track, unfortunately.

 

[a727469]

That external not available but almost any small 10000 mah or so would work although still a pain to have(attach with tape?🤪) to use on what is supposed to be a portable. If long truly portable life is needed this or the 325 are not very good unless you take a few extra sets of batteries.

Maybe someone can address the fact that using my 160 (and the same with my former 325) on either external adapter or external battery, the signal strength is definitely reduced. When adapter/battery is removed it returns to normal. Obviously, this is not noticeable when hooked to external antenna, only when using portable.

 

[buddrousa]

Sounds like Trashy Power. I had a 120 Volt to USB walwart that did the same thing. It now lives in a dumpster.

 

[a727469]

Thanks… That is what I originally thought, but same problem with 2 different external battery packs.

 

[buddrousa]

Stay with name brands
$15 from Amazon well you get what you pay for.

 

[a727469]

If this was about my battery packs 1 is actually a $100 fancy car starter/pack and the other will be insulted if I talk to it and tell it was $15….since it is much more than $15😉💰💰 I know I should not talk to inanimate objects🤪