Radio Shack Pro-2055

Pro-2055 Review

NOTE: Please be advised that a lot of Pro-2055 units have had a problem with the LCD going out unexpectedly. 

My first impressions of the Pro-2055 are good. I like the sensitivity, construction, layout, audio, and other features of this scanner. One of the things I noticed is the color difference to the Pro-2096. The Pro-2096 is more of a silver color and the Pro-2055 is more gray. Not a big deal, just makes them noticeably different.

The scanner is fairly heavy because it has a metal case. It feels solid and well constructed when you unpack it from the box. The scanner is packed in the box really well, unlike it's cousin the Pro-97 that is in a blister pack (newer Pro-97's come in a box). The buttons and controls of the scanner are firm and solid feeling.

The LCD is crystal clear. The LCD is smaller than I expected but the resolution of the LCD is so good that you can easily see all the letters, numbers and symbols. I was surprised to see 16 character text on the 2055. The Pro-2096 only allows 12 characters of text where the 2055 allows for 16. Those extra 4 characters are a blessing! I like the way you can see the frequency along with your text. Some have reported they have had to have the LCD replaced because it would just go black but so far so good here. The backlight on this scanner is nice and bright. It looks good and even has a dim feature if you want to tone it down a notch.

Radio Shack includes a good amount of accessories with the scanner including an antenna, mounting bracket (doubles as a desk stand) and hardware, AC adapter, DC hardwire, DIN sleeve, manual and other literature. I feel that Radio Shack (GRE) Should step up and provide a programming cable in the package like Uniden does for it's scanners of this caliber. The Serial cable will cost you from $15 to $20+ dollars more. eBay usually around $15, and RS around $20. You can visit the GRE America Website and pick up a cable for around $16 but then you have to pay shipping which is going to equal about $20. So if you are near an RS store, pick one up. There is a USB programming cable that is also available for around $24.

Radio Shack (GRE made) scanners can be programmed with software and computer but they cannot be controlled with a PC like Uniden scanners. Win97 is the software available for the Pro-2055 and Pro-97 scanners. The Pro-2055 can clone or be cloned to a Pro-97 scanner using a standard 1/8" to 1/8" mono stereo cable. The 2055 has the PC port on the front which is a great amenity if you have the scanner installed in your vehicle and use the 97 to clone. You can program the 97 and simply clone to the 2055.

The audio on the 2055 is superb. Very loud and clear much like that on the Pro-2096. The speaker is located on the bottom of the scanner and provides more than ample audio for mobile use. Even at higher volumes, there is no distortion in the audio. GRE did a great job with the audio of this scanner.

Sensitivity is good on this scanner. Compared to my BCD396T, the 2055 wins hands down on analog VHF-High reception using the stock antenna on the 2055 and the 396 a VHF-High band specific antenna. The 2055 would receive a good clear signal from agencies 20 to 30 miles away where the 396 never even stopped on the transmission. Using the Scantenna (outdoor antenna) the 2055 tended to overload a little but using the attenuator (ATT) feature and helped the clear signal right up. Even on signals that seemed weak and loads of static, one press of the ATT button and the static was gone! I have received analog Motorola 800 system from 45 miles away on the Pro-2055. This wasn't all day, but every morning and every evening, I could receive this system.

The signal stalker function can be useful but I rarely use this even the similar "Close Call" function on my BCD396T rarely gets used. The Signal Stalker on the 2055 is different from Uniden's Close Call in that you cannot use both scanning of programmed information and Signal Stalker at the same time. You have to choose one or the other which sort of stinks because who wants to tie up the scanner like that? I have heard the Signal Stalker of the 2055 is more sensitive than the Close Call of Uniden's but I have no experiences to back that up. I wouldn't expect to pick up signals miles away. Usually 100' is about max unless you are near a powerful repeater which can be picked up at around 1/4 mile.

This scanner does have SAME functions which I find very useful during severe weather. I use the SAME function on one of my scanners when severe weather is expected. There is no earlier warning system available that I know about. Usually the SAME Wx Alert will go off a good 2 to 5 minutes before my cities tornado warning sirens. This is a great feature that most of the higher end scanners have. The 2055 also has a SKYWARN feature that you can program your local SKYWARN frequency into the last channel or last three channels of the scanner. Activating the SKYWARN feature simply tunes to those programmed frequencies.

Programming is still difficult to me. I suppose I am a Uniden man at heart. The way you have to enter text on the 2055 is really annoying and very, very time consuming. I realize lots of people will use Win97 software, but some will program by hand and if you do, let me tell you, your fingers will be sore. I programmed this scanner initially by hand and had to do it in segments. Program, rest. Program, rest. I just don't like how GRE scanners have to be programmed. Some frequencies the 2055 will round up or down. It does accept 7.5 step frequencies which is becoming more and more common. You cannot adjust the steps manually like you can on most newer Unidens. I would like to be able to adjust the step but it isn't that big of a deal. You can adjust the mode on the frequency from AM or FM. The 138 to 144 MHz range used by some military can easily be adjusted to AM from FM just by pressing the MODE button.

