Newbie!! LOL

astroman4180 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 9:44 AM

OK, after much reading, researching, reading more and more....., I have narrowed down my next purchase to 2 models. I have decided to go with either the HP1, or the BCD996XT. The HP1 seems to be much more user friendly, but I'm leaning toward something I can still play with a little. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.

revclstoner · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroman4180

OK, after much reading, researching, reading more and more....., I have narrowed down my next purchase to 2 models. I have decided to go with either the HP1, or the BCD996XT. The HP1 seems to be much more user friendly, but I'm leaning toward something I can still play with a little. Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Well, the BCD996XT would be cheaper. I hear it is an awesome rig! The HomePatrol would be easier to program. If it was up to me, I would invest in the BCD996XT, since I'm familiar with programming scanners of that type. But that's just me.

VE3CRO · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 1:19 PM

I bought the BCD996XT a week ago. My first scanner ever. With the help of the Easier to Read manual: Easier to Read BCD996XT Digital Scanner Manual
and FreeScan:
FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software

I had it up and running well with very little stress. You will need a USB to serial cable to use FreeScan. I had one on hand with the Prolific chip that worked well. Some don't.

cacherjoe · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 2:57 PM

I have an HP1. With the extreme update you can play all you want with it. Programming is easy and using while mobile is much easier than anything I've had in the past. My recommendation is to go with the HP1, you won't be disappointed.

JStemann · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 3:13 PM

I have both. If you're traveling a lot. I would definitely recommend the HP-1. I could have save hours and hours of programming if the HP1 had been around back when I got my 996. If it's going to be used locally or as a base station, it would be a little harder to decide. I'd probably let the mighty dollar decide for me. Which would mean the 996xt would be the winner. As for wanting to play (HP1), you can do as little as building your own favorites list or you can upgrade to the extreme do all kinds of stuff.

Jeff.

Rt169Radio · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2013, 11:34 PM

For home/local mobile use I would get the BCD996XT, for traveling I would get the HP-1.

astroman4180 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2013, 10:20 PM

Thanks to all the replies. I went with the HP1. Had it up and running in just a few minutes. Need better antenna I think. The main tower for central dispatch is less than a mile from my house. If scanner is in window, it picks up everything great. If I move it to the end table, or fireplace mantle, I get NOTHING. Whats the best choice? I live in Hancock County, Indiana, and they dispatch all digital here.

hiegtx · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroman4180

Thanks to all the replies. I went with the HP1. Had it up and running in just a few minutes. Need better antenna I think. The main tower for central dispatch is less than a mile from my house. If scanner is in window, it picks up everything great. If I move it to the end table, or fireplace mantle, I get NOTHING. Whats the best choice? I live in Hancock County, Indiana, and they dispatch all digital here.

If you're trying to pick up an 800MHz system like SAFE-T, you'd be better served with the Radio Shack 800MHz antenna. You'd also need an SMA->BNC adapter and a 90 degree elbow. I used the SMA->BNC adapter found here (item # 0292). You can find the elbow at Radio Shack or item 0335 on the same page as the SMA adapter. There are, of course, other sources for both of the adapters.

astroman4180 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2013, 1:18 PM

Thanks for the advice. Heading to local Radio Shack later today to get some things. Will post results after new antenna is hooked up. Wondering if the BCD996XT would have had better reception right out of the box?

astroman4180 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2013, 7:38 PM

Ok, got the adapters and new antenna. Firmly convinced that the guys at my local radio shack have NO Clue as to what I needed....... Anyway, after two trips and actually bringing in the scanner, I have what I needed. Reception is 100% better. I now can pick up locals throughout the house. I have adjusted the squelch from one extream to the other, with no difference in reception, can anyone tell me where it should be? I see no change at either end of the setting.

Jakemcgraw · #11 (**permalink**) 02-15-2013, 8:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroman4180

Ok, got the adapters and new antenna. Firmly convinced that the guys at my local radio shack have NO Clue as to what I needed....... Anyway, after two trips and actually bringing in the scanner, I have what I needed. Reception is 100% better. I now can pick up locals throughout the house. I have adjusted the squelch from one extream to the other, with no difference in reception, can anyone tell me where it should be? I see no change at either end of the setting.

Speaking just for the conventional frequencies . The squelch is normally set at 2 dashes on the display...This setting works well for me also in my area here in the country. Great choice you made on the home patrol scanner..Theres lots of good digital scanners out there, but i decided to give the home patrol a try myself, a few weeks ago, and i've been fairly impressed overall with its reception on digital trunking, being right there on a par with my gre 500. Main difference between the two, is that the home patrol will receive the p25 system here on only 1 signal bar, and quite clearly most time, as where the gre 500 will stop on them with the same 1 bar signal, but no audio and then just keep scanning. I like them both, just seems the home patrol is a little more sensitive here in my area.