Uniden Bearcat SR30C Compact Handheld Scanner
- Tuner Type: Radio Frequency
- Radio Bands Supported: 1-Band
- Power Source: Battery, Rechargeable Battery
- Connectivity Technology: USB
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A budget handheld for analog scanning across common hobby and public safety bands, not a choice for digital trunked systems.
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ASIN: B07S9H8YH3Model: SR30CCategory: Radio Scanners
Overview
An entry-level 500-channel handheld scanner covering police, fire, marine, aviation, railroad, NASCAR and ham radio bands, aimed at listeners who want basic monitoring without digital trunk tracking.
This model is explicitly not built for digital communications such as Project 25, DMR or NXDN, which matters because many city police and fire agencies have moved to digital trunking; Uniden points buyers who need that toward models like the BCD436HP instead. What it does offer is straightforward analog scanning across ten preset service banks.
- 500 channels, ten preset service banks
- Close Call RF capture and Priority Scan
- PC programmable
- Runs on USB, AA alkaline or AA Ni-MH power
Who it's for
Suits someone starting out with scanning, or monitoring smaller or rural agencies and hobby bands like racing, marine and railroad that still run analog. Not a fit for listeners in areas where public safety has already switched to digital trunked systems.
Pros and cons
- 500 channels across ten preset service banks covering over 32,000 frequencies
- PC programmable from a computer
- Close Call RF capture finds nearby unprogrammed signals
- Three power options including USB charging for rechargeables
- Cannot decode digital trunked systems (Project 25, DMR, NXDN)
- Batteries not included
Performance notes
Close Call RF capture lets the SR30C snap onto a nearby transmitting signal without it being pre-programmed, and Priority Scan keeps designated channels checked while the rest of a bank cycles. It runs on USB power, two AA alkaline batteries or two AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, and the same USB cable doubles as a charger for the rechargeables.
Specifications
| Brand | Uniden |
|---|---|
| Model | SR30C |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 0.93 pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3 × 1 × 5 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Source | Battery, Rechargeable Battery |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Color | SR30C |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Hardware Interface | Radio Frequency |
| Compatible Devices | Earphone, Headphone |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Radio Bands Supported | 1-Band |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Other details | |
| Tuner Type | Radio Frequency |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| BuiltIn Media | Uniden SR30C BearCat |
| Mfr Part Number | SR30C |
| Item Type Name | Radio Scanner |
| Style Name | Priority Scan With Do-Not-Disturb |
| Additional Features | Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC Programming, Wide Frequency Support |
| Number Of Batteries | AA batteries required. |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Uniden Bearcat SR30C receive digital police and fire traffic?
No, it is built for non-digital analog communications only; Uniden recommends models such as the BCD436HP for digital trunking.
What bands does the SR30C cover?
Ten preset service banks including non-digital police/fire/emergency, NOAA weather, marine, racing, civil aircraft, ham radio, railroad and CB.
Can the SR30C be programmed from a computer?
Yes, it supports PC programming in addition to keypad entry.