On CTCSS/DCS tone search, you must choose one or the other to search for. The scanner cannot search for both at the same time. Not really a huge deal since all you have to do is push the Mode button to change the search while the frequency is active but still a little annoying.

These are just my observations of the Pro-2055 that I owned. The Pro-2055 is a good scanner. I like the receive and functions of the scanner. I would recommend this scanner to anyone looking for a mobile/base analog scanner. I rate the scanner a 6 out of 10 mainly because of the programming annoyances and the LCD going out issue. Also see my review of the Pro-97. It is a great scanner and performance of the 97 is nearly equal to that of the 2055.

Win97 for the Pro-2055:

I was surprised at how easy this software is to navigate and operate. You can use the software free for 30 days. Mr. Don Starr, states on his site that you should use the software for the 30 day trial period to see if you like it. I am sure you will. It has all the functions you need plus many extras all in an easy to understand and navigate format. It reminds me a little of ARC software but the Win software definitely has it's own attributes! The software allows you to tweak things you couldn't without it. Like at what voltage the low battery beep begins. That is just cool. Also adjust the backlight time settings, and a few other tweaks. You can edit and adjust the 6 searches of the scanner including the limit search by adding Attenuator, and turning on/off certain functions as well as locking out channels. Same goes for the Signal Stalker function. Of course you can add and edit all 1000 of the scanners channels and all the Talk Group ID's. Win97 supports copy and paste, because I copied almost all of my information from my UASD396 program and pasted into Win97. You can do neat things like justify all the text tags either to the left, center, or right. Also you can check for duplicate frequencies. You can also have the software sort by alpha tags or frequency in the bank and on the Talk Groups. There is also a search function that searches for alpha tags, frequencies or talkgroups. And with Win97 you can import from the radioreference.com database. Of course Win97 also supports the Pro-97. The Win97 software is a must have for either of these two scanners! It is well worth the $25.00 to keep your data well organized.

All in all the Pro-2055 is a good scanner. However, due to the LCD issue, I am a little reluctant to recommend this scanner. If you don't think that the LCD is widespread, the proof is in the pudding, just read through this forums thread. An excellent alternative to the Pro-2055 is the Uniden BCT15. In my opinion, the BCT15 is a much better scanner all around comparing features and performance. But, if you can find a Pro-2055 (the newer the date code the better) for a decent price, it will make an excellent analog trunking scanner.

Radio Shack Pro-2051

In the box

• Antenna
• DC Power cord with fuse
• AC adapter
• Owner's Manual
• Mounting bracket with hardware

The Radio Shack Pro-2051 1000 channel Triple Trunking Scanner was priced at $149.99 at Radio Shack. It is almost the same scanner as the BCT-8 but the 2051 has 1000 channels + signal stalker versus 250 channels on the Uniden.

Some of the Pro-2051's features include: Signal Stalker, Triple Trunking, 1000 channels, SAME Weather Alert, Beartracker Warning, SKYWARN, and more.

Programming:

The programming of the Pro-2051 is a little confusing. I had trouble myself programming this thing at first. But once you get the hang of it, it isn't too bad. Just keep the owner's manual handy, especially on trunked systems. The 2051 is Uniden made but cannot be "controlled" with a computer. However, scancat offers programming software for the 2051. Butel makes the ARC433 software that will program the Pro-2051 which is the one I highly recommend!!

Performance and Use:

The 2051 has loud and crisp audio. I use an external speaker because of how my scanner is mounted in my truck which covers the factory speaker. But on a desk or unobstructed the scanner is more than adequate.

The Pro-2051 tracks analog trunking systems with ease. I have personally tried this scanner on Entergy's TRS, Little Rock's TRS, Jefferson County TRS (Pine Bluff), as well as Jacksonville, AR TRS. It tracks them perfectly. The 2051 has good conventional receive as well. Either using the stock antenna, connected to my base antenna, or connected to my mobile antenna, the 2051 performs well in all three areas. I have the 2051 in my truck and it works well for the most part but does catch tons of interference and would greatly benefit from an attenuator feature.

I do miss text tags on this scanner. Having 1000 channels and trying to remember who uses what frequency is a daunting task and makes not having text a real pain at times. I do however like the delay feature. You can set the delay and after a transmission, the scanner will hold on a channel for up to 2 seconds before resuming scanning. I also like the data skip feature. Simply press the data button and the scanner will skip over interference when scanning or searching. The Signal Stalker feature works exactly like the Uniden Close Call on this scanner. You can use the signal stalker feature while scanning your programmed frequencies or you can use it as a stand alone feature. Don't expect to pick up signals miles away, but if you pull up on an accident or up on a fire scene, then activate this feature and you'll soon capture who is transmitting on scene. A couple hundred feet is about the max for reception of signal stalker (depending on power of transmission and the antenna you use).

