What Budget Police Scanner Should I Buy?

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  • čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
  • In this video, we take a looks at some of the budget Police Scanners that are on the market. We will talk about features and price and hopefully, make a decision about which would be best for an upcoming video series on budget scanners.
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  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 265

  • @Psyche89
    @Psyche89 Před rokem +5

    I am so glad I found your channel, I find all this stuff fascinating.

  • @herman5eight
    @herman5eight Před 4 měsíci +5

    Before you buy a scanner make sure your police/fire department aren't truncated, it keeps you from picking up their frequencies on your scanners. That's why I took mine back.

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      my radio picked up police and even the vice unit along with fire and ambulance and no problums
      I also had a permit to do that

  • @barranness
    @barranness Před rokem +37

    Now this is the type of review I like. Quick, short, comparison, & a chart. Thanks. Loved it.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +4

      Thanks, glad you liked it 👍

    • @radiotests
      @radiotests Před rokem +3

      Its his bread and butter way. Informative and concise videos without all the shilling for sponsors or begging for money. He's a class act!

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      @@radiotests Thanks Craig 👍

    • @thehimself4056
      @thehimself4056 Před rokem

      I had a ( Baofeng ) years ago. Long before computers could program for you. It was all manual. Lol. Are they still any good? The prices are pretty low.

    • @PlanetRockJesus
      @PlanetRockJesus Před 9 měsíci

      And I hate unboxing segments, where it takes them 7 minutes to just unpack it!

  • @brentcarlson3652
    @brentcarlson3652 Před rokem

    Nicely done! Enjoyed the 'to the point' review as others have also said. Thanks!

  • @deankq4adj125
    @deankq4adj125 Před rokem

    Great and informative breakdown! Thanks for sharing the video.

  • @Dannyedelman4231
    @Dannyedelman4231 Před rokem +5

    I just got my Uniden Bc125at, and I absolutely love how I can program it both manually and from pc and that it has NOAA weather alert

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 Před rokem +4

    Alpha tagging is a GAME CHANGER. I can't remember more than 10 frequencies in my head. It's nice to see the name of the agency I'm listening to!

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +4

      Heck yeah James, AT is a must for me 😳

  • @jeremyt5291
    @jeremyt5291 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Thank you for this video it helped me pick what scanner to go with which is the 125C

  • @kathiehacht9156
    @kathiehacht9156 Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you for your time and info.

  • @Dhspat
    @Dhspat Před 5 měsíci +2

    Just got a BC125AT. Loving it so far. Used to have a BC 300 XLT.

  • @Rigby545
    @Rigby545 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You should totally make a video like this on handheld Digital Scanners. I'm new to scanning and starting to learn more and more. I could really use an informative video going into the details of mainline digital scanners comparing features/capabilities and prices.

  • @jhacker5150
    @jhacker5150 Před rokem +3

    BC125AT owner. Love it. Primary use: racing and monitoring SkyWarn

  • @KK6USYHamRadioAdventures

    outer bank Brew-Thru sounds good! Ape thanks for clearing this up a lot of others just skate over the real points on how to use.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Howdy Chuck! Thank for checking out the video!

  • @coctailer
    @coctailer Před rokem +7

    Great job! You do great scanner content. I would like to see more scanner stuff from you if you have it on your creation list. :-)

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      Thanks Ortwein, I do have some more planned but so little time...

  • @COASTALWAVESWIRES
    @COASTALWAVESWIRES Před rokem

    My day has been made, Ape is wearing an OBX Brew Thru shirt! That’s just minutes down the road from me. Great video!

  • @jaym1301
    @jaym1301 Před rokem +1

    Another good, informative video. Thanks, Ape. I can get the BC125AT here for just under ₱13,933 including shipping. A bit spendy for a scanner, more than a Yaesu FT-70DR, but I can see how it would be useful plus would let me monitor the VHF airband which I'm interested in, not to mention keep an ear on the 2m & 70cm bands while I'm listening to HF.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Here the ft70 is about $170 and the 125 is $105. I guess it’s a tariff thing. Thanks for watching Jay 👍

    • @jaym1301
      @jaym1301 Před rokem

      @@TheSmokinApe I think it's just the mark-up charged by Chinese online stores. I did find a 125AT from another seller for ₱11,800 with free shipping but they only have an 80% "ships on time" rating vs. 100% for the first one. That's still $210 though but it's the cheapest one. It seems that most personal electronics and tech gadgets cost more in SE the Philippines: cameras, computers, etc. It is what it is.

