Whistler

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bee

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Already have the HP 2 and 536, but I am considering purchasing the 436. But I might wait on a whistler scanner.

Does anyone know when a Whistler scanner might be released, and if it would be "better" than the 436
 

marksmith

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The comparable scanner has been released for some time. It's the WS1080. It is a Phase 2 capable radio with a built in database on an SD card. (sound familiar)

It's a very capable radio and does an excellent job of decoding phase 1 and 2 digital. It also records like the 436.

There the comparisons become different as the 1080 has a different way of setting up scanlists as opposed to favorites lists, and is menu driven without a keyboard instead I'd having a keyboard and using quick keys.

Mark
536/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/
396XT/PSR800/PRO668/PRO652
 

marksmith

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There is no unbiased way to tell you which radio is "better". That's a personal choice for the most part.

Mark
536/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/
396XT/PSR800/PRO668/PRO652
 

AA6IO

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I have both the 436HP and WS1080. Both very good radios. Each with plus and minuses. 1080 probably a bit better on VHF sensitivity. 436HP hands down better on multisite trunk system programming where you want to be able to switch on/off different sites. Can be done with 1080, but much more cumbersome. On the fly changes/programming much easier with 436HP.
In Los Angeles, I find 436HP handles weaker P25 decode much better than 1080. Has to be fairly strong for 1080 to decode without Donald Duck sound, whereas 436HP can decode P25 on signals that don't even move the RSSI bar meter.
A big issue for me is third-party software for logging and virtual control. Does not exist for 1080 or its cousin the RS668, as far as I know. For the 436HP, like the 536HP, there are software choices. Both have record. 436HP records all hits if you press "record," 1080 will "record" only channels you designate. However, 436HP has "replay" function, whereas 1080 does not (AFIK). I use the "replay" feature all the time if hear something interesting, but missed what channel/TG because I was looking elsewhere, for example, the road in front of me. 436HP will replay and show all information.
For me, if only had one, would definitely be the 436HP. I'm sure others have different opinions.
 

sibbley

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I don't have the WS1080 or RS668. But I do have the predecessor, the GRE PSR-800. I also have the BCD436HP. I wouldn't give up either of them. Both are great radios.

One game changer IMHO, with the GRE/Whistler radios, would be the discriminator type data output from the headphone jack. Invaluable if you want to decode NXDN or DMR. You don't get that with the Unidens.

Since you have an HP2 and 536HP, take a serious look at the WS1080. You could always grab a 436 in the future too.
 

tumegpc

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Let me add to what sshermanmd posted. The WS1080 & Pro-668 are more sensitive in the air band when comparing to the *36HP's. I'm sure this will carry over to the Whistler 1095 base.

Another consideration is Uniden is about to release a firmware update for the 436HP. This should add a few more features like Analyze , Bandscope and power plot.
 

torontokris

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Do you want handheld or base/mobile unit?

Do you want a handheld version of your 536? Go with the 436
If you want to try something different... a base/mobile unit with remote head from Whistler? wait for the 1095


Already have the HP 2 and 536, but I am considering purchasing the 436. But I might wait on a whistler scanner.

Does anyone know when a Whistler scanner might be released, and if it would be "better" than the 436
 
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