BCD160DN Police Scanner | Uniden Digital Handheld Scanner

BCD160DN Uniden Police Scanner

Software & frequencies not included
For advanced users with custom programming needs
Lifetime tech support does NOT apply to this scanner due to complexity, unless expert programming is purchased
Trade-in your old scanner
Check Amazon price; buy here for free shipping, no tax* & lifetime tech support

More information View images

We’ll keep updating this page with videos/images/guides, so subscribe and we’ll drop you a line as new content becomes available. We expect the BCD160DN to be our top-selling handheld non digital scanner for the next few years, so we’ll work to create a variety of content to help you get the most out of your BCD160DN.

Will the BCD160DN work in my area?

Are you a railroad and aircraft aficionado? If you are, the BCD160DN and BCD260DN might just be what you’re looking for in a conventional Analog Scanner with NXDN and DMR already updated.
Still a bit confused?

Don't worry, we'll help you find the perfect scanner for your area.

Start here.

Our experts will research your unique area for free & tell you exactly which scanner(s) will work for you.

Why should I buy the BCD160DN?

Uniden’s newest release of scanners with the BCD160DN and BC260DN as an upgraded version of the BC125AT makes this scanner perfect for anyone interested in Nascar, Railroad, Air traffic control, weather alerts etc. With programming capabilities of 1000 channels and 10 banks(100 channels per bank), this is recommended to those that will use multiple channels for nascar, aviation and railfans.

Can I charge the batteries from the scanner when it is on?

No. You must power off the scanner to charge. We recommend an external battery charger and 2 sets of rechargeable AA batteries; all of which can be added on this page. This way you can always have a fresh set of batteries. The batteries we sell last about 8 hours on a single charge; Energizer/Duracell last about 5 hours.

Will the BCD160DN be released anytime soon?

Uniden has scheduled the release for the first quarter this year(2024). We expect to have confirmation by the end of February or early March and have already started taking backorders.

What do buyers say?

AC adapter is not included.
Batteries are not included.
You can add frequencies manually.
PC Programmable but does not have frequencies pre-loaded.

Compare Non-Digital Police Scanners
Manufacturer's SKU or unique product number. Close Model Number	BCD160DN	BCD260DN	SR30C	BC125AT	BC355N	BC365CRS
There are two scanner manufacturers: Whistler & Uniden. Close Manufacturer	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden
Reception
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Digital	No	No	No	No	No	No
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Analog	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & all emergency weather communication is broadcast via analog format throughout the US. All scanners can monitor NOAA. Learn More Close Weather & NOAA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ProVoice EDACS is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an EDACS capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close ProVoice EDACS	No	No	No	No	No	No
NXDN is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an NXDN capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close NXDN	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
DMR is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy a DMR capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close DMR	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Scanners pick up frequencies in the 25-1300 Mhz band range. This gets needlessly technical, so we recommend focusing on digital & analog. Basically, digital scanners can monitor the full spectrum (25-1300Mhz) & analog can only pick up segments. Learn More Close Frequency Range	25 MHz - 960 MHz	25 MHz - 1300 MHz	29 MHz - 512 MHz	25 MHz - 956 MHz	25 MHz - 512 MHz	29 MHz - 512 MHz
Some scanners are able to pick up AM & FM radio. Close AM/FM Radio	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Number of channels (frequencies) that can be saved in scanner. Close Channels	1000	1000	200	200	500	200
In a simulcast system, multiple transmitters on separate towers simultaneously broadcasting on the same frequency. If what you want to hear is affected by simulcast you must buy a simulcast capable scanner. Learn More Close Simulcast	No	No	No	No	No	No
Features
GPS capable scanners allows frequencies to autoload while driving GPS receiver (sold separately) required to use. Learn More Close GPS Capable	No	No	No	No	No	No
Alpha tags are short descriptions, under 12 characters, used to label frequencies & talk groups. Learn More Close Alpha Tags	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Network Access Code (NAC) is a user programmable 12-bit code that prefixes every packet of data sent (including voice packets). NAC codes minimize co-channel interference & allow repeater addressing. Example: 156 = DEA, 330 = FBI Learn More Close NAC	No	No	No	No	No	No
Allows scanner to operate in standby mode (no sound) & only respond to fire tone-outs, which are audible tones that alert specific resources. In this setting, no radio transmissions are audible until a specific set of tones are broadcast. Learn More Close Fire Tone-Out	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Location-based scanning allows control of which systems/sites & channel groups are scanned based on location. No need to manually enable & disable channel groups or systems when moving locations. Learn More Close Location Based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rapidly detects & monitors frequencies close by. Used to pick up nearby transmissions when on-the-go. Learn More Close Close Call/Stalker	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Record transmissions while listening. Close Record & Playback	No	No	No	No	No	No
Programming
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. Close PC Program	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. There is no Mac compatible software. If you have a Mac, we can program for you. Close Mac Program	No	No	No	No	No	No
Most digital scanners come with software which allows programming & software updated via a PC computer. Close Software Included	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
US & Canadian frequencies come on scanner. Radio Reference is the database used. Close USA & Canada Database	TBD	TBD	No	No	No	No
More
Software (data & storage) lives on an SD card which goes in the scanner (hardware). Close Storage (GB)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Simple & older scanner models have dynamic memory. The memory of newer digital scanners is driven via an SD card, which has many benefits. Close SD Card	No	No	No	No	No	No
Estimated scanner reception range without antenna upgrade. Scanners work on line-of-sight, not satellites, so topography makes a large difference. Anything from a tree, hill, or a strong breeze can affect reception. Close Range (mi.)	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.
Battery Type	AA	Not Applicable	AA	AAA	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Fully charged. Close Battery Life	6 hours	Not Applicable	6 hours	6 hours	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Size (inches)	9.5x8x9.25	11.5x12x17.5	1.6 x 2.4 x 5.7	9.2 x 2.7 x 8.3	8.9 x 3.5 x 8.7	6.9 x 8.2 x 2.4
Weight (oz.)	16.4	33.5	10	48	40	24
All Whistler & Uniden scanners have a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Close Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Launched	2024	2024	2019	2012	2011	2012
Key Feature	DMR & NXDN	DMR & NXDN	Handheld	Low Cost	AM/FM Radio	AM/FM Radio