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 Před rokem +5

    Here in Pittsburgh,PA Almost EVERY thing is still non trunked UHF FM. The BC125AT is MORE than adequate AND since it supports AM, Aircraft & CB are in the mix. I have 3 of them programmed identically (1 stays at home, 1 in the car (legal in PA, YMMV) and 1 "knock about" that I carry (I got a shorty UHF antenna for it). I even got BC125ATs for my sister and niece. (LOL) A great little radio if your area is non trunked and analog! I have of course also scanned with my Baofeng UV-5R. If you live in an untrunked analog area AND you are really on a tight budget a UV-54 is a option, It's no where near as fast as the Bearcat or have as many channels (since it's primary use is NOT as a scanner) But It can work.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      Nice that you can get into the game without and expensive scanner 👍

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe Yep, And you can thus afford to spend on better antennas (tuned for the bands you are actively scanning). 👍😊👍

    • @Odin31b
      @Odin31b Před rokem +1

      The review i needed. Wanting to update from the bc75

  • @artkownslar9535
    @artkownslar9535 Před 9 měsíci

    I have the whistler WS 1010WA 400 channel memory very happy with it.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 9 měsíci

      Nice, that’s a popular scanner 👍

  • @robertmeyer4744
    @robertmeyer4744 Před 9 měsíci +1

    I have both the BC 75 and the BC 125 . had them years . work very well . can charge USB . and PC program. runs all day on 2 AA NiMH battery's Japan 2100 MAH I got. the stock antenna is ok. but longer ones really help a lot ! The 42 in Abbree CB BNC one really helps on 25-50 MHz . the winter months I get WWV on 25 MHz . yes WWV is back on 25 1! . I find scanners at yard sales all the time. mostly the old ones. My Alinco DJ-X11 is full coverage RX . but over that $100 mark. That close call on BC 125/75 you can select bands on that. 73's

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 9 měsíci

      Agreed, the BC's are the way to go... thanks for watching 👍

  • @tkflanagan4449
    @tkflanagan4449 Před 11 měsíci

    You're AWESOME...... Thank you!!!😊

  • @rogerNKWYNNVIDS
    @rogerNKWYNNVIDS Před 10 měsíci

    The BC75xlt seems to leave out the Rail Road bands! I just ordered the BC125AT because of the fact that you can scan service frequencies independently. I like that.
    I also have a sds100 and a bct15x plus about 40 ham and gmrs radios.
    My dream radio now is the unication G5 pager. Cost is about the same as the sds100. So it mite be a while. Thanks for a great video. I'm Roger KK7KLD and WRQZ243 in mid utah.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 10 měsíci +1

      The SDS100 is super sweet. I did just get the g4 and I love it, listening to it right now… 👍

  • @KC5TGTRadiosNMore
    @KC5TGTRadiosNMore Před rokem +9

    Started using a scanner in my ham shack about a year ago to support my receive capabilities. It’s the original Uniden Home Patrol. Even though a lot of the public service stuff has gone digital I primarily use my analog scanner for monitoring band openings on 6m & 10m FM, the ISS repeater when it’s overhead, local analog repeater traffic, GMRS, FRS & MURS frequencies. With all of that programmed in there mine is constantly receiving something….. it practically never shuts up. (funny thing is this scanner was given to me because the original owner said there was nothing to listen to any more)

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem

      Dang, sounds like you are pretty busy over there. I am always surprised we people say stuff like that. Thanks for checking in!

  • @Aussie_Ham_Radio
    @Aussie_Ham_Radio Před rokem +1

    I have a lot of scanners. I have the USDS100 just the Australian version of the SDS100 and I find that it is quite “deaf” on close call. Even a very old scanner from the 1980:90 that had close call performs better. Usually on digital modes. I was trying to interrogate a commercial DMR radio and on the USDS100 just wouldn’t work. Eventually I did a range scan and found the freq but maybe they would be a good thing for you to do a comparison or test ?

  • @nickfoudos410
    @nickfoudos410 Před 5 měsíci

    I’m looking to get into scanning especially for when I’m on the go I’m still trying to really wrap my head around this but the video was extremely helpful but I was wondering what other resources I should look at to get to know the hobby

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 5 měsíci

      Check out radioreference.com it’s a great site for scanners 👍

  • @ThroneRoomTalks
    @ThroneRoomTalks Před rokem

    That was very helpful

  • @ke4hzc
    @ke4hzc Před rokem

    I just purchased the BC-125. I'm just waiting for the programming software to arrive.

  • @maureen3134
    @maureen3134 Před rokem

    I was looking for an easy to understand and informative video and am happy I found yours. I will be a first-time scanner purchaser and will definitely look into BC125AT. I am looking for one that will include police, fire and possibly air traffic - will this one do that? Is there such a scanner? Thanks for any input for this newbie!

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      Thanks Maureen. So, the services where you live impact what radio you should get; your best bet is to call Zip Scanners and they can point you in the right direction.

