BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Is it worth buying bcd436hp upgrades?

[Gary985112]

Is It worth buying the upgrades like dmr etc? Just getting some feedback. I'm wondering if you miss a lot without them.

 

[lu81fitter]

Look in the database and see if there are DMR systems around you. Or others.... The choice is yours if you want to listen to them.

 

[snerd]

I bought the DMR upgrade not long after getting mine. Probably 3 years ago. They’ve almost finished the statewide P25 digital system and my local area made the switch recently. Took awhile, but I had it when needed!

 

[GlobalNorth]

I bought the DMR and the NXDN upgrades. I have no regrets.

 

[timhir25]

I agree with lu81fitter. Check your database and see who is using DMR.
For me it would me the Road Dept. I really don,t want to hear about fixing water main
breaks and snowplows.

 

[jonwienke]

Snowplows are interesting during inclement weather. They aren't very active other times.

 

[cavmedic]

It depends on how much DMR is active in your area. The problem I have is there are a few splinter frequencies assigned to Ham repeaters around here and the 996 wont do those splinters on UHF.

 

[timhir25]

Snowplows are interesting during inclement weather. They aren't very active other times.

Well, it looks like they could be pretty active here shortly here in N.E. Ohio. Looks like we could be getting some
bad weather coming in. However I find the police, fire, and emt's calls more interesting especially in bad weather.
When you mix bad weather and bad drivers the scanner will light up light a Christmas tree

 

[Ensnared]

It depends on where you live and where you are traveling, if applicable. I have all three upgrades, ProVoice, DMR, and NXDN since I travel. ProVoice, from what I understand, is being phased out.

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

Snowplows are interesting during inclement weather. They aren't very active other times.

Agreed!! We had a major snowstorm the last two days and the plow teams made for some very colorful & interesting listening.

 

[sallen07]

I bought the DMR upgrade not long after getting mine. Probably 3 years ago. They’ve almost finished the statewide P25 digital system and my local area made the switch recently. Took awhile, but I had it when needed!

The DMR upgrade is not needed to listen to a P25 system.

 

[snerd]

The DMR upgrade is not needed to listen to a P25 system.

Really? I had no idea! I want my money back lol

 

[hiegtx]

Really? I had no idea! I want my money back lol

DMR is used by some of your neighboring counties. In Grady County, Tuttle uses DMR. Fire Corp in Caddo uses DMR, as does the S.O. and Duncan in Stephens County. So, if any of those interest you, DMR is not a total waste.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

If I had a dollar for every "are the upgrades worth it" thread I encounter I'd be a hundredaire. Search the database in your area, this should give you an idea of what DMR/NXDN/ProVoice (if any) exists. You can also scroll to the bottom of the Radioreference frequency database page and find these drop downs if you want statewide conventional or trunked reports

 

[jeffhochberg]

Absolutely! But before you invest in them, you should review the database for your area to see if there are systems that you’re interested in monitoring otherwise spending the money wouldn’t make sense. I bought the NXDN and DMR licenses for my BCD436HP a for my SDS100. I have no regrets and use them regularly.