Showing posts with label desktop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desktop. Show all posts

9/09/2011

Uniden 300-Channel Clock Radio Scanner Review

Uniden 300-Channel Clock Radio Scanner
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This was on my wish list and my wife indulged me for my birthday!Thanks!

When I started working as a young teenager, the second thing I bought with my money was a Bearcat 6 channel handheld scanner. That was more than 30 years ago and times sure have changed.

Let us talk about the non scanner features first.The atomic clock works solid and had no trouble getting signal.The alarm clock also works as expected.The snooze button could stand out a little more since there are a lot of buttons of similar size and location.(I said similar and not exact!)

The FM and TV reception work fine and I can pick up stations 40 to 50 miles away without static.The AM reception is adequate and works about as good as AM radio can.

The radio also has a very important feature of weather alerts from NOAA.You can program it to only alert you on weather events in your area (county).This is an important safety feature I cannot suggest more.

To be honest, I didn't need an atomic alarm clock or an FM radio as I already had those needs met.I also have a nice collection of scanners but I had a specific need (want) and this scanner fit the bill - almost.

I will digress for a second and mention that many metropolitan areas no longer use conventional radios for public safety agencies.Conventional means each agency has a dedicated radio frequency and many times departments inside of each agency have their own dedicated frequency.It doesn't take long to realize that a lot of frequencies are needed.

To combat this, many public safety agencies (and sometimes large businesses) will use a trunked radio system.To monitor trunked radio systems, you need a scanner capable of receiving (following) the system.Some trunked systems are now digital which require an even more specialized scanner.

The Uniden BCT15 or Uniden BCD996T will work for trunked or digital trunked systems.I strongly suggest you research what systems and frequencies are used in your area before you buy any scanner.

Getting back to the scanner review...

This scanner monitors conventional frequencies only.I bought this scanner to specifically monitor one frequency - the local school system.This system allows me to monitor early morning traffic from the school which allows me to be alerted of any problems or concerns including weather delays or closings.

But I also use it to monitor more items such as those little FRS radios everyone seems to have and the traffic from the local Air Force base.I won't bore you will everything but programming is very easy to do and the manual is very clear on all operations of the radio.(You can preview the manual at Uniden's website.)

The reception is very good and when I listen to some air bands for commercial and military, it has several hundred miles of range with the supplied antenna.

The search feature is functional and the preprogrammed search banks make it easy for new users to find frequencies.You can create your own custom search banks too.

The operation to scan or hold on one frequency is simple to learn and use.

I gave the scanner only 4 stars for 2 reasons. One is the really poor BNC connector on the antenna.It is a major complaint that extends to most Uniden base station scanners.You need to be careful attaching it or you can damage the antenna or even the radio.

The second reason is more of a personal nit pick of my own.I picked up the scanner to monitor the conventional frequency of the local public school.My bedroom is located on the second floor so I have some height inside the house on the radio.

An ambulance service a couple of counties over also uses the same frequency as the school.The local school has a PL tone which I can program into other scanners in my collection but not this one.So I wished the scanner accepted PL tones.Again, this is just a small nit pick which won't be a problem for most others.

I do recommend this radio or any Uniden radio in general.I own 3 current models and have had many in the past.Enjoy and happy scanning!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden 300-Channel Clock Radio Scanner