    • @maureen3134
      @maureen3134 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe Thank you! I just filled out the online form and should hear from them tomorrow. When I was young my mom had a scanner and loved to listen to the air traffic; now I’m 20 miles from a major airport so that’s why I was interested in the air capabilities. And I love true crime so of course the police scanner feature is appealing.
      Thanks again, and I’ll definitely be watching more of your videos. Have a great evening.

    • @maureen3134
      @maureen3134 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe I heard from them and they let me know that the Uniden SDS100 is the best one for me - I wish…😁

  • @PARTner91
    @PARTner91 Před rokem +9

    Good info. It would be helpful to have a follow up video which compares receiver performance … sensitivity and selectivity, etc. I’m a ham geek and if I was shopping a scanner, I’d care less about how memories it has and more about how well it receives.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      Great suggestion! I have a few different videos planned.

    • @radiotests
      @radiotests Před rokem +2

      Its why I use the SDRplay RSPdx. Its one of the most sensitive and adjustable IF and high bit rate Analog to digital converter in the market. I bought direct from them or you can use one of their Us distributors. It does all Ham bands and panadapter functions. Steep learning curve for all the plugins and you learn how to virtual cable for WSJT_X and other cool decoders.
      The scanner function is outstanding and also has a scheduler for planned frequencies. $220 shipped DHL from the builder and engineers. All of them are licensed HAMs and there are 100s of videos. It has a low band BNC, SMA line A and B with B biased for pre amps at the antenna. Its as good or better than my Kenwood TS 590S for signal aquisition and filtering. 5 adjustable notches too. As I said they use an older model RSP1a on their Hamfest Kenwood TS 590 for panadapter to control the PC software. Its whizbang awesome for sniffing out signals with a 25-1.6 Ghz Tuned Discone antenna. Its has unity gain to 1.5db but rejects nothing on the bands because a discone and the radials are like a feedhorn that's resonant to most any EMF that hits it. Mine had a whip to xmit but it's not used now. I need to get a trans switch to ground it on RF sense because my SDRPlay will not tolerate much over 20db of signal nearby. No attenuator for me, duh,I want sensitivity but when transmitting I want the thing at ground. 73 Craig

  • @k2exe
    @k2exe Před rokem +1

    I'm curious about low cost trunking scanners are there any good ones? Perhaps another video idea 💡

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      There are sub 200$ analog trunking scanners but when you start looking at digital it gets $$$. I’ll be doing more scanning stuff in the future so stay tuned 👍

  • @DonzLockz
    @DonzLockz Před rokem

    Good video Ape. I have not looked much yet but got scared off by the prices of the SDS100 and SDS200!💰💰😮😮
    That BC125AT seems to be the go unless you sell me your SDS100 for $100👌🙏🤪

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Lol! Thanks for checking out the video Don 👍

  • @djdommes9302
    @djdommes9302 Před rokem +1

    You made a good choice Ape ! I have the BC125AT and love it. It’s been problem free for about 10 years ! I’m also an extra class ham. K5EGD I still love my little scanner !

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Dang at 10 years, I did go ahead and order the 125. Thanks for the comment DJ

    • @markplott4820
      @markplott4820 Před rokem +2

      BC125at has too many GAPS is coverage .

  • @duaneshuster6366
    @duaneshuster6366 Před rokem

    Unifen Bc 75 I got one used in box at flea market $40 it's compact and you can see the freq display clearly bigger numbers

  • @balldip
    @balldip Před rokem

    Thanks for the review. I’m using a uv5r I received as a gift until I can upgrade.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      Plenty of folks start off that way, thanks for checking out the video!

    • @balldip
      @balldip Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe No problem. Enjoy the new subscription!

  • @agoraphobicadam1171
    @agoraphobicadam1171 Před rokem +1

    I have a Uniden desk top I purchased back in 1990 that still works. It has a fantastic receive. With that being said, I hope Unidens quality is still the same. Thanks for the info Ape. :)

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      I think everything from dishwashers to blue jeans is made with less quality these days. Glad to hear your scanner is still holding up! Thanks for watching Adam 👍

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci +1

      in the last 50 years uniden has been my go to radio

  • @djlove3657
    @djlove3657 Před rokem

    anybody know what kind of hand held scanner to use or to buy i live in utica ny and my county is oneida and they said digital scanner you can hear and get all the county and they said the analog scanner you can't hear the police or they block or fade out where you can't hear anything is that true for the Analog scanner. and they was tryng to sell me a digital scanner because you can get every and they wanted $400 dollars plus they charge for programming the scanner. i told them that to much and i can't afford it.

  • @jamesa4958
    @jamesa4958 Před rokem

    Thank you

  • @AK47z
    @AK47z Před 10 měsíci

    So am I understanding correctly these are all digital trunking scanners that can handle project 25 phase 2 police/fire/etc?