BCD160DN Scanner
AA Rechargeable Batteries
Antenna
USB Cable
Hand Strap
Owner’s Manual

Looking to deeeep dive?

We’re still learning more about the BCD160DN but we are searching through the internet to find out as much as we can about it!

Trying to get an early access view at the manual? You can find the manual here.

Here is the Radio Reference forum links with all discussions about the BCD160DN and the BCD260DN. Radio reference is the largest police scanner radio forum with over 850K members.

Want to know what others are saying? You can view the live stream for Youtuber Train Aficionado here. It covers the manual and current expected specifications on both the BCD160DN and BCD260DN.

Uniden has released the spec sheet for the BCD160DN which you can view here.

There should be free programming software with the launch of the BCD160DN which we will share the link for when available and our hands-on video tutorials is expected by the end of March.

Deep dive on programming here.

We HIGHLY recommend letting our experts program your scanner.

Programming issues are, by FAR, the #1 reason for...

Returns
99% of any negative comments about any scanner you'll read while researching
99% of any negative comments about us
90% + of all support questions
Our receding hairlines

Basically, you're about to spend hundreds of dollars on a snappy new gadget, might as well spring a few extra bucks so it will actually work right out of the box.

What is programming?

Scanners work like AM/FM radios in that they pick up airwaves based on a set of specifics frequencies. But unlike a radio there is not the simple 'seek' and 'save' feature on a scanner. Also, the frequencies are wildly different based on where you live and what you want to listen to.

What, specifically, do I get with expert programming?

For each county you purchase, our experts will program the following:

State police, fire & EMS
County police, fire & EMS

Add as many counties as you'd like.

When your scanner arrives, the programmed data will be on your scanner in easy to navigate lists.

What if your programming does not work?

100% money back guarantee on programming.

Can you program X, Y, Z?

We can program anything in Radio Reference, the world's largest & best frequency database.

What if I need help after you program?

We’re always here to help with our lifetime tech support.

Why should I buy programming?

Programming is the #1 reason police scanners are returned.

While scanner programming is much easier than the days of crystal scanners, there is a learning curve like any other electronics purchase. While some scanner enthusiasts are highly technical and want to learn the ins-and-outs of programming, others want their scanner to just "work" right out of the box.

95% of all scanner sales include programming, so unless you’re familiar with scanners, scanner terminology, own a PC (Macs do not work), and want to learn the nuances of programming, we highly recommend letting our experts program your scanner.

Scanner technology is fairly user friendly, but scanners are not smartphones or iPads. If you're spending hundreds on a scanner, we recommend springing a few extra bucks so it works right out of the box.

Can't you teach me programming with your lifetime technical support?

No.

Lifetime technical support is not unlimited technical support. We made "how to" videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.

How long does your expert programming take?

We usually get this out same day, but it can add 1-2 business days to your shipment.

Can I program this scanner myself?

Yes.

We created a programming decision tree, as well as programming videos, to help you decide whether you should include expert programming with your scanner. With that said, we HIGHLY recommend adding the expert programming to your purchase to save time and spare yourself potential aneurysms.

Can't I just punch in my zip code for programming?

Yes, however...

When you punch in your zip code, it scans EVERYTHING in your area, which is kinda like getting the phone book thrown at you.

With our expert scanner programming, we filter out the junk so you don't have to listen to things such as the dog catcher, repo guy, power company & the like.

How long will it take me to program on my own?

It takes our scanner tech anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to program each scanner...and this is ALL he does.

For new & moderate scanner users, we estimate 3-12 hours of programming. Setup time varies wildly based on scanner, area and general tech familiarity.

What software comes with the BCD160DN?

The Uniden BCD160DN comes with Sentinel software like other Uniden scanners, including the:

While there is a version of Sentinel software for each scanner, they operate the same. The BCD160DN includes Sentinel software (download free BCD160DN software here). Watch our Uniden Sentinel software programming video here or above in the video gallery.

Any self-programming tips?

We recommend downloading the software before you buy to test drive.