The Beartracker warning system definitely works on my local State Police. It will pick up the mobile extender (even though my state agency is digital, the mobile extender is still analog.) I have used it successfully several times. It usually picks them up to 2 or 3 miles away. Very nice feature but don't assume you can speed because the county Sheriff's and local PD's don't have a mobile extender so it only works on my state agency and only if they are transmitting on their radio. The Beartracker has 3 settings on the audible alarm and 3 on the light. You can mute the audio on the alarm if you wish. You can use the preset to scan by state.

The scanner features the SAME weather alert as well as the Weather Alert Priority. The SAME you input the SAME codes for your county or area and the scanner will "silently" monitor for weather warnings and watches. You cannot scan and use the SAME. The Weather Alert Priority feature you can scan and use at the same time. It searches every 10 seconds for a weather alert tone and will alert when a watch or warning is detected. This does cause a pause in audio much like that of priority and signal stalker. Another nice feature of this scanner is the SKYWARN button. You can press this button and go directly to the SKYWARN frequency that you have programmed into channel 1000.

Physical:

The Pro-2051 is constructed very well. The LCD is large and easy to read the information on the screen. The keypad and LCD are nicely lit. They are extremely easy to see at night and they aren't hard on the eyes. The buttons aren't oversized but they are large and makes operation on-the-go a breeze. The Hold/Resume Button is oversized but rightly so. It makes holding on a transmission and resuming easy without having to take your eyes off of the road.

Conclusion:

You have many scanning options on the 2051. You can scan the Private (your programmed frequenciess) Hwy/Pol (preprogrammed common police frequencies) and/or by State (preprogrammed state police frequencies). You can scan any combination of the 3. Either all together, Any combination of 2 or by themselves. Even with all 3 active, the scan rate is surprisingly fast. This is a decent scanner. There are much better scanners out there for the price. It is difficult to program and I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner. The Pro-2051 is good for it's intended purpose however, for $150, I would find another scanner. If I had to choose, I would get a BCT15. It has many more features and is much more sensitive. The BCT15 is the way to go for analog mobile scanner in my opinion.

safetyobc 03/19/06

Uniden BR330T

Review written 07/02/06

BR330T and Box

If you are shopping for an analog scanner, this is definitely the scanner to have. Lots of features and an all around great scanner make this a sure winner. It also makes the perfect addition to your "shack," if you already have digital. Either way you can't go wrong with this scanner!

After going around and around with myself, I finally got my Uniden BR330T. I debated on either the Pro-97 or BR330T for months before actually buying the Pro-97 first. I had never owned a GRE (Radio Shack) brand scanner, so since I had the BCD396T, I figured I'd try the Pro-97. After buying the Pro-97 then selling it about 2 months later, I bought the BR330T! I bought my BR330T from Glenn at ScannersUnlimited.com. What a great guy to deal with. I highly recommend dealing with him!

In the box:

I received my BR330T nicely boxed as Uniden always packages their items very well. What was in the box?

• Uniden BR330T
• Scanner Antenna
• SMA/BNC Adapter
• 3 - 2300 mAh AA rechargeable batteries
• AC Adapter
• PC Programming Cable
• Wrist Strap
• Belt Clip
• Owner's Manual and other literature

Construction:

The construction of this scanner is great. It is small in size which is a great plus if you want to carry it with you. It has a very rugged feel to it when you hold it, partly because of the rubber grips on the sides. The buttons and VFO knob are all very well constructed and very responsive to the touch. It has the exact same button layout as the BCD396T. The only major differences on the exterior between the BR330T and the BCD396T are the obvious backlight color, and the BR330T has a NASCAR logo whereas the BCD396T says UNIDEN. Trunktracker III is written above the LCD and Uniden below the keys. The BCD396T has nothing written above the LCD and has Trunktracker IV below the keys. The BR330T also has "race" printed on the 0 key where as the 396 does not. I like the color and layout of the scanner. It looks more like a professional radio than a scanner (except for that NASCAR logo, which I could have done without).

Backlight: The LCD backlight isn't as yellow as is shown on the box. The box and most dealer photos are very misleading. It is actually more of an orange color. However, I find that the backlight is adequate and is plenty bright at night. I would have liked it to be a bit brighter in the daylight, but it works well enough.

BR330T vs BCD396T

Audio: Audio is very loud on the BR330T. You can turn it up without distortion and it has good audio quality. Trunking, conventional, MilAir, airband, etc. all sound superb! Going mobile with the BR330T? I have found that the audio is plenty loud enough for using it in the car.