  • @samradioman3843
    @samradioman3843 Před rokem +2

    One thing I try to find in all my gear is that the batteries follow a non-proprietary form factor. I prefer rigs that take standard AA batteries that can be bought almost any place on earth. The proprietary rechargeable packs are a bummer in that if the battery dies in the field you are done. Just can't walk into a convenience store and pick up more AA cells and be on your way. I am also not thrilled with "battery alarms". Especially if they are an audible beep. I say this because if you do use rechargeables it detects the lower voltage and will sound the low battery alarm when in truth you have more hours of operation at the lower voltage levels of rechargeable batteries. Some of these scanners use proprietary batteries yet others use standard AA batteries.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      It's a good idea to standardize on a battery, I wish more stuff used 18650s.

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      I always carried back up batteries with me for that fire that went in over time

  • @janiceemery2008
    @janiceemery2008 Před rokem

    Hey SmokinApe, thank you for sharing this video. If I wasn't on a buget and I wanted a scanner so that I could listen to police, fire and emergencies, for trunked, digital, and non trunked frequencies, what would you suggest? I am really unsure what I need to buy for my area in order to listen. Thank You

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      The SDS100 is probably the top of the line for the stuff you mentioned.

    • @janiceemery2008
      @janiceemery2008 Před rokem

      @@TheSmokinApe Thank you SmokinApe I will take a look at it.

    • @janiceemery2008
      @janiceemery2008 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe Just wanted to say thank you so very much for recommending the SDS100. I received it today and had Uniden program 2 counties for me and I upgraded the antenna to the Remtronix. Thank you so very much excellent scanner.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem

      @@janiceemery2008 glad to hear it’s working out for you 👍

  • @joecomeford4736
    @joecomeford4736 Před rokem

    TYVM for the info. What is the importance of the mfg date? 125 is in 2011 and the SR30 is 2019. Seems like the newer date is better. Help me out

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      They don't make the 125 anymore. I would pick a newer date if I had the option.

  • @Markschannel88
    @Markschannel88 Před 3 měsíci

    I need some help/direction. Please & thank you. I would like to find a scanner that's digital trunking but within budget. Any help, info. and links are appreciated. Thank you.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 3 měsíci

      Hey Mark, your probably looking at least 450$ for a digital trunker 😳

  • @skykingimagery899
    @skykingimagery899 Před 6 měsíci

    Nice review. Are these all essentially line of sight scanners? 2 meters and above?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 6 měsíci

      Yeah, line of sight and some will go lower than 2m

  • @radio645
    @radio645 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Wish I had watched this sooner. I just purchased the SR30C by accident (hit the wrong order on Amazon) what I really wanted was the BC75XLT, however after setting up and using the SR30 today I'm quite happy with it. Easy to program, the audio is pretty good, even better with ear buds it's reminiscent of my old RadioShack Pro26 scanner. Paid $128 for the SR30C (after shipping) still a great price for someone who's paid a considerable amount of bucks on scanners. Good reviews here, have to subscribe now. WRZE723

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Thanks for the sub 645. Glad to hear your scanner is working out for you 👍

  • @Rubin4749
    @Rubin4749 Před rokem

    I have an old old "Realistic 400 channel Pro 2006". I also have the user's manual (instructions) I've tried some different frequencies, but I am afraid the frequencies I found are "dated/old". So far all I can get is the National Weather Service. Is this hopeless because the scanner is so old?? Or can I possibly find the current frequency numbers for my area and program them in *WITHOUT* getting some kind of "paid subscription"?? Thanks and God bless.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      This might help What can I listen to? - Scanner Talk
      czcams.com/video/dZ1t6DQNS3c/video.html

    • @mugsy_71
      @mugsy_71 Před rokem

      Check out radio reference for your area .

  • @Blackdog57
    @Blackdog57 Před 10 měsíci

    Got to buy a new scanner because my old Bear cat XL 144 (16 ch) won't pick up anything but the weather. What is the cheapest scanner that will also pick up the 800MHZ range? .🙏

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Most 800MHz is digital these days, check out Zipscanners and see what they recommend for your location 👍

  • @cliffordjones8761
    @cliffordjones8761 Před rokem

    You said on the BC125 it had alpha numeric taging but the chart you posted had a no check-mark. Is your statement correct or is the chart correct?

  • @fzovko
    @fzovko Před 5 měsíci

    Hi SA, what software do you use to keep you in the shot with the dynamic background? Very nicely done bro

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 5 měsíci

      I use OBS with a green screen 👍

    • @fzovko
      @fzovko Před 5 měsíci

      Thank you so much. Trying to start a podcast and want them to look great like yours :)@@TheSmokinApe

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 5 měsíci

      @@fzovko good luck with it 👍

  • @johnesborn9992
    @johnesborn9992 Před 10 měsíci

    I am interested in getting a scanner but I don’t know anything about on how to use them and the terminology used in the video about them. It would be great for a video on scanning 101

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 10 měsíci

      He John, I will do some more scanning videos 👍

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      you need 436hp home patrol that has a zip code button you drop in your zip code and your in

  • @jamesjwalsh
    @jamesjwalsh Před rokem +2

    What are you missing if your scanner doesn't have the 800. bands? Thanks - good vid.

