BCD436HP/BCD536HP: A little advice on accesories

[Driftking1980]

So I recently purchased the BCD436HP and it is amazing. Question here is could anyone recommend any accessories to get for it to improve my experience? all ideas are welcome let me hear them!!! maybe a top notch antenna or even a screen protector ? anything !!?!?! brand names would be a big help if you make a recommendation. Thanks everyone for helping me since I have joined

 

[Mark]

Light weight stereo head phones! Audio will be far superior to speaker.
Like a different radio..

 

[hiegtx]

For in-home listening (other than headphones), a set of inexpensive speakers for PCs work well.

Since batteries in the 436HP are only charged when the scanner is connected to external power, and turned off, you'd be better served by using an external charger that charges batteries individually (no a two or four slot one that can only charge multiples of two). See this thread for an ongoing discussion on batteries and chargers.

 

[Driftking1980]

great ideas so far thanks !!

 

[reedeb]

IF you can find them a Metal telescopic antenna works good too. I always keep one handy for scanner or my duel band HT

 

[AvidHiker]

Remtronix SMA 800MHz antenna (aka, Radio Shack 800). Seems it's equal to or better than stock across most bands, and much better in the 700-1000MHZ range, which can help quite a lot if you plan to monitor P25 transmissions in that range (which is most of what I listen to). Testing courtesy of UPMan:
Measuring Relative Antenna Receive Performance - Massively Uninformed

 

[trp2525]

So I recently purchased the BCD436HP and it is amazing. Question here is could anyone recommend any accessories to get for it to improve my experience?...

Accessories for Uniden Bearcat BCD436HP Police Scanner | ScannerMaster.com

 

[jonwienke]

One of the best general-purpose handheld scanning antennas:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1X73EA/

My favorite 436 case (includes a screen protector):
BCD436HP - Uniden Nylon Case/Swivel Belt Clip | Scanner Master

Since batteries in the 436HP are only charged when the scanner is connected to external power, and turned off

I've always hated that limitation, so I made it go away:
https://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-tech-support/363991-trickle-charger-mod.html

 

[frazpo]

case

The hard leather case is the way to go. Very sturdy and protects from drops. It also tends to stand up better than the nylon case.

Eneloop batteries

Antenna - I gave this cheaper 800mhz antenna a shot and have been very pleased. For $10 cant beat it.
Pegs out my SSI on the trunk systems I monitor.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAP9VFS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have owned the Radio Shack 800mhz antenna and it did very well also.

The Diamond antenna mentioned above is a must have also. I own one also. very good antenna.

 

[ofd8001]

One or more spare SD cards. These are like automobile tires and will wear out after so many "miles" (read/write cycles).

 

[jonwienke]

"High endurance" cards are designed to handle more write cycles, and will last longer than ordinary cards.

 

[rcool101]

My favorite 436 case (includes a screen protector):
BCD436HP - Uniden Nylon Case/Swivel Belt Clip | Scanner Master

Agree.....I've always used leather cases on every hand-held but didn't like the looks of the one for the 436....Nylon is much better

All antennas mentioned work well...I will add 2...Watson WSMA-801 and the one I use most because of simulcast is Comet Miracle Baby CH-32...Amazing for a small antenna

 

[Nasby]

I love the leather case for my 436. Super heavy duty and provides a stable platform for the scanner when on a table top.

 

[Driftking1980]

Great ideas everyone you have my gears turning for sure !!! choices choices...

 

[trp2525]

Great ideas everyone you have my gears turning for sure !!! choices choices...

See this previous thread regarding BCD436HP accessories here on Radio Reference: https://forums.radioreference.com/u.../300121-reccomended-bcd436hp-accessories.html

 

[frazpo]

Cases?

I would say the hard leather case would be the way to go. I am not sure why I even still have the nylon case. Absolutely no comparison as far as protection goes. None. Go hard or go home. lol

 

[jonwienke]

The soft case in the photo is NOT the one sold by ScannerMaster. The ScannerMaster soft case has a metal belt clip stud riveted to the rear, and is made of thicker material that doesn't collapse under its own weight.

 

[trp2525]

The soft case in the photo is NOT the one sold by ScannerMaster. The ScannerMaster soft case has a metal belt clip stud riveted to the rear, and is made of thicker material that doesn't collapse under its own weight.

The nylon soft case shown in the photo in the post above is the genuine Uniden case (model #A2829) for the BCD436HP: http://www.bearcatwarehouse.com/accessories/nylon-carrying-case-for-bcd436hp

Here's the link to the nylon soft case (product code 01-581859) at Scanner Master that includes the belt clip: http://www.scannermaster.com/BCD436HP_Uniden_Nylon_Case_Swivel_Belt_Clip_p/01-581859.htm

 

[Nasby]

I still like the leather better. But that's just me.

I take my scanners on hikes, in the car, to the office, etc. and like the rugged protection of the leather case. It looks sharp too!

 

[AvidHiker]

Guess it may be worth adding, in case you're unaware, that it would be advisable to make sure you don't have a 436 with the RFI problem. If it's recently manufactured ("Z7" in the S/N), should be no worries.