Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.

I like this scanner (the BC125AT) better than the SR30 because it has Alpha tagging (that is, readable labels displayed for each channel, in addition to the frequency assigned to the channel). Otherwise, this scanner is very similar to the SR30. I like that it is compact and lightweight, and easy to read when set so that the display backlight comes on automatically when a channel activates (and turns off when the channel clears).Although it is quite cumbersome and time-consuming to program these units manually, the available (free) programming software makes it a breeze to create one or more channel files, and download whichever configuration is desired. Also, the configuration currently stored in the scanner can be uploaded to the software, where it can be edited and/or saved as desired for backup and/or to update the current configuration. It's even POSSIBLE to create a program file for the SR30 using a file for the BC125AT or vice-versa but because the two units have different file formats, it's necessary to "work" the files to make them cross-compatible (unless Bearcat has now created a file converter app, or you write your own converter). In any case, this file conversion was useful for me so that I could "easily" program my SR30 to have the same configuration as my BC125AT - or vice-versa - by creating a template file - or by uploading the configuration from one scanner - and then re-formatting its data to produce a file for the other model scanner. (Of course, any Alpha Tagging (labels) had to be added manually for the BC125AT's version). And, of course, the model-appropriate configuration files can be used to program more than one scanner of the same model to have the same configuration, if desired.As for features, the BC125AT is similar to the SR30, although it seems to scan more slowly than the SR30. I like most aspects of both models, but there are a few things about both that annoy me:- The units cannot scan while recharging the installed batteries. (However, the units CAN scan while connected to external power but the batteries won't be recharged while the unit is on - inconvenient!).- The channel lock-out "mechanism" is cumbersome to activate unless the channel is currently active.- Certain other keyboard operations seem more difficult than they need to be.- The multi-function knob makes it difficult to adjust the volume and particularly the squelch functions.- It is like pulling teeth to find out details of how some of the features are used and/or how they are intended to work, because apparently, they are not fully documented anywhere - and even the support folks don't know how some things work.- To my knowledge, there is no mobile installation kit to allow the scanner to be operated in a vehicle and then easily removed for temporary hand-held use.- There is no compatible (32-ohm) external speaker offered for use with these scanners.Despite the annoyances, these scanners otherwise function well.

So far, I haven't explored all the features of my scanner. That said, it's full featured and provides a very generous storage capacity for channel frequencies. Everyone complains about battery life, however, I have an extra set of batteries and a stand-alone charger which does a better job of charging the batteries anyway. By swapping out the batteries, they are always ready to go and their life isn't shortened by using the internal charger on an overly long charge time (charging isn't limited except to the time set for charge cut off). Of course, the receiver can be operated using the cable provided and a USB charge brick which eliminates the need for changing batteries.Sensitivity is great. A local (not geographically) weather channel comes in with full bars (signal strength indicator) and the audio is loud and clear considering the small speaker and my using it indoors with the provided antenna. I purchased a separate antenna for the bands I want to use (aviation) for even better performance. Programming is daunting at first (and I mentioned that I'm still learning), but straight forward if one reads the manual (which was supplied with my unit and is also available as a downloadable PDF). Many on-line videos are available detailing the programming and operation of this unit and the XLT version which is nearly identical in operation. The unit is pocketable and compact, and fairly lightweight for its class, although some (long) antennas may need removal to make it practical to pocket. The shorter antenna provided isn't that obtrusive though. Don't believe those who say the programming is overly hard. Once done a couple of times, it becomes easier and easier with use and is really pretty simple. The number of adjustments available is what makes it a bit overwhelming at first so it is best to go with the default settings and learn the features one at a time (slowly) as most aren't that essential for basic operation but are valuable later on.

It’s a brain teaser to operate (manual programming) not in the least way intuitive. It gives BAOFENG a run for its money as hard to program. However, once programmed, it works well.

It is advertised to be able to program via PC and download to the scanner. This does not work at all with modern computers like Windows 11. If you are still running Windows NT from 25 years ago then it will work. I literally saw references to Windows NT in the driver inf file. Tech support no help. They said that they doubted the old software would work and they dropped support. Here is the problem... It is painfully slow to enter all the driver's information in manually. Remember doing that with old flip phones? So it is probably a decent little inexpensive scanner if you are OK with painstaking manual entry. And BTW... it is not user friendly. You really have to read and figure out all the key strokes and what you are doing. Pretty cryptic. I am an electrical engineer and it took me a couple of hours of digging through the manual before I got comfortable with entering a driver's tag name, frequency, tone, etc. This thing is painful but now that I have entered in about 45 drivers names and data over about 4 hours and 2 sets of AA batteries, I don't think I am going to send it back. I'm afraid I may wind up with the same thing in just a different brand and have to do it all over again. And I don't go to the races enough to warrant spending major bucks on one. Bottom line... I guess you get what you pay for.