  • @MyRanger12
    @MyRanger12 Před 9 měsíci

    I’m looking for a scanner in the 30-76 mhz range for my military radios.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 9 měsíci

      I’m not familiar with Ken that will do that, sorry man

  • @geraldscott4302
    @geraldscott4302 Před 3 měsíci

    I have several 20+ year old scanners in near new condition in my closet. My main reason for having a scanner was to listen to various police and fire departments. I think that is why most people bought scanners. That is no longer possible where I live. Voice transmissions are encrypted, and most information is sent as data, which just sounds like an old fax machine. I live near Phoenix, AZ, and there is no need for weather channels here. The weather is always the same. It's either hot or damn hot.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 3 měsíci

      Man, the encryption stuff does suck. Sorry to hear about it…

  • @WG5Xradio
    @WG5Xradio Před rokem +1

    Ape, my last scanner was about 1974. I just recently thought about getting one and haven't done any research. The SDS 100 is about 6 times the cost of these. What does it do that these others can't., and since you have it already, is it worth it? Thanks Chuck KE0PTI

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Dang at '74! It can handle trunking, and some of the digital modes. I think it's worth it but that is a relative decision. I do really enjoy listening to it...

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      a sds 100 goes for 649.99 dollars at ham radio world and the B C D 436 hp goes for 499.95
      I am w r x n 824 g m r s

  • @tonyvaldivia5658
    @tonyvaldivia5658 Před 11 měsíci

    Is the 125 able to pick up digital signal? Or is it analog only?

  • @joemac1290
    @joemac1290 Před rokem

    Question: Can you UNLOCK the scanner for the 800MHz?
    You have any videos on this?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      As far as I know you can not.

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      the only thing locked up is in crepted channels no radio will puck that up my radio covered every thing I needed back in the begining I even had the vice channel boy was that fun to hear

  • @Andy2e0ree
    @Andy2e0ree Před rokem +2

    The new Alinco is going to make scanning easy

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      Hey Andy, it does look interesting. Thanks for the comment brother.

    • @dont4450
      @dont4450 Před 3 měsíci

      Are any of these scanners P25 capable?

  • @UrbaNSpiel
    @UrbaNSpiel Před měsícem

    Great

  • @jeffgouldie8462
    @jeffgouldie8462 Před rokem

    Forgive me ignorance but could I just use a baofeng uv-5r as a scanner, just be sure not to broadcast? What would be the drawbacks from that?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem

      Hey Jeff, you can but the experience isn't the same. Here is a video I did on the matter: czcams.com/video/fDReoYnIiOs/video.html

    • @jeffgouldie8462
      @jeffgouldie8462 Před rokem

      @@TheSmokinApe Thanks for your response. Also, I saw your followup video. I think there are some experts who understand these things well, I'm still pretty new and am pretty ignorant in the hobby of radio.

    • @radiotests
      @radiotests Před rokem

      The cheap Chinese radios are nearly deaf to any signal to low below -60db. My SDRPlay can easily handle -160db on my Sirio Discone antenna fed with TIMES MICROWAVE LMR400. RG11 works too but a 2:1 transmatch might be warranted. I don't worry about 25 ohms on recieveb only but do care about cheap cable attenuating anything DX on the MW broadcast bands.

  • @charlesdonaldson962
    @charlesdonaldson962 Před 6 měsíci

    Over all thumbs up though thank you

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 6 měsíci

      Thanks Charles, glad you liked it 👍

  • @tablatronix
    @tablatronix Před rokem

    Does baofeng make a wideband receiver?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      It has extended coverage but I wouldn’t say it’s got wide and receive 👍

  • @coctailer
    @coctailer Před rokem

    Are there even any budget trunked scanners? I have a BCD436HP. Maybe that one IS the budget one.
    I really want an SDS100 like you have........ and I want an SDS 200 as long as I'm dreaming. LOL

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      I am with you, a SDS200 would look real good on my desk. Unfortunately, there really isn't a budget scanner but you could look into SDR's and you can monitor trunking relatively inexpensively 👍

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      my 436 home patrol covers every thing from 25 through 1300 I got all my services I needed
      does that help this has been a 50 year hobby for me with my 436 hp on my hip

  • @Ressy66
    @Ressy66 Před rokem

    Great review ape, thanks, but no 70 megs,? modern day scanners are nothing like the 80s gave us, ahh reminiscing, the bearcat 200xlt was best HH, and the realistic Tandy scanners, pro 2004/2006, I'm still mega pissed I lost mine due to lightning a few years back, ripped case off and nearly cried :) way too far gone to repair.
    Thankfully most my ham gear has wideband receive, far better than any scanner, albeit at a price range that does not cut it for scanner only users and doesnt handle trunking. my 'ol yaesu vx2 and icom 208H are my "scanners" today, pity the baofeng's dont do AM in the airband, but at 50 bux (in this country anyway) you cant complain :)

  • @AliReza-zx8km
    @AliReza-zx8km Před rokem

    Nice...........