Features, features, features: This scanner is jam packed with more features than you'll find in any other hand held scanner on the market (excluding the digital BCD396T). Some of the features worth mentioning include:

• 2500 channels Wideband Frequency Coverage (.1 MHz to 1300 MHz excluding cellular)
• Trunk Tracker III technology allows trunking of Motorola (analog only), LTR, and EDACS systems
• Dynamic Memory
• Menu Driven Design
• Close Call (Close Call with scan, Close Call Only, Close Call Auto Store)
• Adjustable Key Beep (auto, off, 1 - 15 audio level settings)
• Audio AGC
• Attenuator
• Adjustable Modulation per channel (Auto, AM, FM, NFM, WFM)
• Adjustable Step per channel/search range (Auto, 5.0 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 8.33 kHz, 9.0 kHz, 10.0 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 15.0 kHz, 20.0 kHz, 25.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz)
• Backlight - adjustable time (10 sec, 30 sec, Squelch, Keypress, Infinite)
• LCD - adjustable contrast
• Battery Save Feature
• Internal Bar Antenna
• PC Programmable and Controllable (Programming Software available from Uniden (approximately $29) and Butel (approximately $40)
• CTCSS / DCS Capable - You can search, and instantly decode, both CTCSS/DCS at the same time. You can lockout unwanted CTCSS/DCS tones (very useful to me)! Up to 5 seconds delay time on the 330T (this can be applied on programmed frequencies, searches, etc.)
• Fire Tone Out (I don't use this, but I can see where it would be useful in larger cities)
• Race Track Operation
• 10 custom search ranges (Control Channel Only, auto store, can edit the names of searches, edit delay times, set modulation, data skip, step, search with scan)
• 13 Service Searches including AM and FM radio
• Search with Scan (Meaning you can search custom or Service Searches and scan your programmed memory at the same time)
• Priority Channels - any number of channels can be "Priority" (although too many kind of defeats the purpose of "priority")
• Priority Plus - allows you to only scan your priority channels!
• System Hold - you can make the scanner pause on the "system" on every scan cycle up to 255 seconds (not the you need that long) but if you are mainly interested in a certain agency, you could have the scanner scan that system 10 seconds and the rest set at 0. It would "hold" on that system for 10 extra seconds before checking the other systems. Set all systems to 0, and you get lightening fast scan speed
• Individual Channel Alerts (choose any of 9 alerts per channel with individual sound levels)
• SAME Weather Alert, Weather Scan and Weather Alert Priority
• Small size
• An actual belt clip you can use. (swivels)
• User Upgradable firmware
• Accessories Included!!! (AC Adapter, PC Cable, wrist strap, belt clip, antenna, etc.) with the 330

BR330T Backlight

Reception:

Receive is very good on the 330. I use an extendable antenna which works great for VHF-High, Airband, MilAir, HF, and more. I have connected the 330 to my Scantenna which is up at 30'. It is getting along great! It isn't overloading like my Pro-2055/Pro-97. I can see now that with my BCT15 coming, vthe Pro-2055's days are numbered in my shack.

Military Air reception is very acceptable. I have numerous Civilian and Military Air frequencies programmed into the scanner. I am scanning the civ and Mil Air freqs with both the extendable antenna and the Scantenna and it hasn't scanned around a full cycle without stopping on something!

When listening to local 800 Trunked systems, I use the BR330T with an 800 MHz Radio Shack antenna and it works great. 800 MHz reception is a little better on the BR330T than it was on the Pro-97, in my opinion. On weak 800 MHz signals from Trunked Systems, the Pro-97 wouldn't even try to track, it would simply keep going, unless you manually held on a channel. The BR330T decodes them effortlessly, even on very weak signals. In this area, I prefer the BR330T by far!

Shortwave reception seems adequate considering the size of this scanner. It is about equal to the Yaesu VR-120 using an extendable antenna. The VR-120 may be slightly better in this area. AM radio stinks, period. It just isn't very good for AM radio, even with the internal bar antenna. Don't expect the BR330T to pull in the weak signals as a base HF rig would do, but it works fair for me on shortwave. It would have been great if SSB could have been included with this scanner, but I am mainly a broadcast AM/Shortwave listener so this suits me fine.

Operation:

I have heard some people say that these scanners are too complicated. I just don't agree. I think they make perfect sense. The buttons are well placed and everything functions as it should. I don't know of any bugs in this model. I find it easy to operate, in fact I think it is easier than the Pro-97, but that's just me. I find it very simple to lock/unlock systems or to turn on/off features that I want to use. The 99 quick keys make it a pleasure to use with multiple programmed systems. Once you grasp the idea of Dynamic Memory, it is simple really.

Programming software definitely helps, but only because you have 2500 channels of storage room and can actually look at a screen and see everything you have at once.

CTCSS/DCS search is instant and accurate. I like the fact that I can lockout an annoying CTCSS/DCS tone if I need to. CTCSS/DCS is a great tool to prevent interference and to only hear the agencies you want to hear.

You can charge the included batteries inside the scanner using the supplied AC adapter. Make sure the switch inside the battery compartment is in the NiMH position. If using standard Alkaline batteries, select alkaline. Basically all the switch does is prevent you from trying to charge alkaline batteries. I don't like charging batteries inside the scanner, because if a battery is faulty or burst while charging, it will likely ruin the scanner. So spend $30 to prevent a $250 to $270 accident. I opted for an Energizer 15 minute charger. They are about $30 at Wal-Mart and Target and include 4 2500 mAh batteries.

