Railfanning with Uniden's BC125AT Scanner

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...

[@shanemyoutubeshit]

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

[@ShawnTheDriver]

Took me off guard in the best way.

[@Max20FA]

That was hilarious Never saw it coming

[@clarkpj1]

I guess we can all relate.

[@RobRidleyLive]

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

[@bradley.reim22]

lol

[@JawTooth]

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]

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]

Thanks Jaw tooth

[@railfanningthesoutheast8318]

hello jaw tooth

[@dannyjohnson3335]

I need help with my uniden bc125 radio

[@SignalMan9292]

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]

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]

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

[@Gizmologist1]

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]

@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]

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

[@jonathansims254]

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]

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

[@trainmandavid8408]

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

[@meme-xn6wr]

Dang it Danny, you are the best darn KZbinr 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]

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.

[@felicciasc]

Another good part of an external mag Mount is it essentially turns your car into the other half of the antenna

[@epiccsx]

Do you use the external antenna?

[@cjctucson7683]

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.

[@jerrysinclair3771]

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.

[@waltsnyder886]

yes very nice de n2wjr

[@jim874]

de WA8SDF

[@davidcantrell7192]

DE WH6DSN

[@NipkowDisk]

+1 DE N7LTH

[@jerrysinclair3771]

@@NipkowDisk dito

[@waynereid5405]

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

[@ryanwoods5610]

Wayne Reid what’s the frequency for it?

[@VArailfan89]

@@ryanwoods5610 452.9375 and 457.9375 I believe.

[@railfangraham4182]

Class J Video Productions correct

[@supremerailfan]

Does it work for NS too?

[@railfangraham4182]

Supreme Railfan yup :)

[@bigreed67]

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!

[@ekimp252]

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]

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

[@ranger.rail3580]

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

[@KDM66]

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

[@randallstewart175]

I am reminded of a past where I used to chase steam engines with a rail fan freak friend of mine. Truly a different class of folks. He had one of the top line scanners - his treasure - to keep track of what was going on, particularly with the problems and delays steam engines enjoy. We set up to shoot a nice photo of a steam train from a hill overlooking the south end of Lake Shasta, and got out shots. However, we had to plow through heavy brush, and his scanner was swept away somewhere in the process. Never found it. He was more upset for lack of info updates than for loss of hundreds of bucks worth of equipment.

[@dorothyfishbaugh4728]

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

[@parkybob22]

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

[@curtnicholson7771]

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!

[@bogusbits6810]

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

[@capitalcitybricks]

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

[@LookOutForTheTrain]

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

[@fredbartels3958]

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

[@arrowguy173]

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.

[@vzjtothalo1]

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

[@cg7494]

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.

[@Mrruneight]

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!

[@CyclingDinosaur]

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!

[@SignalMan9292]

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

[@KeepingitAnalog]

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

[@Notch8Media]

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

[@oldtown6240]

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

[@TyConSherriM]

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!

[@hamradiojim6788]

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

[@B-Rac]

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

[@LTHanlon]

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

[@terryfromsouthcarolina4601]

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

[@platec4798]

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

[@railfanpat1719]

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

[@tomy6917]

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!

[@Squib1911]

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

[@8Oblivion_Lost8]

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

[@dhansenmm]

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,

[@heavyobject4809]

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

[@Key-wg6dn]

I watched this and bought it right away. Thank you

[@jacksonsdrones]

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

[@Mommomkeller]

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!

[@trailingrails9953]

Very helpful and entertaining, thanks as always, Danny.

[@emeraldsoundproductions]

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.

[@justinstrickland5382]

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

[@chuckleeii8355]

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!

[@austinyingst5902]

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

[@Soolinegp38]

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

[@garag3054]

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. 😍

[@StationRailfan]

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

[@ToddReuterOutdoors]

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.

[@grophers1189]

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

[@JohnsKeith]

Danny I love your KZbin 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

[@projectwes4573]

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

[@dmorgan28]

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

[@throttletherapy9998]

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

[@RailFanRob]

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.

[@716Railfan]

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

[@WETrains]

The BC125AT and Diamond 77 make a great combo. A downside for close call is when there is a NOAA Weather Radio or other constant broadcast near by. It can get annoying.

[@PM08203]

u can lock out those unwanted freqs.....

[@atheman90]

I have a Diamond RH77CA antenna on my Whistler TRX-1.

[@RickyG_RailTX]

It does that while my scanner is on the KCS Laredo Sub frequency.

[@madmax2069]

Another little side effect when CC is enabled is if there is a long broadcast/transmission you're listening to you can hear the broadcast/transmission hiccup for a split second (you hear it in the audio quite clearly) while the does it's thing in the background for the CC to function. So I just keep it off as I use my scanner to listen to Ham radio and to decode digital Ham transmissions, and when it hiccups it causes the decoding to error as it causes a barely noticeable cut in the audio.

[@madmax2069]

​@@PM08203 that just solves one issue when using CC, there are a few other issues due to it.