  • @chipweather
    @chipweather Před rokem

    Im at an air show being like, I should really get a scanner so I can listen to the aircraft. Then you post this lol

  • @kylebaker1839
    @kylebaker1839 Před rokem

    Do any of these do apco-25 unencrypted?

  • @erwinkourik6563
    @erwinkourik6563 Před 7 měsíci

    can you do a Budget Police Scanner options for P25

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 7 měsíci

      Sorry bro, any of the p25 scanners are about 500$ 😡

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      ham radio world has a B C D 536 home patrol for 599.95 does that help I have used the 436 hp for years

  • @garycamus6421
    @garycamus6421 Před 6 měsíci

    I have the 125. love it although the sound could be better .Its a bit on the high pitched side. only down side to me.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 6 měsíci

      I tend to agree but you can’t have everything, thanks for watching 👍

  • @ericgee7381
    @ericgee7381 Před rokem

    Can these scanners hear emergency services? Police, fire, and so on?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      It depends on what broadcast system is being used in your area.

  • @KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4

    I need to find a good one under $300 everything in my area is P25 phase 2

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      Hey SH, what I would recommend is reaching out to these guys www.zipscanners.com/ they are super friendly and can tell you what types of services you can scan in your local area to see if that fits your interests. Also, they can tell you what scanner would perform best for you.

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      look on bear cat wear house

  • @Azerlin
    @Azerlin Před rokem

    You have no product links from the video in description, other than that good video.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Thanks Chris, glad you liked the video 👍

  • @CC58
    @CC58 Před 7 měsíci

    Are any triple conversion? Or just double conversion?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 7 měsíci

      I haven’t seen any triples

    • @CC58
      @CC58 Před 7 měsíci

      The Radio Shack Pro-43 handheld and Pro-2006 desktop were triple conversion. Both were made by GRE. @@TheSmokinApe

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 7 měsíci

      Nice, didn't know that 👍

  • @gilbertcastro6715
    @gilbertcastro6715 Před rokem

    temu has some good prices

  • @goober9983
    @goober9983 Před 18 dny

    the 125 is good for analog, just make sure and take a power pack with you. not fun changing batteries every couple hours.

  • @recessionproof7744
    @recessionproof7744 Před 4 měsíci

    @TheSmokinApe Hey which is the cheapest best digital police scanner?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 4 měsíci

      The best bet is the Uniden SDS100

    • @recessionproof7744
      @recessionproof7744 Před 4 měsíci

      @@TheSmokinApe Anything cheaper?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 4 měsíci +1

      you are probably looks at 500$ for a Phase 2 P25 Digital Trunking scanner

    • @recessionproof7744
      @recessionproof7744 Před 4 měsíci

      @@TheSmokinApe I have a bca125at and I can't listen to the police anymore

    • @recessionproof7744
      @recessionproof7744 Před 4 měsíci

      @@TheSmokinApe Uniden BCD436HP is that a good one?

  • @taylork7aie
    @taylork7aie Před rokem +1

    If you don’t need digital, the Bc-125AT is the workhorse.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      Glad to hear that, because it's what I ended up ordering!

    • @taylork7aie
      @taylork7aie Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe Nice! Programming via PC is a breeze with the BC125AT_SS software from Uniden, and if you are running the BuTel software, that's the one where you can import from the RR database with a premium membership (my preferred route, lol). I love my SDS-100 as well, but the 125AT has a special place.

  • @thelowmein9143
    @thelowmein9143 Před rokem

    Even the dang school bus radios are digitally trunked in my area lol, analog scanner would be a paperweight in my area sadly.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Dang, even the school bus!