Race Track Operation isn't just for NASCAR racing. It can work with other motor sports as well. The BR330T comes preprogrammed with several racing systems including several NASCAR Series', Indy Cars, and more. I have set up a racing system with some local PD and FD agencies. It works very well doing this. You can use this to view both the frequency and alpha tag simultaneously. I use it as a priority type system, with only agencies of immediate importance.

Dynamic Memory: Dynamic Memory is the greatest scanner innovation since they moved from crystals to programmable! This allows you to divide up your memory how you want it. No more wasting memory! I love dynamic memory! For instance, you are not limited to only 10 banks, meaning you could only have 10 trunking systems. You can have as many trunking systems, conventional systems, racing systems, etc. as memory allows...and there is plenty of memory! I usually set my scanner up by county. You can assign every system to a "quick key" so that you can easily turn on/off each system quickly. Then, inside that system, you can have groups of frequencies assigned to their own quick keys. This is how I typically set up a conventional system:System:

• Bradley County - System Quick Key 1
  • Group 1: Law Enforcement - Group Quick Key 1
    • Warren Police
    • Bradley County SO
  • Group 2: Fire/Rescue - Group Quick Key 2
    • Warren Fire
    • Bradley County Fire
    • Bradley County Rescue
  • Group 3: EMS - Group Quick Key 3
    • Bradley Co EMS
    • Ambulance Service
  • Group 4: Miscellaneous - Group Quick Key 4
    • Bradley County Roads
    • Warren Streets
    • Warren Water
    • Animal Control

BR330T Top View

The next system can be set up almost exactly the same, except you change the System Quick Key and enter the agencies in the groups. This allows you to have the entire county under 1 key. Then using the Group Quick Keys you can turn on/off groups within that system. So if you only want to hear fire, you turn off the others, etc. It is awesome! You never know what you were missing until you have it! I have everything from Little Rock, AR - south programmed into my scanner including every county, trunked system, and several parishes in Louisiana down to and including Monroe and Ouachita Parish Sheriff's TRS. I have almost every county to the east of Little Rock to the state line and to the west of Little Rock to the state line, then south. A ton of frequencies. Also more than I can count military air, civilian air, and other miscellaneous frequencies in the scanner and still have only used 70% of the memory. That is simply amazing! My BCD396T has every county in Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, Eastern Oklahoma and every trunked radio system in that area and it has 87% of it's memory used.

Programming Software: I used ARC330 Demo to program my BR330T. I intend on purchasing the full version at a later date. Or I may go with UASD330. I haven't decided yet. Both are very good software programs. ARC330 has features that UASD doesn't like the web import feature you can use with RadioReference.com to help program your scanner (requires subscription to RadioReference.com). ARC330 also has a duplicate frequency find or find and remove either by group or by system. ARC also allows you to have an overview of your system quick keys. UASD330 does not allow this. ARC has several other features over UASD. You can download a free Demo copy of each and decide for yourself which is right for you.

Battery Life: Battery life on the BR330T is a tiny bit better than the BCD396T. Probably due to the lack of digital decoding in the BR330T. I usually get about 8 to 10 hours on a set of 3 batteries. The stock batteries, 2300 mAh, usually last about 7 to 8 hours. The Energizer 2500 mAh batteries I typically use last between 9 and 10 hours. I am using the backlight 100% of the time. Without the backlight I am certain you could improve battery life by at least 1 hour, possibly more. As a side note; I do have some Duracell 2500 mAh batteries, but they drain noticeably faster than the Energizer brand. These observations are during light to moderate radio traffic in my area. Yours may differ.

A short comparison of the BR330T and Pro-97:

I think (from my experiences so far) that the BR330T receives equally as well, if not better due to the lack of overloading, as the Pro-97. Of course, I don't use the stock antennas on either. I use band specific antennas for monitoring (duckie/portable antennas). The Pro-97 seemed to be greatly affected by interference (as does the 2055). Also if I connected the 97 to my Scantenna, it was near useless without a global attenuator. The BR330T and Pro-97 seem to have about equal battery life (even though the 97 uses 4 batteries). In my opinion, the BR330T is the better scanner, however, this is just my opinion and hundreds will argue the opposite. I just like the dynamic memory, and other features offered by the 330. The BR330T costs about $100 more than the Pro-97 from most dealers, but you are getting much more of a scanner.

BR330T Top View - No Antenna

One thing I do like on the 97 is the analog squelch. The Pro-97's backlight is also brighter but the 330's is adequate. The Pro-97 is a good scanner, I can't deny that. However, the BR330T feels more rugged whereas the Pro-97 feels really cheap. I never used the Pro-97 other than on a desk because the belt clip looked and felt like it could break at any time. It sounds like I am bashing the 97, but I'm not. The 97 is a great scanner, I just prefer the Uniden BR330T over the Pro-97.