Product Description:
The Uniden Clock Radio Scanner is a multi-featured conventional channel scanner with all hazards alert. The scanner allows you to store and then scan up to 300 channels distributed over 10 banks. It also alerts you when NOAA or any broadcast station the scanner is tuned to issues an EAS (Emergency Alert System). Other features include a service search and weather scan, listening to TV on the radio (channels 2-13), and an alarm clock with snooze function. In addition to your favorite broadcast channels, this clock radio keeps you in tune with public safety, police and fire departments, NOAA weather reports, and more.
With channel memory, this unit scans frequencies at a rate of up to 70 channels per second to help you find the channel you're looking for. If you know exactly what you want, direct channel access let's you quickly dial in to your favorite channel. For faster scanning, you can even use a channel/frequency lockout function to skip over stored frequencies.
This clock radio scanner has all the functions of regular radio/alarm clock. The scanner, in standby mode, displays the time. The alarm clock can sound up to 20 minutes or be shut off manually. A convenient snooze button lets you silent the alarm for an extra five minutes.
You can listen to AM/FM and TV channels 2-13 or use them as your snooze alarm in the morning. You can store up to 30 broadcast channels (10 AM and 20 FM/TV) for quick and easy access. Ten frequencies can be set as priority channels which the clock radio scans and checks every two seconds.
The Clock Radio Scanner's LCD lighted display can be enabled or disabled. A key touch-tone sounds to confirm you've made a valid key input while another tone alerts you of an invalid entry. The scanner requires AA batteries and will let you know when batteries are low and when they need to be replaced. This unit comes with the manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
BC370CRS radio scanner, AC adapter, telescope antenna, and owner's manual

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6/18/2011

Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technology Review

Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technology
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have done extensive research on numerous computer speakers, everything from the simple 2.0 to 5.1 surround sound configurations for the past 6 months. I ended buying these Gigaworks Series II 2.0 speakers. Why? Because I couldn't have spent my $100 on anything else better.

Delicated tweeters for your high notes, midrange drivers for your mids, and the BasXport on top of the speakers for them lows, and all in a small 2.0 system! A lot of speakers do not allow the user to adjust their treble and bass, these do. Not a bass person? Dial it down to 0 and turn up the treble, or max out on both and anything in between. That's what the dials are there for, because not everyone is content with preset one-off factory settings.

There are users who complaint about the bright blue light glaring at them when it is on, I don't think it is that bad unless you are sleeping with them on. Some users also said that the speakers don't do too well at high volumes, as in the sound start to become unclear/muffled. I say it is true somewhat, just try not to turn it up past 75% and you should be good. Even at that level it is loud enough to be heard in my entire house, you're not running a nightclub in your house afterall.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative Labs GigaWorks T20 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speaker System with BasXPort Technology

Product Description:
Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II 2.0 Multimedia Speakers put depth in your music and soundtracks without adding clutter to your desk. The sleek, compact speakers produce realistic sound without a bulky subwoofer thanks to BasXPort technology and a two-way speaker design for clear mids and highs. You can even add to your entertainment options by connecting your MP3 or CD player to the front auxiliary input.

The woven glass fiber cone drivers and cloth dome tweeters provide broad, crisp audio.

These space-saving satellite speakers have a two-way design to deliver robust sound. View larger. Audio to Complement Your Music and Movies
It's no secret that the small speakers built into most laptops and desktop computers leave a lot to be desired. The GigaWorks T20 Series II Speakers allow you to get the most from your movies, music, and gaming by providing rich, complete sound.
A woven glass fiber midrange speaker works together with a cloth dome tweeter to create a high-quality sound delivery system. BasXPort technology produces the deep tones for impact when playing games, watching movies, or listening to your music.
Small Speakers That Deliver Big Sound
If your desk space is at a premium, you'll appreciate the T20 Speakers' sleek design. Each speaker generates a powerful, robust sound from 28 watts of total power. A 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio mean that these speakers cover the sound spectrum with efficiency, producing clear, precise highs, mids, and lows.
Convenient Control and Expandability
Dial in the perfect sound to match your needs with the front-mounted bass, treble, and volume controls. A front auxiliary input allows you to plug in your digital music device or CD player, making it easy to listen to your digital music library. And a headphone jack lets you enjoy music and movies without disturbing those around you.
Each Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II Speaker measures 3.3 x 9 x 5.6 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 1.1 pounds (2.2 pounds total).
What's in the Box
GigaWorks T20 Series II Speakers (left, right), stereo-to-stereo audio cable (6 ft.), dual RCA-to-stereo audio TV adapter, power supply adapter, Quick Start leaflet.


The sleek T20 adds style to your sound system and its surroundings.


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