Railfanning with Uniden's BC125AT Scanner

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  • Опубликовано: 7 сен 2019
  • I get lots of questions about radio scanners and which is the best for the beginning railfan. Here's a great combo. The Uniden BC125AT and Diamond RH77CA antenna. I own and use this rig myself.
    Here are the links I mentioned in the video:
    www.radioreference.com/apps/d...
    www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC125AT...
    The mag mount I Use:
    www.theantennafarm.com/catalo....
    And here's the 1/4 wave whip:
    www.theantennafarm.com/catalo...

Комментарии • 722

  • @shanemyoutubeshit
    @shanemyoutubeshit 4 года назад +324

    “Or your first time... we don’t talk about that now.” -Danny Hartman 2019. I actually cracked up

    • @ShawnTheDriver
      @ShawnTheDriver 4 года назад +28

      Took me off guard in the best way.

    • @Max20FA
      @Max20FA 4 года назад +21

      That was hilarious
      Never saw it coming

    • @clarkpj1
      @clarkpj1 4 года назад +16

      I guess we can all relate.

    • @RobRidleyLive
      @RobRidleyLive 4 года назад +30

      I'll never forget my first time with an antenna, but we definitely don't talk about that

    • @bradley.reim22
      @bradley.reim22 4 года назад +3

      lol

  • @JawTooth
    @JawTooth 2 года назад +99

    I am a licensed ham radio operator also, since the mid 80s. I use the EOT frequency all the time when I am in the country away from train yards and it really helps on lines where the train doesn't call out the signals. The beginning of train device is 5 megahertz higher than the EOT frequency but it puts out a weaker signal. If you have been by the tracks for a while and all of a sudden you hear the EOT frequency start chirping, it is a good indication that a train is approaching. When the signal gets stronger, I lock it out so that it doesn't interfere with my video or with me listening to the train crew. It is national frequency and I have seen it in use on the Class Ones and the smaller railroads. I have used these frequencies for years but you are the first person other than me who I have ever seen talk about using them to railfan. They are very, very helpful to use but I just stick with the EOT frequency. ( 452.9375 or if your scanner won't accept all of those digits just program in 452.940 )

    • @the_emt_gamer
      @the_emt_gamer 2 года назад +5

      Super glad I came across this! Thanks for the info! I tried it out on my scanner (Baofeng UV-82) and it worked just fine.

    • @Orlando_Rails
      @Orlando_Rails 2 года назад +6

      Thanks Jaw tooth

    • @railfanningthesoutheast8318
      @railfanningthesoutheast8318 2 года назад +5

      hello jaw tooth

    • @dannyjohnson3335
      @dannyjohnson3335 8 месяцев назад

      I need help with my uniden bc125 radio

    • @SignalMan9292
      @SignalMan9292 6 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks so much for the info about the 6 digit thing. I have the BC75XLT and I was confused on how to do the 7 digit frequency’s. Apparently when I type in the 452.940 it automatically creates a mini 50 at the end and changes 40 to 37. And as I’m typing this I hear chirping.

  • @m0ssy23
    @m0ssy23 7 месяцев назад +6

    This video has set me on a journey. I got my BC125AT knowing nothing of this subject. While I got my scanner for plane spotting, I stumbled here and immediately upped my game with the advice about antenna’s. Now you have me tracking trains in my local town and looking forward to your videos. Thanks Danny! 👋

  • @davidkalbacker6033
    @davidkalbacker6033 2 года назад +6

    Haha the last honest man - no paid ads. Thank you very much

  • @Gizmologist1
    @Gizmologist1 4 года назад +62

    Asa scanner user for first responder transmission, I STRONGLY suggest you place a small double layer sheet of Saran wrap or similar material between the magnet base and the painted surface of your vehicle. This will brevent surface grit from scrtatching the painted surface and will NOT lessen the magnetic flux holding the antenna solidly to the roof top of the vehicle.