I am more than happy with my BR330T and BCD396T combo. I should have bought the BR330T when I bought the Pro-97/Pro-2055 combo, but I had to try out the GRE side of life. They are great scanners, no doubt, but the BR330T seems has some great features. Mainly, it is the dynamic memory and not overloading is what I like most about Uniden scanners.

Dislikes

Rear View - No Belt Clip

There are a few dislikes I have with the BR330T. I don't like that the 0 system quick key is missing. On my BCD396T I have quick keys 0 - 99 available. On the BR330T, you have 1-99. The 0 key on thh BR330T is reserved for Race Track Operation. I would have liked the backlight to be a bit brighter, but it is acceptable. As with my BCD396T, I would like to be able to see both the frequency and alpha tag at the same time. I have gotten used to this by having the BCD396T, still it is a small gripe I have. I'm not a fan of the SMA antenna connection, but they do give you the BNC/SMA adapter. I have grown to adjust to the SMA adapter. I could do without the NASCAR logo, but I understand why it is there and if by promoting these scanners through NASCAR gives Uniden more money to develop new scanners, then I am okay with it. Whatever they have to do to keep coming out with these great scanners!

I honestly don't like having to push down the VFO knob to turn the volume up or use the Function + VFO to adjust the squelch. I would have liked to be able to simply turn the knob to adjust each. Having to hold down the function button to use some of the features is also a little awkward at times, especially in the vehicle going 60 mph. It would have been nice to have the function key "stick" for x seconds so you could have 1 handed operation.\

Fire Tone Out would obviously be more useful if you could somehow search for Tone A and Tone B. Also if it would check each set of Tone Outs simultaneously regardless if it has the same RF frequency or not. But this is a matter or opinion, and not really something that I can gripe too much about. FTO works great, I just don't use it that much. Other than that, I am happy with my BR330T. I hope to keep it in the "shack" for a long time.

Conclusion:

The BR330T is a very capable scanner if you don't need and/or want digital. In fact, this is one of the best analog hand held scanner on the market, hands down. It operates almost exactly like the BCD396T. It receives very well and has great features. It makes the perfect companion to the BCD396T. It will also make a great primary scanner. This is the scanner to have if you are in the market for an analog trunking scanner. I can't say enough about the features of this scanner, receive capabilities, and the memory setup that is unmatched (except for other Uniden products of course). Heck, I was even excited to get this even though I have it's big brother, the BCD396T. It is a great scanner at a reasonable price for the technology you get.

BR330T Batteries and Belt Clip

This review is from my experiences with this scanner. I make no guarantees about the operations of this scanner or features in your area. Your experiences may, and likely will differ.

Uniden BCT15

The BCT15 is an excellent scanner. It is the best base/mobile scanner I have used to date. It has so many features, handles a base antenna well (no overloading), and at a good price.

In the box:

First off, the scanner and accessories are packaged very securely in the box. Everything is tightly packaged and wrapped in protective plastic. Inside the box you will find:

• BCT15 Scanner
• Extendable, angle adjustable antenna
• Mounting bracket with hardware
• DC direct wiring harness
• DC cigarette power cable
• AC power cable
• PC Programming Cable
• Owner's manual and other literature
• Scanner Programming Tutorial by Paul Opitz

You may notice that the DIN-E sleave is not included with the BCT15 as it is with the BCD996T. Uniden did not include the DIN-E sleeve to help keep the BCT15 close to a target price. You can purchase one from Uniden.com if needed.

Construction:

As soon as you pick up the box, you'll immediately notice the weight. The scanner is heavy.  The weight gives it a very rugged feel. It is similar in weight to the Pro-2055 or Pro-2096 scanners.

The volume, squelch and VFO knob all have a detent (has a clicking feeling). All of the buttons are very responsive and firm. They have the same feel as those used on the BR330T and BCD396T. Overall the BCT15 is very well constructed.

BCT15 Volume/Squelch Knobs

Physical:

The look and of the scanner is absolutely flawless. The buttons and knobs are all very responsive. It is more attractive to me than the BCD996T because it has the black faceplate. The LCD isn't red as advertised, it is more of an orange color. It is bright enough to see in daylight conditions and has 4 brightness levels (including off) to choose from. It isn't too bright and doesn't cause a distraction at night. If you are mounting it solid in your shack or vehicle, be aware that if the scanner is at certain angles you don't see the information on the LCD anymore, it simply disappears. The text is nice and large making it easy to read in mobile applications and for those of us whose eye sight isn't what it used to be. The LCD now displays the text with the frequency, which wasn't the case on the BR330T, BC246T, and BCD396T. However, if you are viewing frequency with text, you don't see the mode or ATT. The CTCSS/DCS tone is displayed on both viewing modes.

The speaker is bottom firing. The speaker is located on the left side on the bottom of the scanner. It is centered front to back, but on the left sided to side. Left meaning the left side as if you are facing the scanner.

