Not receiving any reception

[dvstacy]

Hi. I recently bought a Uniden BC125AT scanner. I’ve taken it with me several times on the highway but all I hear is static when it stops on a frequency. I haven’t heard anyone on CB, police, etc. I live in Ohio. Did I buy the wrong scanner?

 

[belvdr]

Most law enforcement would be on MARCS, a P25 trunking system. Your scanner cannot decode those signals.

 

[engine183]

I live in southern Ohio ( Brown Co) and most all fire and police use the MARCS system. However, you can review RR and see if anything is in your area to monitor. Also to be sure your scanner is working, try the weather channel (162.550)

RR - Ohio Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hi & welcome to the RR forums:
At the very least you'll need a scanner that can trunk track P25 Phase-I systems. See full list here. If simulcast is an issue in your area (Looking at Ohio MARCS there are a few simulcast sites) then I'd highly recommend the Uniden SDS100 since simulcast distortion may be an issue

 

[iMONITOR]

Hi. I recently bought a Uniden BC125AT scanner. I’ve taken it with me several times on the highway but all I hear is static when it stops on a frequency. I haven’t heard anyone on CB, police, etc. I live in Ohio. Did I buy the wrong scanner?

Did you program it? Or are you using the Search mode?

 

[dvstacy]

I'm using the search mode and trying to scan whatever frequencies came with the scanner. As you can see I'm new at this.

 

[iMONITOR]

I'm using the search mode and trying to scan whatever frequencies came with the scanner. As you can see I'm new at this.

That's most likely the problem. You need to program the scanner for the frequencies and services in your area that you want to monitor.

 

[dvstacy]

That's most likely the problem. You need to program the scanner for the frequencies and services in your area that you want to monitor.

OK thank you. I will have to take it somewhere to have someone program it for me. I don't want to mess it up. Thanks again.

 

[belvdr]

Again, most law enforcement are on MARCS. Your scanner won't decode P25 nor can it scan the frequencies MARCS uses between 700-800 MHz.

 

[dvstacy]

OK, I now understand. Is there another handheld that will work and decode MARCS and P25? If so I'll try to sell mine and get one that will decode MARCS and P25.

 

[belvdr]

The only options for simulcast are:

Unication G4 or G5
Uniden SDS100 or SDS200

For scanning on the go, the SDS100 is likely the best, with the GPS option.

 

[Nasby]

where are you located?

 

[Swipesy]

If you are interested in listening to Military Air and trains in Ohio keep the BC125 for that. For police and fire most of Ohio is now on trunked radio systems and you are going to have to spend some serious money on on digital trunking unit. You are looking at $600 + for the updated scanners and $400 + for the older Whistler/Uniden models.

 

[dvstacy]

where are you located?

Toledo, OH

If you are interested in listening to Military Air and trains in Ohio keep the BC125 for that. For police and fire most of Ohio is now on trunked radio systems and you are going to have to spend some serious money on on digital trunking unit. You are looking at $600 + for the updated scanners and $400 + for the older Whistler/Uniden models.

Ok, thanks for the info!