Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather, and More, Black

I received this as a gift from my wife. I find the scanner a little hard to program and the sound quality is not a good as I would like. Of course it isnt a $500 scanner so I really didnt expect it to be a Cadillac but more of a Chevy. It offers a wide variety of frequencies to monitor so someone looking for a scanner that will do the job and not break the bank this is a good one!

This unit is versatile in that it is easily moved from a desktop installation to a vehicle installation - and it is ALMOST a portable unit except that it needs an external power connection. It is small and light enough to be moved about easily, and compact enough to fit in many cubby holes. Unlike some mobile units, its exterior is clean enough to look fine sitting out in the open on a desktop, yet it can be quickly/easily attached to a (pre-installed) mount in a vehicle, although it does require manual attachment of the power and antenna cables. Of course, the mobile mounting bracket could be used instead to mount the unit, say, under a shelf or whatever. Functionally, it works well in most respects. I was a little surprised that it seems to be a bit less sensitive than the old crystal-controlled scanner that it replaced. The backlit display is readable under most lighting conditions, but some indicators would seem quite small for quick reading in a mobile installation - unless the unit can be located fairly close to the observer. Fortunately, its not necessary to see them clearly during normal scanning mode. I havent yet used my unit in a mobile installation, but Im wondering if the buttons will be easy to see and access under poor lighting conditions. The buttons are small enough and spaced tightly enough that they might be difficult to use in a moving vehicle and/or with a gloved hand. Generally speaking, the unit is easy to use, but some of the functions dont seem to be intuitive - and so I often have to pull out the manual to do the operations that I use only rarely, in order to get all of the necessary steps in the correct sequence. The most tedious aspect is when manually programming (or removing) specific frequencies. While not particularly difficult, the process is time-consuming. It would help a lot if this unit had the ability to be programmed from a computer, because this likely would save a lot of time in the process. Meanwhile, programming frequencies by capturing actual transmissions is straight-forward, quick and easy - so long as the someone cooperates by transmitting on the desired channel when you want to capture it. I am still rather confused by how the channel banks interact with each other - and how to configure them properly. But, Ive been able to get the unit set up to do almost all that I need it to do. (The missing piece is that I dont know how to access the PL channels that are used in this area). The unit does retain its programming when power is removed - although I havent confirmed this over the long-term. The only problem Ive run into is being unable to find any specifications for the necessary impedance of the external speaker, and wasnt even able to find out from Tech Support. This isa rather concerning. Hopefully, they will be more helpful if there are any other support needs. Overall, I do like this unit, and I feel it is a good value.

This works great if you dont need to scan bands. The stock antenna it comes with works well right out of the box, and i was able to monitor my municipality (fire dept) on a single channel after about 3 zillion hours with the manual... So other than the fact that this thing is more complicated than the Hubble telescope to use and despite having a tech degree and being a reasonably geeky fellow I still cant figure out the scanning feature - it works. If you are easily frustrated by technology, you might want to opt for something a bit more user friendly.

Easier to set up than other reviews lead you to believe. Pages 52-55 of manual - read it carefully and you will get hang of it quickly. One drawback I (reason for 4 stars) is it scans one panel at a time (police, for example) and after a set time moves into the next panel to scan instead of across all panels at the same time. You can remedy this by enabling the closest but then CB chatter can take over if you live near an interstate. Having replaced a 20 year old 10 channel BC scanner with this all I can say is Wow!

It came on time it works I am still working on getting some of the channels I live down the road 1 to 2 minutes from my local frie department have not been able to pick them up but can pick up other fire department far away

Would not buy again.

Before I purchased this unit I read many of the reviews. I suggest that anyone considering a purchase do the same and after the purchase take the advise of several of the more knowledgeable reviewers. Being a Uniden I expected quality and some frustration. I was not disappointed. This is a very nice scanner and a good value if (repeat, if) you are patient and understand the limitations of the radio and the manual. If you want a be-all-to-end-all scanner, then spend $400-$500. This $100 unit will not suit you. Based upon my limited use so far I have found that the sensitivity is good and adjacent channel rejection is good. The functions are clearly marked and the display is clear and easily read. The speaker is terrible (normal for smaller radios) and you should purchase an after market speaker. The included accessories (antennas, DC power options, etc.) are good. An external antenna (AntennaCraft ST-2 for instance) is a good idea. Given the price I would say: Appearance - 5 (Nice smaller unit) Features - 4 Sensitivity / Rejection - 4 (This is based upon limited use so far and is subject to later revision) Ease of Use - 3 (Needs better manual. Programming is a pain, but worth it.) Overall - 4

it wasnt very clear on the product info that this was ANALOG ONLY. returning for a better DIGITAL scanner

Difficult to program.

So when I first started using this scanner, it felt like it was impossible to program and then the light bulb went off. All you have to do is start your scan- when you find a channel you want to save to the private bank, push the buttons for the pd/fire until they disappear at the top and then push the air/marine until that disappears. All that is left is the private bank- hit program and then bank channel will flash- choose the number of the bank you want to save then hit program and that frequency is now locked in and when you hit search, it will only search the bank you have selected. If you want to go back to searching the other bands, just hit the corresponding button ans it will scan that bank. If you have specific frequencies that you want to add, hit the private button and it will start to scan. then hit hold and then the up or down button until you have reached the next frequency.