    • @Gizmologist1
      @Gizmologist1 4 года назад

      @Thomas Taylor Because most folks do not want a hole drilled in the roof as it can lessen the resale price or can also leak. I have NEVER had a mag mount come loose. When I ran CB I had a big Dodge van that I didn't really worry abour,. I had a 102" fiberglass whip mount on the rear just below the roof rain gutter. I rant no heaters and was able to easily talk from Glendal in SoCal clear across Arizona.

    • @familytraditiontransportat7951
      @familytraditiontransportat7951 4 года назад +5

      Wax paper works well, so does parchment paper. Frequent removal/cleaning also works as well. :)

    • @jonathansims254
      @jonathansims254 4 года назад +5

      After sitting in the sun for a couple of hours, the plastic wrap adhered in a few places to the sides of the mount. I'm now using a very thin rag.

    • @kevinmorley6300
      @kevinmorley6300 3 года назад +3

      @@familytraditiontransportat7951 Never thought of parchment paper. ? Good idea.

    • @trainmandavid8408
      @trainmandavid8408 2 года назад +1

      I just noticed that with my car roof. I’ll try that next time I go out with it.

  • @meme-xn6wr
    @meme-xn6wr 2 года назад +31

    Dang it Danny, you are the best darn RUclipsr for trains and radios I have seen. Nice, good manners on videos (not talking while train is approaching, and informational. Your content never ceases to raise the bar, and I will certainly remain a subscriber. Thank you very much.

  • @geoffriedel5997
    @geoffriedel5997 2 года назад +2

    Just got my Uniden BC125AT. Going to get the antenna you showed. Been railfanning since I was a kid with my Father. He was the scanner buff. Have not heard anything yet, here on the CSX RF&P line.

  • @TyConSherriM
    @TyConSherriM Месяц назад

    It’s an awesome scanner and worth the price! If you’re new to it, it’s a little confusing to figure out, but you’ll understand quickly! I recommend! Thanks for the video!

  • @minchimurakami2258
    @minchimurakami2258 Месяц назад

    You are so eloquent, and I enjoy watching your videos. I am considering of getting a scanner to add one more tool for my rail fanning with my 7 year-old son. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @jerrysinclair3771
    @jerrysinclair3771 4 года назад +22

    Danny, thanks for the shout out for us Ham Radio Ops. 73 de WA4CIF. Great video by the way and chocked full of useful info.

  • @cjctucson7683
    @cjctucson7683 2 года назад +2

    Great video. I got this model Uniden for listening in to air traffic control chatter. But, I am a big rail fan also, just never got to the point of trying to listen in on them. Now I will. Thanks.

  • @CrepitusRex
    @CrepitusRex Год назад +1

    You da man! Seriously. You sir are the man!

  • @SignalMan9292
    @SignalMan9292 6 месяцев назад +1

    I highly recommend either the BC125AT or the BC75XLT. Both have great features with the 75 being cheaper but not having a way to name saved frequencies. They both have a way to listen to 000.0000 frequencies. Although the 75s way is odd. They both are great scanners. And the Diamond RH77CA Antenna works for both units. And yes the EOTD works on both units. For the 75 you must enter 452.937 and then press 5. It will make a mini 50 which is the 75s way of making 452.9375. The zero has no meaning. And I have tested it and it works. I heard freight train chirps from a UP freight in my town

  • @bigreed67
    @bigreed67 Год назад +1

    Bought my Uniden BC125AT via the endorsement from this video. I've had it for about three years now and have been very happy with it! Thank you for the recommendation!

  • @trainlens3789
    @trainlens3789 2 года назад

    Very nice video and super advice. Thanks!

  • @davedeiler2072
    @davedeiler2072 4 года назад

    Thanks Danny, very comprehensive discussion.

  • @ranger.rail3580
    @ranger.rail3580 4 года назад +1

    Thank you Danny! Much appreciated! I hope to get this setup soon. Great Advice!

  • @Key-wg6dn
    @Key-wg6dn 4 года назад +1

    I watched this and bought it right away. Thank you

  • @trailingrails9953
    @trailingrails9953 4 года назад

    Very helpful and entertaining, thanks as always, Danny.

