Uniden SR30C for rail travel.

[bobcraig]

Hello everyone:

I am taking a long Amtrak trip in a couple of months. I have a SDS100 for use where I live for public safety communications and I love it, but I have learned from some of these forums that it's not that sensitive for rail communications. I looked on the Wiki and the first VHF scanner I noticed was the SR30C. Has anyone used this scanner on trains trips and was able to compare it to the SDS100?

Thanks for your help!

Bob in Iowa

 

[UPCoffeyvilleSubMain2]

Hi Bob,

I'm not familiar with that model but I can't say enough good things about my Uniden BC125AT.

It's basic, relatively inexpensive, has plenty of room for 500 channels and extremely portable.

Versus the sds-100 based on head-to-head competition with identical scan list, the BC125AT virtually always locks the frequency sooner, maintains the lock better and offers clearer audio

I keep all the AAR channels in one bank and a short list with DPU, RCL, HOTD and EOTD frequencies, and a few specific favorites for UP, CPKC, BNSF and KCTR with priority set.

It won't cover all the fancy trunked systems but it does a fine job with marine, rail, aviation and other such conventional systems.

Good luck.

 

[N9JIG]

The SR30C is very similar to the BC125AT but has a couple features removed such as PL and DPL codes and Channel names. For rail monitoring it is great.

I suggest that you program the AAR channels in the proper Channel Numbers, often these are referred to by number on the air so it makes it easier to find the proper channel.

 

[Bob1955]

Hi Bob,

I'm not familiar with that model but I can't say enough good things about my Uniden BC125AT.

It's basic, relatively inexpensive, has plenty of room for 500 channels and extremely portable.

Versus the sds-100 based on head-to-head competition with identical scan list, the BC125AT virtually always locks the frequency sooner, maintains the lock better and offers clearer audio

I keep all the AAR channels in one bank and a short list with DPU, RCL, HOTD and EOTD frequencies, and a few specific favorites for UP, CPKC, BNSF and KCTR with priority set.

It won't cover all the fancy trunked systems but it does a fine job with marine, rail, aviation and other such conventional systems.

Good luck.

UpCoffeyvilleSubMain2- I agree with you 100% as my new BC125AT just arrived yesterday (Wednesday) and I haven't had the time to even open it up yet.
I'm in the news media and already sent a Uniden Bearcat BCD996P2 back to Amazon and just got the refund on my credit card. I'm using a Radio Shack 20-405 PRO-405 which at the time, was made by GRE America Corporation for R/S and now Whistler International Group bought them out, but Uniden America Corporation is the #1 global leader in scanner technology.
Take care,
Bob (KB2GQK)

 

[bobcraig]

Gentlemen:

I just ordered the BC125AT from Uniden Bearcat Wearhouse for $104.99. I found big price differences online, and this seemed like the best deal. Looks like my SDS100 will soon have a little brother. Looking forward to my trip! Thank all of you for your great advice, and God Bless!


Bob in Iowa.

 

[Bob1955]

Gentlemen:

I just ordered the BC125AT from Uniden Bearcat Wearhouse for $104.99. I found big price differences online, and this seemed like the best deal. Looks like my SDS100 will soon have a little brother. Looking forward to my trip! Thank all of you for your great advice, and God Bless!


Bob in Iowa.

It's our pleasure to help you, Bob!

 

[bobcraig]

Hello again everyone. I have a follow-up question. I keep seeing posts and You Tubes saying that the Diamone RH77 CA antenna improves rail reception for the BC125AT, but since I'll be on the train do I really need it? I'm just wanting to pickup communications between crew mwmbers, and dispatch. For this situation do you think the supplied antenna will be good enough?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob in Iowa

 

[Nasby]

Hello again everyone. I have a follow-up question. I keep seeing posts and You Tubes saying that the Diamone RH77 CA antenna improves rail reception for the BC125AT, but since I'll be on the train do I really need it? I'm just wanting to pickup communications between crew mwmbers, and dispatch. For this situation do you think the supplied antenna will be good enough?

Thanks for your advice.

Bob in Iowa

You absolutely won’t need to upgrade the antenna if you only want to hear the local crew on your train as well as local dispatchers. The stock antenna will be plenty efficient.

 

[bobcraig]

Thank you, Nasby, and God bless!


Bob

 

[bobcraig]

I took the BC125AT down to Osceola this evening to watch the California Zephyr come through. It worked like a charm!
Thanks to everyone who took the time to give me their wisdom,

May God Bless all of you!

Bob in Iowa

 

[bobcraig]

Hey everyone! I just got back from my Amtrak trip, and wanted to let you know that the BC125AT worked like a charm! There were a few times where I was standing close enough to an Amtrak employee that I could hear their radio. In every case my radio did a great job of keeping up with theirs. Thanks again for all your advice!

Bob in Iowa