The squelch, volume, and VFO knobs have a detent as you turn them. I would prefer a smooth turning knob, especially on the volume and squelch, but the detent isn't too bothersome. The BCT15 squelch seems to actually work versus the squelch on the BR330T and BCD396T scanners.

Performance:

BCT15 VFO and Keypad

Interference, intermod, and overloading are three words that can't be associated with this scanner! It doesn't have a problem with any of the three. I have my BCT15 set up about 3 inches from my PC and performance or caused any interference. My Pro-2055 always had issues with interference from the computer. I also have the BCT15 connected to my Scantenna and it is never overloaded by strong signals. The Pro-2055 would easily overload and almost always had to use the attenuator for the scanner to work properly. I have only used the ATT function on the BCT15 on about 3 or 4 frequencies out of the 2470 frequencies that are programmed into the scanner.

There is no squelch tail like on some scanners. It picks up the signal and releases it very cleanly. The performance of this scanner is unmatched by any scanner I have owned.

VHF-Low Band: There simply isn't a lot of VHF-Low band to monitor in my area. I have managed to picked up some distant VHF-Low signals. But I can't say if it is the scanner pulling it in or if is that I have never had the frequency in a scanner before? But it was several miles away that I was hearing, likely 30 to 40 miles on my base antenna.

VHF-High Band: It is working great on VHF-High. I have used it both on the stock antenna and on my Scantenna. It is pulling in more signals than my Pro-2055. I am easily hearing signals from 60 miles + during the day, and over 100 miles at night on the Scantenna. Very impressive to say the least

BCT15 Conventional Channel LCD

UHF: There is only a couple of UHF frequencies that I monitor, but they are coming in with ease.

800 MHz: It is pulling in those sneaky 800 signals. I have tracked several Motorola Systems in my area with ease. Very loud and clear audio on the trunked systems. After dark, the 800 signals are really pouring in. I am consistently monitoring systems at 40 to 60 miles using the Scantenna.

Civialian and Military Air: I am hearing lots of Civilian and Military air using both stock antenna and Scantenna. There isn't a lot of MilAir in my area, but I am hearing air traffic from C-130's out of Little Rock Air Force Base. Also several NORAD and Air Refueling frequencies. The CivAir band is extremely active and picking up great. Lots of traffic from Ft. Worth, Little Rock and Memphis. All in all, the Civ and MilAir bands are really sensitive and makes a great receiver in this area.

The BCT15 is very sensitive and works great! I think this scanner will give the BC780XLT a run for it's money. The BC780XLT has a strong following, but I think the BCT15 will convert many of those followers! Yes, it is that good!

Fire Tone Out: This feature works well. I have tested it on my local FD. It is very hard to find the tones needed as the scanner will not search for them. Basically you have to either have access to the tones or use your scanner connected to the PC to record the tones and then use a software to decode what frequency the tones are using.

Close Call: Is just that, CLOSE. It will not pick up from miles away. Less than 1/4 mile on most repeaters. About 100 feet when trying to pick up a mobile or handheld radio. It works great for what it is supposed to do. It is not meant to catch every hit within 1 mile. It works great for close proximity transmissions.

Audio: The audio is great. It can be very loud if you when you need it. It can also be soft and quite on lower audio settings but still easy to hear. There is no distortion whatsoever when you crank up the volume. Audio on trunked systems sound like conventional signals. It truly is great.

BCT15 Menu Screen

Features:

This thing is loaded with features. Some of the most notable include:

• Dynamic Memory - This is too cool to describe. You have to experience it to appreciate it.
• 2500 channels
• Multi Site Trunking - Allows you to use the same TGID list for multiple towers.
• PC Programmable/Controllable - You can control/program your scanner using either UASD or Butel Software. UASD costs $29.99. Download UASD, then purchase the registration key. Butel has several packages available, you can choose the best for you.
• Frequency Coverage - 25-512 MHz, 764-776 MHz, 794-956 MHz (excluding cellular), 1240-1300 MHz.
• CTCSS/DCS - Allows you to program or search for these tones. Searching is instant.
• Attenuator - Allows you to reduce by 20 dB the strength of a strong signal. This helps to protect against interference or weak signals.
• Scan Speed - 100 channels per second.
• DIN E and ISO Vehicle Mountable - You can purchase the DIN-E sleeve and mount it in your vehicles factory radio slot. Or some people mount an aftermarket CD Player and the scanner in the same hole when their vehicle uses a Double DIN sized factory radio.
• Temporary Lockout - This is one of the best features. Allowing you to lockout an annoying frequency. The frequency will be unlocked at the next power off/on cycle.
• Close Call Do Not Disturb - This works great. You don't hear that annoying break every 2 seconds. It only checks for Close Call Hits when there is no audio.
• GPS - I don't have a GPS unit to connect to the scanner so I can't comment on it's operation. However, this is a cool feature if you are going mobile with the scanner! The GPS feature will allow you to set up systems to be turned on/off as you drive in and out of range. Also you can set the scanner to alert you to Points of interest, dangerous road crossings, etc.
• Broadcast Screen - You can use this feature so that Close Call or Search ignore hits in Pager, FM, UHF TV, VHF TV, VHF TV, NOAA Weather, or custom bands you set yourself.
• Fire Tone Out - This is incorporated from the BR330T and BCD396T scanners. I don't use the feature, but I can see where it would be very handy in larger cities.
• Duplicate Input Alert - Warns you if you try to input the same frequency or name into the same group. This only works per group. And is not global.