[@Mercatoyd]

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

[@K6TJO]

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

[@Papascoffs]

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

[@DaytonDistrictRailfan]

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!

[@jovetj]

5:02 Oh. Oh my!

[@swbfuf]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@MrBillCNW]

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

[@bryanthunderfootporter4436]

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! 👍🏻

[@rockercover]

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

[@walterfink9782]

It's great to see you again. Thanks for the valuable information. When I started my flying lessons, back in the late 70's, I bought a Sony unit that got basic frequencies for aircraft. Nice and big, compared to the scanner you showed today. I wish it was able to get other frequencies, than the basic. I guess a scanner like yours can do most. Take care. Looking forward to your next video.

[@royalhoward2882]

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.

[@dennispatterson4378]

Wow sure have come a long ways from when I was a kid playing in the yard and listening for the train horns and making the speed run to the train crossing 4 blocks away on my bike lol

[@CrepitusRex]

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

[@NWtoSFO]

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

[@budharriss1416]

Danny I was pleased to note that you are really a red-blooded rail fan who knows what the "first time" can and does mean. I am completely dependent on your videos and don't own any hand-held radios, but I really enjoy your work. I am a native Florida citizen, and have learned a lot about my home state just by watching your excellent videos. I worked for the FEC for about six years after my military career was over and enjoyed every minute. Keep on, keepin' on

[@lilmanjt]

This is a great scanner. I bought it right before my Big Boy 4014 chase in WY and UT to Salt Lake City. It was great to hear the crew talking to each other and lots of humor with it as I am sure they knew all of us was listening. We knew were they were going to stop and check 4014 and everything that was going on! Money well spent!

[@bobjennings6673]

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.

[@wiseolesage]

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]

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

[@westtennesseerailfan8170]

5:03 come on Danny 😂😂😂😂

[@westtennesseerailfan8170]

Lmao

[@cobrazzgaming3616]

Come on dude

[@MarkMLatham]

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

[@curtisstewart2866]

I have so many fond memories from Wildwood to Callahan watching trains with our Bearcat 250 programmable scanners. 161.100 & 160.590. I’m from Ocala and now live east of San Antonio, Tx. Sure do miss my family and grandchildren. A very fond memory was a ride on the Florida Special from Wildwood to West Palm Beach and back. The next train ride was an Atlantic Coast Line passenger train from Jacksonville to Ocala. The tracks between Gainesville an Ocala completely covered the tracks that seemed like we were going through a tunnel while riding in a heavy weight Pullman car. These rides I will never forget. My daughters grandfather ran a switcher in Wildwood for 43 years except for three weeks then SCL railroad sent him to West Palm Beach Bach during the latter 60’s there was a switcher on the north end and the south end and the ice plant working. The early 70’s there was fifteen or twenty EMD E7’s, E8’s and maybe E9’s waiting to go to scrap yards. The siding just south of Summerfield and north of SR42 had son freight cars occupying it; a freight train going north from Wildwood being pulled with four E7’s was sent into this siding, making four engines look like one large engine. The couplers were either broken off and or pushed into each engine. When I come back home I will look you up and share some more stories, keep these videos coming, Curtis👍🇺🇸

[@2005GLI]

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.

[@schlagerguy]

Hey Denny, I got very antenna setup you talked about in this video. I am nothing but pleased! It is probably picking up anything railroad within at 50 miles. This video, as is all of them, was very informative and enjoyable to watch. Keep up the good work you do. It is appreciated.

[@epiccsx]

What do you mount the antenna on?

[@davedeiler2072]

Thanks Danny, very comprehensive discussion.

[@JacobCothren]

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

[@jt4199]

Outstanding video, simply outstanding.

[@RodgerColeman]

Thank you for the extremely useful information! Cheers!

[@cherylstallworth4627]

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!

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Having been a UK licensed Ham since 1993 and also an owner of the scanner you are reviewing I think your review is one of the best i have ever seen, clear, informative and very easy to understand, clear audio, cheers Mike G7POG

[@tracksidetrainfan5805]

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

[@rafjr4264]

I also have this scanner and I've never had any problems with it! It works great and the Alpha Tagging is a "HUGE" help!!!!

[@bugrescue1]

Great video! BC125 is what I use and I have no complaints. Need to upgrade my antenna sometime though. Also, had no idea about the EOT chirps. Thanks again for the best rr content on KZbin.

[@SheltonDCruz]

Excellent production! -- Thanks!

[@Nscalemike56]

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

[@jamesdearinger3674]

Great information, Danny! One of the things keeping me out of railfanning is the cost. A good AND inexpensive option is welcome news.

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Great video, Danny... a spot on tutorial. I use a Diamond antenna and its like saying “once you go Diamond, you never go back”. I tried a Smiley and it was no good. The Diamond has gotten some interesting range. I’ve heard PC and Auburndale clearly from the Jenkins bridge. I hear Hialeah clearly from points on the Homestead Sub. It’s just that good. Now I need go get one of those external antennas someday. Some of the jokes were funny too, the first time pause one was pure 😂😂