If we speak about portable radio scanners, Uniden is one of the most popular names in producing such devices. It has manufactured rugged-looking yet outstanding military-grade portable radios for safety, security, and communication use.
Two of its highly rated handheld radio scanners are the BC125AT and SR30C. Each of them has different specifications and a unique set of features, but I will compare these two in terms of their setup, power source, range, and prices, to name a few. We will also find out which of the two Uniden devices is the best choice.
Uniden BC125AT | Uniden SR30C | |
 |  | |
Brand | ||
Range | 8.5 miles | no information |
Power Output | 0.6 watt | no information |
Frequency Ranges | 25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 225-380 MHz, 400-512 MHz | 25-28 MHz (CB), 28-30 MHz, 30-50 MHz (VHF), 50-54 MHz, 108-137 MHz, 137-144 MHz, 144-148 MHz, 148-174 (VHF), 450-470 MHz (UHF), etc. |
License needed | Yes | Yes |
Waterproof |  | |
No information | No information | |
Emergency Alert | | |
Auto Squelch |  | |
LED Flashlight | | |
Keypad Lock | | |
Call Tones | No information | No information |
Power Source | Rechargeable NiMH batteries | 2 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries or 2 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 4.5 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches | 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.4 inches |
Weight | 0.39 lb | 0.9 lb |
Scope of Delivery |
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My Rating | ||
Comparison – Uniden BC125AT vs. SR30C
Setup
These two devices are radio scanners usually used by the military, marines, police officers, firefighters, and other security personnel. They have more advanced features than an ordinary walkie-talkie. But when it comes to their setup, there is nothing to worry about.
The Uniden BC125AT is easy to assemble and program. Don’t get intimidated by its parts. You only need to install them in their corresponding places to complete the setup. The battery is in the back compartment, so don’t forget to install that as well. Press and hold the power button to activate the device. Once it is turned on, you can already set your preferred screen display and other elements like brightness, frequency, channels, volume levels, and squelch, among others. The instructions are in the user or owner’s manual, which is included in the package. You can also program it using your PC by connecting the radio scanner using the USB cable.
Meanwhile, the Uniden SR30C also has a straightforward setup. It consists of the main radio scanner, antenna, batteries, and a belt clip that you attached at the back. Attach them to the right slots to make the device whole. Turn on the device by pressing and holding the power button for two to three seconds. When it is on, press and hold 1 if you are in the US or 2 if you are in Canada. And like the BC125AT, you can set the screen display and other functions according to your preferences. For more detailed instructions, read the owner’s manual that goes with the radio scanner.
Waterproof
Both the BC125AT and the SR30C are not waterproof, which means that they are not ideal for outdoor activities. As much as possible, avoid using them when you are near bodies of water. If they get wet, they may not function anymore. These radio scanners have sensitive components that can be damaged when they are exposed to water.
Power Source
When it comes to the power source, both models are the same. There are three options to power up the devices. They are compatible with alkaline non-rechargeable batteries and NiMH rechargeable batteries that you recharge using the power adapter or the USB cable connected to a computer. As soon as you finish setting up the device, you need to recharge the batteries if you use rechargeable batteries.
Depending on the volume level and how much it is being used, the BC125AT, which has a built-in charger, can be used for seven to eight hours straight. And if you buy this model, you get rechargeable batteries and a USB cable for free. They come in the package. But you have to buy the alkaline batteries and power adapter separately. The SR30C, on the other hand, only comes with a USB cable. Alkaline and rechargeable batteries are separate purchases.
Range
I have checked both user’s manuals and found out that they have the same radio range. They feature two types of range operations. The first one is the Simplex Operation that has a typical range of one to eight miles, depending on the location and the obstructions within the coverage. It uses one frequency for the transmission and receiver, and this is usually used at construction sites where budget-friendly radios are utilized.
The second type of range is the Repeater Operation that provides coverage within 25 miles. It uses a system with two frequencies – one frequency is transmitted from the radio to a central repeater system. The other frequency is transmitted from the central system to the other radios connected to the system. This type of system has the repeater placed on top of a building or a radio tower. The high altitude provides great reception and visibility to the coverage area. The Repeater Operation is ideal when there is a need for an extensive security protocol.