  • @ekimp252
    @ekimp252 4 года назад +5

    It’s always a good day when I get notified that you’ve put up a new video, when it’s about scanners and antennas it’s a great day!

  • @catpurrson3651
    @catpurrson3651 4 года назад

    As usual, your videos are so educational in addition to being enjoyable.

  • @8Oblivion_Lost8
    @8Oblivion_Lost8 4 года назад

    I've had this scanner for around 6 years and love it.

  • @SheltonDCruz
    @SheltonDCruz 8 месяцев назад

    Excellent production! -- Thanks!

  • @jt4199
    @jt4199 Год назад

    Outstanding video, simply outstanding.

  • @justinstrickland5382
    @justinstrickland5382 4 года назад

    Fantastic advice! I’ve been looking into getting a scanner and this was very helpful

  • @waynereid5405
    @waynereid5405 4 года назад +35

    I have been using the EOT trick for years. Has helped me catch trains I may have missed.

  • @bogusbits6810
    @bogusbits6810 4 года назад

    Great job in explaining scanner and antennas! Good and accurate information!

  • @capitalcitybricks
    @capitalcitybricks 4 года назад +1

    A much appreciated video for those of us looking to get into railfanning. As always, a perfect video

  • @KDM66
    @KDM66 4 года назад

    What a wealth of information. Thanks so much Danny. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!

  • @fredbartels3958
    @fredbartels3958 4 года назад

    Thanks for the scanner info. I use the same unit and was glad to hear about the Diamond antenna.

  • @parkybob22
    @parkybob22 4 года назад

    Always fun to watch your videos. Very educational for stuff I have never even heard of. Than you

  • @DaytonDistrictRailfan
    @DaytonDistrictRailfan 4 года назад +2

    I just got this rig ordered, and it was just below an even $140, for those who are wanting a relatively exact answer. Also, thanks, Danny!

  • @hamradiojim6788
    @hamradiojim6788 4 года назад +1

    Excellent explanation of practical radio stuff; keep it up! Thanks, Jim, W2NSF

  • @eldongarnett3753
    @eldongarnett3753 Год назад

    Thank you for you explaining locomotives

  • @Notch8Media
    @Notch8Media 4 года назад

    Thanks Danny! I've been looking for a new scanner, and this really helps in choosing a simple, but relatively complete set-up.

  • @B-Rac
    @B-Rac 4 года назад +5

    I've been trying to decide on which radio I should get. This video helps me make my decision. Thank you for sharing.

  • @austinyingst5902
    @austinyingst5902 4 года назад +1

    Spot on. My old scanner needs help and now I know where to find it. Thanks much!!!

  • @vzjtothalo1
    @vzjtothalo1 4 года назад

    Good tips, Danny! Excellent overall coverage of the subject.

  • @CyclingDinosaur
    @CyclingDinosaur 4 года назад +1

    Thanks for that informative video. I want to get a scanner for rail fanning around the space coast/treasure coast area and you answered nearly ever question I have yet to ask but had come to mind.
    Thanks again!

  • @MarkMLatham
    @MarkMLatham Год назад

    Thank you! Lots of good information, concise and straightforward.

  • @robfelt9283
    @robfelt9283 4 года назад

    Your work is wonderful!!!

  • @StationRailfan
    @StationRailfan 4 года назад

    Thanks for this video Danny! It was very helpful in making my choice between scanners

  • @heavyobject4809
    @heavyobject4809 4 года назад +1

    Great video! Going to have to try out that antenna.

  • @dmorgan28
    @dmorgan28 4 года назад

    Thanks for that information Danny. I appreciate it. Good video 👍👍👍❤️

  • @oldtown6240
    @oldtown6240 4 года назад +5

    You are very welcome! It is a pleasure to watch a Distant Signal video. Best of all railfanning ones. Thank you Danny.

  • @dorothyfishbaugh4728
    @dorothyfishbaugh4728 4 года назад

    Really cool video packed with wonderful "understandable" technical information. I do enjoy the information you give on your videos!

