How to Program the Uniden BC125AT: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Programming the Uniden BC125AT takes about 30–60 minutes using FreeScan software (free download). This is an analog scanner — ideal for conventional frequencies.
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What You Need
- Scanner: Uniden BC125AT
- Programming Cable: Required — see cable recommendation below
- Software: FreeScan Free
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions
Follow these steps in order. Each step builds on the previous one — do not skip ahead, especially the software installation and cable connection steps.
Research Local Frequencies
The BC125AT is analog only. Before programming, visit RadioReference.com and search for your county. Write down the conventional (non-trunked) frequencies for the agencies you want to monitor. Confirm they are not listed as encrypted or digital-only.
Install FreeScan Software
Download FreeScan from freescan.org (free, Windows). Run the installer. FreeScan supports the BC125AT natively and requires no additional driver beyond what Windows provides for the USB connection.
Connect the Programming Cable
Use a USB-A to USB-mini-B cable. Connect the mini-B end to the port on the right side of the BC125AT and plug the USB-A end into your computer. Windows should auto-install the COM port driver.
Create a Bank in FreeScan
In FreeScan, click "Add Bank" and name it (for example, "City Police"). Enter each frequency, give it a text tag (like "PD Dispatch"), and set the mode to FM or AM as appropriate for the frequency range.
Enter Frequencies Manually
Add each frequency to the bank row by row. The BC125AT holds up to 500 channels across 10 banks of 50 channels each. Prioritize dispatch channels in the first few slots.
Write to Scanner and Test
In FreeScan, click Write to Scanner. The upload takes about 30 seconds. Disconnect the cable and use the scanner's manual scan to verify frequencies are stored and active.
Tips for Best Results
- This is an analog-only scanner — research your local frequencies thoroughly on RadioReference.com before programming. If local police are on a digital trunked P25 system, you will hear nothing intelligible.
- Use Close Call RF Capture (hold the CC button) to automatically discover active frequencies in your area without programming — it is a fast way to identify what is on the air.
- The BC125AT covers 25–512 MHz and 806–960 MHz only. Do not enter frequencies outside these ranges — the scanner will reject them.
- Organize channels by bank: one bank for police, one for fire, one for EMS, one for public works. The BC125AT lets you lock out individual banks during scanning.
- If your area has migrated to digital trunked radio, the BC125AT will still pick up unencrypted analog channels like county emergency management, public works, and amateur repeaters.
Troubleshooting
These are the most common issues encountered when programming the Uniden BC125AT and how to resolve each one.
FreeScan does not detect the scanner or shows no COM port
Open Windows Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager) and look under "Ports (COM & LPT)" for the cable's COM port number. Then select that specific port in FreeScan under Communications > COM Port. If no port appears, reinstall the cable driver.
Frequency rejected or not saved
The BC125AT only covers 25–512 MHz and 806–960 MHz. Frequencies in the 512–806 MHz cellular band are intentionally blocked by the scanner. Verify each frequency is within the supported range before programming.
Scanner scans but all channels produce silence
Confirm the agencies you programmed are not encrypted or digital trunked. Use RadioReference.com to check. If they are P25 digital, the BC125AT cannot decode them — you will need a digital scanner like the BCD436HP.
Related Gear
Products that work with the Uniden BC125AT for a complete monitoring setup.
If Programming Doesn't Solve the Problem
If you have completed all programming steps correctly but still hear no intelligible audio, the most likely cause is encryption. Over 40% of major US police departments have encrypted their radio systems, and no scanner — regardless of model or programming — can decode an encrypted signal.
Check RadioReference.com and look for "E" tags next to channels in your area. If your local police are encrypted, consider joining efforts to restore public access.
Learn how to fight encryption →