Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather, and More, Black

I really wanted to like this scanner. I bought it to replace another Uniden that I had 20+ years ago. I live in an area where our public safety uses digital trunked systems. Not a problem, as I only purchased it to monitor air, marine, rail, and ham traffic in the area. Sadly, this scanner just doesnt fit my needs and is being returned. I really did not like how the memory channels were allocated and how you had to go through the entire band, air for example, BEFORE the unit would scan the small handful of air frequencies you programmed. In all honesty, this radio only has 100 programmable channels that are functional. The other 200 are useless. Those 100 usable channels in the Private bank cannot be broken out into subsections. So, all the frequencies you want to monitor need to be stored there, and not in the service banks. As far as overall quality and audio output, the scanner is a nice compact package and sounds really good. Buyer beware...

This receiver was purchased to replace a mid-80s BearCat 20/20 scanner that had provided outstanding service for nearly 35 years. Unfortunately, the BC355N does not measure up to the high standard set by its much older sibling. The audio is weak and the optional BC23A amplified speaker is required if you want to hear an intelligible broadcast from across the hangar (40 feet). On the plus side, reception with an external VHF antenna is very good.

I bought this for my local fire department and ems communications to listen to in my vehicle and when I get home. The sound quality is amazing and it is really easy to set up with the right support from YouTube videos!

In order to set channels (i have list of local frequencies) you can not enter frequencies directly. You have to select the band width to scan and then when to get close to your frequency hit hold then arrow up or down to lock in the channel into your private bank. Other wise you have to scan for channels manually to find local frequencies to lock into the private bank. That takes a lot of time. Also the internal speak is not very clear (tinny sounding) I used an external speak to plug into the jack (much loader and Clearer).

Great quality of materials. Much better than expected. Appearance is great. With these lights it really improves your visibility. Great buy and price can’t be beat.

Good little radio, nice features easy to set up. Sound quality could be a little better but good radio over all.

It came on time it works I am still working on getting some of the channels I live down the road 1 to 2 minutes from my local frie department have not been able to pick them up but can pick up other fire department far away

Will not receive some am frequencies.

It comes pre-programmed with frequencies and the search and nearby functions make it easy to find local transmissions to follow. I looked up some frequencies on the FCC website and programmed them easily. Comes with home and car adapter and car mounting kit. Lacking a lot of advanced functions though. Speaker is weak.

Over the years Ive owned a number of Uniden BC355 scanners. Theyre simple to use and program, and the audio output is loud and clear. Of course, this is an analog scanner, but for areas like rural Vermont, analog systems are still very much in use. The unit comes complete with AC adapter, DC cigarette lighter cord for mobile use, telescopic whip antenna, and tilt-desk stand. AM aircraft reception is superb, and weather scan requires just simple one-button access. You wont have to worry about what CTCSS tone to use, because the 355N uses carrier squelch, only. If you live in an area served by analog public service radio, this model is perfect to catch up on all the action. (Note if you require digital P25 reception, this isnt the unit for you...for that see the BC996P2 or other digital scanners).