  • @emeraldsoundproductions
    @emeraldsoundproductions 2 года назад

    Thanks so much for the recommendation and video. I recently upgraded to this from my old Uniden Bearcat Trunk Tracker II and I absolutely love this scanner for railfanning.

  • @curtnicholson7771
    @curtnicholson7771 4 года назад +1

    Danny I would say that is very helpful to a lot of fans out there and was super informative. Once again another great video of yours!

  • @K6TJO
    @K6TJO 4 года назад

    My son and I use this same equipment. Great tips on that chirp as well as the buffer. Thanks

  • @klugermann5806
    @klugermann5806 3 года назад

    Thank's Danny. Love your videos

  • @Squib1911
    @Squib1911 4 года назад

    Thank you for explaining the ETD or EOT device. You answered two questions I had with that simple explanation.

  • @arrowguy173
    @arrowguy173 4 года назад +10

    You’re the best, Danny. Thank you for a thorough video. I’ve used a Yaesu with a tall Diamond antenna for several years - also very high quality and picks up chatter from miles away. Love your channel.

  • @MrBillCNW
    @MrBillCNW 4 года назад +4

    Another great video Danny keep up the good work.
    I sure love your channel you got great stuff very entertaining. Take care.
    Mr. Bill_CNW

  • @railfanpat1719
    @railfanpat1719 4 года назад +4

    Great video Danny. My dad has almost the same scanner and thanks for the tip about using external antenna.

  • @rockercover
    @rockercover 3 года назад +1

    Loads of features with the Uniden’s. Good video post, thanks.

  • @Mrruneight
    @Mrruneight 4 года назад +2

    Did as you said Danny and purchased these antennas and WOW! What a game changer! You've taken what so many have made sound like rocket science and made it understandable for the rest of us.Thank You Danny!

  • @kurtzbradley
    @kurtzbradley 4 года назад

    Thanks Danny! I am sure we will have more questions!

  • @tomy6917
    @tomy6917 3 года назад +6

    Hello Danny, I had purchased the magnetic mount (G8bi) & the antenna (QW152) from The Antenna Farm - great people to deal with! This was a Christmas gift for a friend who follows CSX in Michigan. He loves it & its great range! He was using the RH77CA which definitely was an improvement for listening to the railroad frequencies, but, as you had stated here, the external magnetic mount made a world of difference! On a recent field test, he had picked up a CSX radio call from 14 miles out with his BC125AT scanner using the magnetic mount antenna. He'll be making more field trips to see how far it can go. Happy New Year to you, Danny!

  • @LTHanlon
    @LTHanlon 4 года назад

    Thanks for the info. I'm shopping for a first-ever scanner and this really helps. Also like that radio voice of yours!

  • @cg7494
    @cg7494 4 года назад +13

    Danny, this was a fantastic video and exactly what I've been waiting to see. I've been a fan of your videos for years and I'm constantly amazed at all the knowledge you have on each train you film. You have a voice for narration as well. It wouldn't surprise me if you've done some voiceover work for commercials a time or two. Keep up the good work and I'll keep watching from the high iron. Cheers.

  • @platec4798
    @platec4798 4 года назад

    Danny, very informative, very honest and hilarious at the same time.
    Thanks so much for your post. I am actually going to use some of this to upgrade my antenna.
    Plate C

  • @Soolinegp38
    @Soolinegp38 4 года назад +4

    Thank you Danny for making this video! I've had the exact same scanner since Christmas and I've been struggling to find good antennas to use when I'm driving around. Now I can actually order something to hear CSX from more than 1000 ft away when driving

  • @grophers1189
    @grophers1189 4 года назад

    An expert review once again! I have this model scanner and I use it frequently on my Amtrak trips.

  • @LookOutForTheTrain
    @LookOutForTheTrain 4 года назад +3

    lol the basic of all railfan scanners. Great video Danny, thanks for the handy info. The railfan community appreciates it!

  • @Papascoffs
    @Papascoffs 4 года назад +1

    Just ordered mine from Amazon. Can’t wait to use it. Never used a Scanner myself.