Priority and Priority Plus - You can have any number of priority channels. Although, the more channels you set as priority, the less they are actually priority channels. The scanner can check the priority channels every 2 seconds for activity. Like Wx Alert, this will cause an audible break in audio. *Priority Plus scans only channels you have set as priority.

• SAME Wx Alert - I have used this on numerous occasions on some of my other scanners. This feature could truly be a life saver by alerting you to hazardous weather.
• Weather Alert Priority - The Wx Alert feature allows you to scan programmed information while the scanner checks for the 1050 Hz tone from NOAA every 10 seconds or so. This will cause a break in your audio every 10 seconds while the scanner checks for the tone. The tone will cause the scanner to switch to a local NOAA Wx Repeater for you to hear the hazardous information.
• Beartracker - I don't use this feature. It is useless to me. It works, but only for the frequencies that are pre-programmed into the scanner. It is in no way a radar detector and likely won't save you from a ticket very many times as it only alerts you to certain agencies, not all of them.
• Service Search - This feature is a welcome help at times. It now includes MilAir Service search (not previously included in other models, except the 996.) Basically the Service Search is pre-programmed search ranges. Others include: Public Safety, News, HAM Radio, Marine, Railroad, Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS, Racing, TV Broadcast, FM Broadcast, and Special.
• Custom Search - You can set up 10 custom search ranges.Search Keys - You can assign 3 keys on your scanners keypad to search ranges.Search with Scan - Using either a custom search or service search, you can search those ranges and scan programmed frequencies at the same time.
• Tone Volume Adjust - You can adjust the volume of alerts used on Key beep, BearTracker, Emergency Alert, Channel Alert, Close Call, Tone Out, and Location Alert. You can choose up to 15 audio settings.
• Frequency Auto Store - This allows you to store a frequency automatically during a search.
• Alert + - This feature I did not see in the manual. You press Function and then E/Yes to activate. The scanner will then only produce audio on channels you have the alert feature activated.
• Startup Configuration - This allows you to program certain systems to only be turned on when you press the corresponding startup key on power up. Very cool feature.
• Control Channel Only - This allows you to input only the Control Channels on Motorola Systems.
• Trunking Activity Indicators - You can choose to set the screen mode to show either the Frequency and Talkgroup on trunking systems or to show the Trunking *Activity Indicators. The Indicators show you trunking activity when you hold on a control channel.

BCT15 vs. BR330T

Dislikes:

The Owner's Manual seems to be missing some information or puts it in hard to find locations. After lots of searching for the alert + feature I found it on Page 15. I think it should have been pointed out more and described in more detail. Alert + is activated by holding on a channel and pressing Function and then the 9 key. Alt + will be displayed on the bottom row. This feature will only allow audio from channels you have the alert feature turned on.

Startup configuration doesn't work as I think it should (my opinion of course). I thought that by setting 1 system to Start Up Key 1 meant that when I turn the scanner off, and back on while holding key 1, then only that system will be scanned (or only the systems assigned to that key). That isn't so. From what I can tell, you must set every system to a startup key. If not, then when you turn on the scanner using Startup Configuration, the system(s) you have set to that key will be activated, but so will all systems that are not assigned to a key. To me, i think all systems not on the key should be locked out automatically.

I would like to have seen the volume and squelch knobs to turn smoothly. Instead they have a detent which is bothersome to me, but this is merely my own preference.

A very major flaw is that the text on the LCD disappears at certain angles. If you have a specific place in your vehicle or shack where you are going to mount the scanner, you may want to turn it on and make sure you can see the text on the screen before hard mounting it. On the BCD396T, BR330T, Pro-2055 and many other scanners i have used, you can look from the side and see the text. But on the BCT15, the text will simply disappear. Looking straight on up to about a 45 degree angle, the text is very clear and large, but after 45 degrees or so, it is gone. Just be aware of this.

BCT15 Rear View

Conclusion:

With the features, frequency coverage, performance, and looks of this scanner, it is a great deal for around $230. I strongly recommend someone looking for a base/mobile scanner to give this one a hard look. It is 10x more scanner than the Pro-2055. I would love to add the BCD996T to my collection for digital monitoring. It is basically the same scanner, it does have a few features that the BCT15 doesn't have, but the BCT15 has features that the BCD996T doesn't have, like Alert +, Beartracker, etc. I would recommend either the BCD996T or BCT15 for anyone looking for a good base/mobile scanner.

Great job Uniden!