The city of Cincinnati serves as a railroad hub for multiple railroads, including CSX, Norfolk Southern, Indiana & Ohio Railway, and a few other short lines. There isn’t any shortage of railroad action, which also means there is no shortage of railroad communication you could be listening to.
If you’re interested in listening to railroad communications, the first thing you’ll need is a basic scanner. Fortunately, these devices are much simpler to operate than the more complex scanners used for public safety. Additionally, they tend to be more affordable than high-end digital trunking scanners. Here are my top 3 scanners for railfans.
First on the list is the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner. This model is highly regarded among railfans and is my top recommendation. With a price tag of around $130, it offers an ideal balance of affordability and functionality. The BC125AT can be configured manually via its keypad or through computer software, providing users with flexibility based on their programming preferences. It features 10 banks, each capable of storing 50 channels, which translates to a total of 500 programmable channels. You can view the stored frequency on the screen and set up alpha tags for easy identification, making it easy to know what you are listening to.
The following two models can monitor both analog and NXDN digital format, with NXDN being the preferred digital option for railroads. While most railroads still use analog systems, some, particularly short-line railroads, yards, and scenic railways, are exceptions. At this time, there is no established timeline for the railroad industry to fully shift to digital communication. Nonetheless, purchasing a digital scanner may be advantageous, as you could occasionally come across railroads that use digital communication.
Next, we have the Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Scanner, which represents the latest advancement in this category. Priced at approximately $250, this scanner incorporates NXDN digital technology, making it a forward-thinking choice as railroads transition toward digital communication systems. While it retains many of the desirable features found in the BC125AT, including support for analog communications, it also expands capabilities to include non-trunked NXDN and DMR digital. This scanner provides 10 banks with an impressive capacity of 100 channels each, allowing for a total of 1,000 programmable channels. Thanks to its enhanced digital features and increased memory capacity, the BCD160DN is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of railfans.
Lastly, the Uniden Bearcat BCD260DN Base/Mobile Scanner is an excellent option for those who prefer a stationary setup. This model is essentially a sibling to the BCD160DN, with the main difference being its form factor of being a base/mobile. While the BCD160DN is portable and easy to carry, the BCD260DN is intended for base or mobile use, making it ideal for installation in fixed locations such as homes, offices, or vehicles. Its larger design not only accommodates a bigger display for easier reading but also enhances audio quality through a more robust speaker. This base/mobile scanner is available for $350. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not the most expensive option in Uniden’s range; their premium base/mobile scanner is priced at $700.
When choosing your first scanner or upgrading from an outdated model, these scanners are an excellent choice for monitoring railroad communications.
