Common Questions

Common Uniden BC355N questions

Will the BC355N hear my local police?

Only if those departments still use unencrypted conventional analog transmissions in supported bands. Many use digital or trunked systems that this radio cannot decode.

Can I monitor P25 Phase I or II?

No. The BC355N does not decode P25, DMR or NXDN.

Is it a trunking scanner?

No. It's intended for conventional analog listening rather than following trunked radio networks.

Does it have preprogrammed channels?

It provides preprogrammed service search banks to find common analog activity, plus memory for saved frequencies. It does not contain a complete up-to-date nationwide channel database.

How many channels can I save?

Uniden specifies 300 programmable channels.

Is it useful for air traffic and railroads?

Yes, compatible conventional aviation and railroad signals are well suited to this model.

Can I use this in a car or truck?

Yes, if mounted securely with suitable vehicle power and a properly installed antenna.

Do batteries come in the box?

This is a fixed-power base/mobile unit, not a handheld using AA batteries. AC and vehicle power accessories are included.

Does Close Call find every frequency?

No. It can identify strong nearby transmissions, but it doesn't bypass encryption or decode unsupported digital formats.

Can I enter my ZIP code and scan everything?

No. Use service searches or save conventional frequencies from a trusted local source.

Should I add Expert Programming?

Our specialized digital scanner programming service isn't offered for this model. Use its manual and service search functions, or ask us which digital scanner would better suit your agencies.

Can this hear fully encrypted communications?

No. No consumer scanner can decode fully encrypted police or fire traffic.

Is there a guaranteed reception distance?

No. The antenna, distance, terrain, location and transmitting system all affect reception.

What if my county uses digital radio?

These are analog-only models. Choose a compatible digital scanner based on your exact local systems rather than buying an analog radio and hoping it works.

Can I monitor analog frequencies without programming?

Built-in service searches can help you find some signals, but saving known local channels is more reliable than scanning randomly.