  • @dhansenmm
    @dhansenmm 4 года назад +7

    This is an amazing channel. The production value is fantastic. I stumbled upon this trying answer the question “what are those guys doing by the train tracks near my house with drones and cameras?”.well now I not only know but I am looking for my scanner and hoping to get out there. Great job Danny and thank you,

  • @timsellers4589
    @timsellers4589 4 года назад

    Thank you sir I hope you have a great day

  • @Mommomkeller
    @Mommomkeller 3 года назад +1

    Awesome! I just got my BC125AT the other day, and I just ordered the antenna set up for my car based on the video! Thanks!

  • @jmahaneydroid
    @jmahaneydroid 4 года назад

    Fantastic video. You are such a class act! Thanks.

  • @projectwes4573
    @projectwes4573 2 года назад

    Thanks for the great info and I must say you have the perfect voice for narrating 👍👍

  • @bobjennings6673
    @bobjennings6673 4 года назад +4

    I have an old Radio Shack PRO-89, (Yes, its old), but it does the job.
    Great hint about that antenna--have to try that one.

  • @JohnsKeith
    @JohnsKeith 3 года назад +1

    Danny I love your RUclips videos. They are awesome and you do an amazing job with all of your play by play action and commentary. My wife and I moved to Davenport, Fl a few months back as we purchased a new home here. As a railfan about the same age, I would love to hook up with you one day to do some railfanning with our scanners and view the signals in action. Please, keep the videos coming. Thanks Keith Johns

  • @wiseolesage
    @wiseolesage 3 года назад +1

    Love all this information on railroad scanner. I uses BC345CRS as my scanner it covers roughly 20-25 miles of our local railroad route from Kelly, Ky to North Pembroke on the CSX lines. I can also get our closes Amtrak Line which is 90-95 miles to the west in Fulton, Ky to almost NewBern-Dyersburg, Tenn. We also have other shortline railroad west north and east of Hopkinsville. CSX being the old L&N. Our division runs the Evansville, Indiana to Nashville, Tennessee route from years back north and south. On certain days can hear the Nashville dispatch and have heard the Evansville switch yard. Some unique features on this line included very tall railbridges, several tunnels, active coal mines, industrials, agricultural, and a military railroad connect to Fort Campbell, Ky at South Caskey connect.

    • @wiseolesage
      @wiseolesage 3 года назад +1

      Hopkinsville DD is 237.8 mm. I think it runs 228 to 245 mm.

  • @KeepingitAnalog
    @KeepingitAnalog 4 года назад

    I just ordered all of it! Your channel had made me an addict.

  • @throttletherapy9998
    @throttletherapy9998 4 года назад +3

    That was a lot of great info , I have a hard time finding rail fans down here in southeast Louisiana. This is BNSF territory and is also a main line for the sunset limited. I may have to wait for hours and still not see anything. I had a scanner in the early 90`s but I couldn't find any information on railroad channels, so this will be a great help. Thank you for the info and your great narration and videos, have a blessed day

  • @2005GLI
    @2005GLI 4 года назад +4

    I switched to a permanent mount in my f150 with nmo mount. Used both the long whip "train tenna" and the 1/4 wave now.

  • @101egals
    @101egals 4 года назад

    Thanks for all the great information!!

  • @JacobCothren
    @JacobCothren 2 года назад

    thanks Danny, this helped my purchase decision. First radio/scanner as a railfan. This will be a GREAT upgrade!

  • @jacksonsdrones
    @jacksonsdrones 2 года назад

    Got My BC125AT and Diamond RH77CA Yesterday Looking forward to it on Friday! Thank You for this Video!

  • @Nscalemike56
    @Nscalemike56 4 года назад +1

    Awesome ...simple to understand...great info. I use a similar set up here in Vegas. And with all the mountains nearby I can still receive signals up to 50 miles away

  • @noahater5785
    @noahater5785 4 года назад +1

    interesting. I was thinking of getting into railfanning myself, but wasn't sure what the best antenna and scanner was, but thanks to your advice, I think i know what to get.