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      and the reason for that is so when a student won't be in school the driver knowest not to pick him up
      and we do not know my brother in-law is a driver

  • @warplanner8852
    @warplanner8852 Před rokem +1

    Tangential note: granularity of the frequencies able to be stored. This refers to the "steps" that a scanner recognizes. Rather than a complex explanation, I'll cite an example. For the amateur 440-450 MHz repeater band in Southern California, the coordinating agency (SCCRBA) used to specify repeaters on 25 KHz channels. That is, on 44X.025, 44X.050, 44X.075, and 44X.100, etc. or four repeaters for each 1 MHz. There came to be so many repeaters that they designated a shift FOR ALL REPEATERS to 20 KHz channels which means 44X.020, 44X.040, 44X.060, 44X.080, and 44X.100, etc. or five repeaters per 1 Mhz.
    The older - and even some recent scanners' firmware - allowed 12.5 Khz steps to pick up the 25 Khz repeaters but you would miss out on some of the 20 Khz channels meaning that the scanner would land 5 or 10 Khz away causing the reception to be distorted. If the channel granularity were 5 Khz, then this problem would not exist.
    But also note that some agencies' channels are even more granular such as GMRS at, say, 462.6875 and, while you may not be able to program that _exact_ frequency, landing on an adjacent programmable frequency would not cause the same annoying distortion.
    Just a thought before you buy.

  • @01cthompson
    @01cthompson Před rokem +1

    The push here in Connecticut is to get everyone onto the state owned digital system. I'm not sure if they will be 100 percent successful. But, I do think everyone will be digital sooner than later.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +4

      Hey Chris. It’s the same here but most of the p25 systems have dispatch patched into analog, I guess they ran out of Motorola money 😳

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      the in tire state of Minnesota went 800 meg's

  • @kygent508
    @kygent508 Před rokem

    If you can not listen to cop,fire and/or ambulance is there any reason to still get one?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem

      Some folks like to listen to ham radio repeaters and railroad…

    • @kygent508
      @kygent508 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe Maybe if you can get a very cheap scanner

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      @@kygent508 they can get pricy. Flea markets and eBay are good places to look 👍

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      I use my vhf UHF radio to lissen on department stores near me just for fun los prevention

  • @radiotests
    @radiotests Před rokem +1

    I cannot recommend enough for scanners the use of a Ham band to 1.6 Ghz DISCONE STYLE Antenna for general purposes. You can also install a cheap remote antenna switch with those small relays to LMR400 or better cable. Use cheap coax and your scanner is deaf to most long range stuff. You can use quad shield RG11 or even your common RG6u for recieving on any rig. The 75 ohm match is nothing for a reciever and the higher velocity factor really enhances signal transmission that most RG58 or RG8u looses to 66.5 velocity rates. Twin lead is good too but 300 ohms does require a 10 to 1 transformer match. I'm building a remote switch so I can add some specialty antennas for ADS-B and Satellites for my SDR scanner. 73 brothers !

  • @503Nick
    @503Nick Před rokem +1

    Aren’t most frequencies police/fire encrypted?

    • @FEPLabsRadio
      @FEPLabsRadio Před rokem +2

      Nick, it's all over the map. Some are, some aren't. Here in Montgomery Co. Alabama, fire/sherriff are not encrypted. City PD dispatches in the clear, city fire is 100% encrypted. There are tons of fire/police/ems that are still unencrypted. They may be on P25/NXDN, which requires digital "decoding", which is NOT decrypting. Huge difference.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      FEP is correct.

    • @503Nick
      @503Nick Před rokem

      @@FEPLabsRadio thanks for the clarification. Now I’m more interested in possibly hearing what’s happening locally

    • @FEPLabsRadio
      @FEPLabsRadio Před rokem

      @@503Nick look on radioreference.com. they will have tons of info for your area

    • @radiotests
      @radiotests Před rokem

      You also have utilities companies to listen to for emergency info. Then you know about power problems. Lots of stuff to listen to.

  • @ubergeek318
    @ubergeek318 Před rokem

    Close call is a fun feature but it can also get mad annoying in certain areas that have high digital traffic. It could just be mine but it will lock on to the digital signal and not unlock

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      Howdy Uber. I am looking forward to trying it out, I can see digital easily doing that.

    • @ubergeek318
      @ubergeek318 Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe in your area you'll probably pick up a lot of business digital modes. But I did find you can port the audio into a pc and get some more decoding options

  • @Pollock1961
    @Pollock1961 Před rokem

    I can't get anything on 800 mhz so I returned my scanner Today. It's an Analog.

  • @timthegamer977
    @timthegamer977 Před měsícem

    Im looking yor a new police scanner my budget is under 300$

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před měsícem

      The best bet would be to find out what frequencies and modes they use in your area, that would narrow down the choice for you 👍

  • @Maven1999
    @Maven1999 Před 8 měsíci

    BC125AT is 170$ on Uniden's website now 😢

  • @ATOMSHAMRADIO
    @ATOMSHAMRADIO Před rokem

    Them homepatol scanner are extremely expensive i have all realistic 800mhz scanners trunked and running 4 at a time never miss a beat

    • @ATOMSHAMRADIO
      @ATOMSHAMRADIO Před rokem +1

      Iam missing the digital missed calls i need a digital scanner

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +2

      Hey Atoms. Yeah, that Homepatrol ain’t cheap. I think the whole element of trunking gets confusing, especially with all the types; analog, digital, p25, phase 1, phase 2, etc…. Thanks for watching 👍

    • @ATOMSHAMRADIO
      @ATOMSHAMRADIO Před rokem

      @@TheSmokinApe i know its crazy🤪

  • @djdonbentley2141
    @djdonbentley2141 Před 11 měsíci

    It sucks , where I live almost everything is p25 encryption.
    There are about 4 non encrypted , but still on p25 .
    I used to enjoy scanning . now I can't get nothing but ham convos .

