Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

This is a no frills basic scanner that works great for anyone in an area that has police and fire still on analog frequencies. Really simple to program; don't believe the naysayers that say it isn't. A simple 3 minute youtube video showed me how to do it. Its a bit time consuming and repetitive but very very easy once you know how. If you plan to listen to over 25 or so frequencies right of the bat, you might want to invest in a programming cable and download programming software. Also, it does have a TOTAL of 300 slots to program frequencies BUT 200 of these are under the Air/Marine slot. It is a bit confusing and if you want to listen to more than 100 frequencies and have to spill over to the Air/Marine presets, you will have to set the scanner to scan your "private" frequencies along with both the "Air" and "Marine" band presets. Its confusing I know, but it DOES have 300 memory slots. If some folks read the free downloadable user manual before purchasing, they would have known that. If you are listening to that many frequencies though, you should probably invest in a better, higher end scanner that has a larger custom memory bank.Its pretty small and takes up very little space on my nightstand and workbench. Worthwhile if you are like me and only listen to around 15 or 20 of the local police/fire/EMS frequencies. If that is all you are looking for out of your scanner, this will do the job. Upon arrival, the box included the scanner, a base telescopic antenna that plugs straight into the back (works well for me, your results may vary with location), a mobile mounting bracket with several feet of fused power wire, a DC cigarette power adapter for quick "plug and go" mobile installation, and finally a second antenna. The second antenna is basically a copper wire with suction cups on both ends and several feet of coax attached to it. According to the directions, you basically suction cup the antenna to the inside windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle or to the rear widow if you drive a standard cab truck. I currently use it in my basement window to gain better reception during the evening when I am working downstairs in my concrete surrounded shop space. Having an additional antenna stuck up in the window really helps improve the reception.Overall, its simple, it works, and its not crazy expensive because of too many bells and whistles I won't use.

Very easy setup! Great instruction manual

The Uniden BC355N is a compact and versatile scanner that offers a wide range of features, making it suitable for both casual listeners and more serious hobbyists. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to transport, allowing you to take it anywhere.Performance and FeaturesThe scanner's performance is impressive, delivering clear and crisp audio quality. It can handle a wide range of frequencies, including public safety, aviation, and marine bands. However, the included antenna may not be sufficient for optimal reception, especially in areas with weak signals. Upgrading to an external antenna can significantly enhance the scanner's performance.Programming and User InterfaceOne of the challenges with the BC355N is the initial programming process. It can be somewhat complex for beginners, requiring careful attention to detail. However, with the help of online resources and YouTube tutorials, the process becomes more manageable. Once programmed, the scanner's user interface is relatively straightforward, allowing you to easily navigate through menus and settings.Overall ImpressionThe Uniden BC355N is a capable scanner with a lot of potential. While it may require some initial effort to set up, it rewards you with clear audio, a wide frequency range, and a compact design. If you're willing to invest some time in learning the programming process and potentially upgrading the antenna, the BC355N can be a valuable addition to your hobbyist arsenal.

I'm sure these worked at some point in the past, but don't waste your money. These are analog scanners and most agencies have gone completely to digital and trunked systems, which makes this scanner useless. It's old technology. I've tried to pick up signals on the miriad of antennas I own, and can't pick up a signal at all, except weather channels and the occasional CB bands. Even those come through horribly. I have several wideband antennas, including my main discone antenna 30ft above my house. I've but the bullet and invested in an SDR scanner, specifically the uniden sds200 (not cheap but worth it's weight in gold) and it works flawlessly. I'll hold onto this solely for weather, but I wish I could return it at this point I don't even know why they still sell them...