Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC programable, NASCAR, Racing, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, and Non-Digital Police, Fire, Public Safety

This unit replaced another brand that broke at the antenna connector after a year of use. This model received local police traffic that the unit did not. It is also smaller and seems better built.

Brought this thinking that I could start doing a hobby I’ve been interested in for a while. I couldn’t figure out even after doing YouTube searches on it to get it out of all lock mode. Also couldn’t figure out how to get my local police feeds. Returned it a week later. After I sent customer support a message which they only say they respond via email, though they do have an 800 number. Call the 800 number and all it says is to email them. Not worth the money.

This has to be considered a basic analog scanner. It seems to work well with good sensitivity. Programming is a bit tedious if you want to enter multiple frequencies. The most significant deficiency is that you cannot enter alphanumeric names for your banks and channels -- the only scanner Ive ever owned since the 1990s that didnt have that feature. Also note that the PC software for programming only works on a Windows PC, not Mac. They advertise something called Turbo Search but there is nothing in the User Manual that describes such a feature. UPDATE: I have returned the SR30C and replaced it with its better brother, the BC125AT. Amazon doesnt carry it (in the U.S.) but I found it for only a few dollars more than the SR30C on Walmart. (EDIT:: I see that Amazon now has the SC125AT). The BC125AT is essentially the same scanner as the SR30C but with MUCH better features (including alphanumeric channel labels) for only a few dollars more. It almost seems that Uniden intentionally crippled functions and features to make the SR30C a bit cheaper.

The product is very dependable and the quality is of top notch.

My mom wanted this to listen to. She don’t get out much because of the corona virus, so this gives her some kind of entertainment on what’s going on in the outside world of her town. Made her happy, and she could set it up herself, which was my main concern because I’m in a different state than her.

I use this for rail fanning and it works well. The only small gripe is that the advertised range, with the attached antenna, is not as far as specified. Then again, I am in a hilly area, so that probably makes the range much shorter.

Pros: - Scans Quickly Cons: - Stock antenna isnt great... I dont suppose its meant to be. - No ability to name banks or channels even via computer (This is the worst part) - Should have used USB-Micro or Type-C Charging... this uses USB-Mini, a terrible antiquated port - Backlight times out quickly - Backlight cant be set to light on receive so you have to fumble in time to see a frequency at night - Function Key is Toggle, not momentary so you have to check the screen to see if its engaged For all of its cons its still a serviceable scanner for the price but these are issues that could have been (could be?) addressed at little to no cost.

Just what I needed for monitoring emergency activity! The battery-life on the rechargeable unit is long-lasting. Nice to take-out for a few days without having to charge.

Very few analog frequencies, upgraded to digital. Poor battery life.

Only gets weather. Doesn’t pick up any fire, police,or ems