  • @daveycrockett9447
    @daveycrockett9447 Před rokem

    Whats really the benefit of scanners now adays when most public services have went digital and are scrambled- such as police.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      There are still man things for folks to listen to. You can check Radio Reference to see what is available in your area vs listening to some dude who may or may not know what they are talking about.

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      don't feal bad are co Shariff got drunk an the news media beat him up so bad that all of are county is in cripted except fire dept

  • @tonyrowland9216
    @tonyrowland9216 Před 8 měsíci

    heard you can turn a bofang into a scanner

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před 8 měsíci

      Putting a cat in the oven won’t make it a biscuit 👍

  • @jasonjon1969
    @jasonjon1969 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Unlucky us , our emergency services in Australia, are all encrypted.

  • @Dcthetruth85
    @Dcthetruth85 Před rokem

    Sucks I need a 600 dollar plus scanner to listen to the good stuff in my area.

  • @chrisnewport7826
    @chrisnewport7826 Před rokem +2

    A police scanner is the only way to really know what is going on in your area.

  • @SmokeWithMeInCT
    @SmokeWithMeInCT Před rokem

    Why is it so confusing to find a good scanner . My dad is 70 and we want something simple .

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +3

      It is confusing, contact the folks at Zip Scanners and they will be able to help you out 👍

  • @johnbauman4005
    @johnbauman4005 Před rokem

    So folks in Orlando and other areas where police use encryption are completely out of luck with no possibility of monitoring what's going on? Frustrating but at least saves me the time and money of buying a worthless (to me) scanner. I don't care about the other activity...

  • @FreedomLivelyWatch
    @FreedomLivelyWatch Před rokem

    I just need one to listen to my local police which one is good?💀

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem

      It's going to depend on what you need.

    • @FreedomLivelyWatch
      @FreedomLivelyWatch Před rokem +1

      @@TheSmokinApe just need a handheld radio to have in the car

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  Před rokem +1

      I mean, you want to listen to the local police? Are they using digital? Troubled?

    • @donalderickson-si8ww
      @donalderickson-si8ww Před 4 měsíci

      check on scan master you city services are listed there my 436 hp covered every thing that I could here that's 50 years of lisening

  • @markplott4820
    @markplott4820 Před rokem +1

    NOPE, the BEST budget Police scanner is the ICOM R6.
    its Continious coverage SCANNER from 100 khz - 1309.995 ZERO gaps in Coverage excipt CELLULAR band is locked.
    and its ALL BAND , ALL MODE , all the time.
    100 Channel / second high speed Scanning.
    AUTOMATIC Scanning & NEW Frequcency search w/ Automatic memory write.
    built in Ferrite bar antenna for Superior AM.

  • @V___31373
    @V___31373 Před 20 dny

    Ecco cosa sto cercando di spiegare da tanto tempo. Non riuscivo a capire, ma poi, adesso ho e idee più chiare. Loro sono sotto, loro parlano, anche dall'interno, mentre la voce esce, e dice tutto quello che succede in casa mia, poi altri parlano anche quando in casa loro non c'è nessuno, si sentono molto chiaro. Loro hanno sempre detto, da lì che con quello prenvengono l*arrivo di certe persone. Credo che sia proprio tutto quello che voi state dicendo.., più o meno. Mi registrano da tempo, così qualche giorno fa, ho sentito la mia voce, io dall'alto, ho fatto la prova ed ero io... Loro hanno tante registrazioni, Della mia vita... Credo proprio di aver capito!!!...

  • @andyrobertson3492
    @andyrobertson3492 Před rokem

    Dude.. if you don't have a digital or p25 capabilities then you aren't hearing anything. Really?

  • @charlesdonaldson962
    @charlesdonaldson962 Před 6 měsíci

    You did disclaim that you own an SDS1 hundred, but you should have mentioned that for anyone who has a problem with uniden might not want to watch this video. Uniden uniden uniden...

  • @williamgreenleaf9302
    @williamgreenleaf9302 Před rokem

    KD2QOJ. Great information. Thanks

  • @wg99er
    @wg99er Před rokem

    No matter how encrypted public saftey will become, ham will always be the unencrypted way to hear what's going on around you.