  • @terryfromsouthcarolina4601
    @terryfromsouthcarolina4601 4 года назад

    Wow! My wife just bought me that exact same scanner for father's day! Thank you for the sources for the antennas. I didn't know about the chirps either. Thank you again and keep those fantastic videos coming!
    Terry from South Carolina

  • @chuckleeii8355
    @chuckleeii8355 2 года назад

    Really enjoy your very informative videos! I ordered the Uniden BC125AT and Diamond antenna the other day and cannot wait to start listening in. I live about 4 tenths of a mile from the Ohio Central tracks which run directly into Columbus and should be able to pick up plenty of railroad traffic. Thanks again and can't wait for your next video!

  • @NWtoSFO
    @NWtoSFO 4 года назад

    Great video. You’ve got the perfect voice for doing college football play-by-play!

  • @CAV3MAN227
    @CAV3MAN227 4 года назад

    Such good information. Thanks for sharing your gear.

  • @ronniewatkins
    @ronniewatkins 3 года назад

    Thanks for all the awesome information!!!

  • @cherylstallworth4627
    @cherylstallworth4627 4 года назад

    Nice Danny! I’ve been using a BC72XlT for about a decade now, and I’ve been think I need an upgrade. Thanks for the info!

  • @chrishauser5505
    @chrishauser5505 4 года назад

    Very helpful info.
    Thanks Danny.

  • @tracksidetrainfan5805
    @tracksidetrainfan5805 4 года назад +1

    I have a different kind of scanner but my friend has that kind of speaker and he catches trains hundreds of miles away thanks for teaching me about scanners Danny

  • @ToddReuterOutdoors
    @ToddReuterOutdoors 4 года назад

    Awesome video, Danny! This is my exact scanner, works beautifully! I have it programmed in order of distance of railroads closest to me, then furthest away. Bank 8 is all of my EOT frequencies, which I am always scanning.

  • @garag3054
    @garag3054 4 года назад

    As usual... You’re the Bomb (best ever) 👌😊 I so enjoy listening to you explain everything that I’m interested in knowing, but at this point in life am unable to participate in. I do manage to capture trains passing through my town. Always like a kid when I see them and more so when I catch a CryoTrans car or Citirail engine which I’d not seen before. 😍

  • @jamespetty9545
    @jamespetty9545 4 года назад

    Always love your videos

  • @Mercatoyd
    @Mercatoyd 4 года назад

    Danny..thank you for this video.. I just commented a couple of days ago on another video asking a question about how you obtain some of your info while chasing.. this video cleared up a lot of the mystery. Thanks again. Tom

  • @716Railfan
    @716Railfan 4 года назад

    Hey i just picked up the Diamond RH77CA antenna Great Video Danny Can't wait to try it!

  • @bit-tuber8126
    @bit-tuber8126 Год назад

    Appreciate the details on the scanners. Some of the comments here are educational as well.

  • @bdhd206
    @bdhd206 3 года назад

    Fantastic video, a wealth of info, thank you.

  • @bb_37
    @bb_37 4 года назад +1

    I agree 100% about the usefulness of a 1/4 wave antenna on VHF.

  • @bryanthunderfootporter4436
    @bryanthunderfootporter4436 Год назад +3

    The RH77CA antenna is awesome!!! What used to be stuttering garble is now so clear, people are stepping on each other! (Paired with my BC125AT) Thanks a bunch, Danny! 👍🏻

  • @RailFanRob
    @RailFanRob 2 года назад

    Danny, thank you so much for covering this topic. I don't know how this one got by me for two years. I mostly use my phone as a scanner but wanted to get a handheld like this one you show. I had a lot of questions about it which nobody seemed to be able to answer for me or maybe they just didn't want to. You have provided all of the answers to every question I had. Thank you kindly sir.

  • @royalhoward2882
    @royalhoward2882 4 года назад

    Excellent video, I have this exact same set up. The Uniden BC125AT and the DIAMOND SRH77CA antenna you have here. I got both of them from Amazon as well a little over 4 years ago and they continue to serve me well. By the way I love your channel and I subscribed, keep up the great work.