Frequencies
I must say that the frequency range is a technical aspect of comparing these two devices. I will start with the Uniden BC125AT. Its frequency band is FRS with 25 to 512 MHz for both the US and Canada band plans. It has ten scan banks, and each scan bank contains 50 scan channels, giving you a total of 500 scan channels. But it is important to remember that you can not access or listen to all channels whenever you want to. You need to get a license from the FCC, especially if you’re going to intercept GMRS frequencies.
The frequency band for the Uniden SR30C also ranges from 25 to 512 MHz, covering over 32,000 frequencies and private codes. The transmissions include citizens or business band, 10-meter amateur band, aircraft band, military band, VHF, and UHF. And just like the BC125AT, it requires an FCC license whenever you access a GMRS frequency. FRS frequencies are free, so that you can use them anytime. If you are based in Canada, you can check out the user manual to see the Canada frequency band plan.
Features
Both handheld radio scanners have a lot of feature highlights. However, some features are distinct to each model. This part will be a long part of the article, but it will help you decide which one stands out between the two of them.
The BC125AT features the Close Call™ RF Capture Technology, which detects nearby radio transmissions and provides information about them. With its CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes, you can do a rapid search for CTCSS or DCS codes used during a frequency transmission. Another interesting feature is the Triple-Conversion Circuitry that functions to eliminate disruptions or interference from intermediate frequency images. It will give you clear audio of your selected frequency. It also has a Text Tagging feature that lets you name every channel using a maximum of 16 characters.
In addition to those feature highlights, the BC125AT is an impressive radio scanner for weather updates. It has a Weather Alert Priority that can scan active WX channels every five seconds. This feature is useful in checking for the availability of a 1050 Hz Weather Alert Tone. There is also the Weather Alert Standby to update you with weather alerts broadcasted on NOAA channels. And if you wish to acquire strong signals, this device features a Signal Strength Meter that can show powerful transmissions.
Now, we go to the Uniden SR30C. Unlike the BC125AT, this model only has a few unique features. It does have the Close Call™ RF Capture Technology, which is present in most Uniden radio scanners. One of its distinctive features is the Duplicate Channel Alert. Its function is to let you know when you have registered an existing frequency again.
The Two-Second Scan Delay delays the scanning for two seconds to allow you to receive more replies on a particular channel before switching to another channel. For better screen visibility, the SR30C features a Two-Level Display Backlight. It has two levels of brightness to help you see and read the screen in low-light places. The BC125AT has a display backlight but with only one brightness level.
Here are some of the features that are common to both devices are the following:
- Direct Access
- Lock-Out Function
- Temporary Lock-Out Function
- 10 Channel Storage Banks
- Service Banks
- Priority Scan with Do Not Disturb
- Scan-Search Delay-Resume
- Custom, Quick, and Turbo Searches
- Memory Back-up
- Key Lock
- Battery Save and Battery Low Alert
Price
From its looks, I can already tell which one is the better option, don’t you agree? But let’s take a look at the prices first before making the final decision. Between the two, the Uniden BC125AT currently costs $122.55, which is more expensive than the SR30C at $112.09. It has a significant price difference, but that’s understandable because the former has more features than the latter. Yes, it has a higher price than the SR30C, but you get the money’s worth with BC125AT’s performance as a high-quality radio scanner.
Conclusion – Uniden BC125AT vs SR30C
After comparing the two portable radio scanners, which model should you buy? Now, both the Uniden BC125AT and SR30C have a straightforward setup and the same power sources, ranges, and frequencies. They are not waterproof, so there is no win-win in that aspect. But if we go to their features and prices, that breaks the tie.
Between the two, I would definitely go for the BC125AT. Although it is more expensive than the SR30C, you’ll be happy with the device because of its features. You can expect that it has a better performance than the other model. It is already of high quality, and you should consider that when you are weighing your options.
View the Uniden BC125AT on Amazon* View the Uniden SR30C on Amazon*
