Just ordered the 325P2. Any tips?

[bearcatrp]

Just ordered this scanner. Anything I should be aware of or need to look for? Already own a SDS200 and had a 436 but this scanner is a bit different. Do have proscan for my SDS200. I looked at the wiki for information already. Have talked to a few already about programming is not easy. Any tips or tricks appreciated.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Just ordered this scanner. Anything I should be aware of or need to look for?

What do you intend on monitoring with the 325p2? The obvious difference aside from form factor versus the SDS200 is the 325p2, like the 436HP will struggle on simulcast systems in most cases. Not sure if this will affect you or not since you haven't disclosed your location or who you're monitoring. Also the memory architecture is a bit different than the aforementioned scanners as you've likely found. I'd suggest perusing threads on the forum with prefix BCD325p2 which I will link here so you can be familiar with commonly reported issues, FAQs, etc.

Supplemental reading:

Easier to Read BCD325P2 Digital Scanner Manual

 

[tvengr]

Any tips or tricks appreciated.

Here is a PDF file which will answer all of your questions about using quick keys:

 

[bearcatrp]

Appreciate your responses. Kind of a multi use radio within its limitations. I know the SDS100 is great like the SDS200 is with simulcast but to costly for the issues it has. Had 2 436’s in the past. Good radios and almost bought again but wanted something different and mobile. Been reading the easy to read for this radio before I ordered it. Just thought I would ask about tips and tricks before it arrives. Am hoping it has the latest firmware but will find out next week. Thanks again.

 

[W6VVM]

I can relate on the 436. Sold mine a few years ago for an SDS100. Just offloaded the SDS100. It was just too much money for what it was. I’m sure if I lived near a bunch of unencrypted simulcast systems I’d feel differently. But the reality was I only used it for things like VHF analog during fires or occasional close call and it wasn’t great at those things. Scanned slow and couldn’t fit in any pocket I own. Great for some people but not for me. I have a 125AT that’s great for VHF and CC but I miss the dynamic memory and recording. I see another 436 in my future.

 

[hiegtx]

Appreciate your responses. Kind of a multi use radio within its limitations. I know the SDS100 is great like the SDS200 is with simulcast but to costly for the issues it has. Had 2 436’s in the past. Good radios and almost bought again but wanted something different and mobile. Been reading the easy to read for this radio before I ordered it. Just thought I would ask about tips and tricks before it arrives. Am hoping it has the latest firmware but will find out next week. Thanks again.

Bear in mind that you can use ProScan to import systems from your SDS200 (or from a 436HP) into a program file for your 325P2. Of course since you are a Premium Subscriber, you can import systems into a programming file.

The 325P2, as already mentioned, may struggle on simulcast systems but is a handy size grab and go scanner for conventional channels and non- simulcast trunked systems.

Its biggest drawback is fairly short battery life (only has two cells), so you may want to keep one or more extra sets handy when away from external power.

 

[ka3jjz]

We have a VERY extensive FAQ for these radios in our wiki, viz.

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

with info you would find very hard to locate elsewhere....

Mike

 

[bearcatrp]

Bear in mind that you can use ProScan to import systems from your SDS200 (or from a 436HP) into a program file for your 325P2. Of course since you are a Premium Subscriber, you can import systems into a programming file.

The 325P2, as already mentioned, may struggle on simulcast systems but is a handy size grab and go scanner for conventional channels and non- simulcast trunked systems.

Its biggest drawback is fairly short battery life (only has two cells), so you may want to keep one or more extra sets handy when away from external power.

I plan on using an external battery like I did with the 436. Got a little over 24 hours on the 436.

 

[bearcatrp]

We have a VERY extensive FAQ for these radios in our wiki, viz.

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

with info you would find very hard to locate elsewhere....

Mike

Thanks Mike

 

[sonm10]

A couple points,

It does not have favorites lists or programmable by zip code. Must be programmed manually through ProScan.

It is not designed for simulcast. However, you had previously mentioned your R30 works great on the St. Cloud simulcast. YMMV when it comes to performance on that site.

Wait, I forgot, you live near Clearwater? I suppose you also monitor the Sherburne/Wright County simulcast as well. Just keep in mind it might live up to the SDS100 /200.

 

[sonm10]

Also, curious what your main monitoring usage will be with the 325?

 

[bearcatrp]

Not expecting it to perform as good as my SDS200 but hope its as good as my old 436. Sometimes I kick myself in the arse for selling it. I prefer handhelds. The SDS200 duties is constant logging of different systems so doesn't move. Of all the handheld radios I have, none have DMR capabilities. Wish Icom would get off there high horse and include DMR in its receivers. The R30 is the best handheld in the market. If that would have DMR, would not be buying another scanner. The R30 always comes with me when I go out of town. Have the entire state P25 on it, programmed by county. Could have bought another 436 but wanted a little smaller radio. Will be testing the 325 and R30 together to see how good the P25 is. The only upgrade I will need to purchase is the DMR. The R30 has NXDN. Would not have bought the 325 if I couldn't use a external battery but did confirm it does from another user. I did this with the 436. Got a little over 24 hours of continuous scanning. Should be here monday along with the battery packs I ordered. Will post my findings in a couple weeks.

 

[RoninJoliet]

I really enjoy my 325P2, works great on all bands. Here in Illinois on the Starcom system and my location I have NO problem with simulcast at all...I get five and half hours of battery time with recharging batteries. The audio can be increased using the menu volume increase on poor signals. I also have a second 325P2 with added DMR and NXDN which works great on those two modes. I use the RS 700/800 rubber duck and the scanner is very good on P25 700/800 and UHF and acceptable on VHF. I programmed them by hand and being just like my 396xt was very simple....

 

[bearcatrp]

Thanks Ronin for your take on this radio.

 

[StoliRaz]

As others said, the battery life isn't great because it uses only 2 AA batteries instead of 3 like some other models. Investing in some new Eneloop/Ikea Ladda batts will help.

 

[wtp]

when i go out the 325 is in one packet, and 2 spare cells in the other.

 

[bearcatrp]

As others said, the battery life isn't great because it uses only 2 AA batteries instead of 3 like some other models. Investing in some new Eneloop/Ikea Ladda batts will help.

Already bought external usb batteries. Did this when I owned a 436 for 24 hours of continuous scanning.

 

[rs16]

Already bought external usb batteries. Did this when I owned a 436 for 24 hours of continuous scanning.

Any recommendation for external USB batteries for the 436?

 

[bearcatrp]

I bought a pair of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Aibocn-External-Battery-Flashlight-Smartphones/dp/B00VWV8LD4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Aibocn&qid=1704680992&s=wireless&sr=1-1&th=1

Not the ones I had for the 436 but it’s close. I’ll try these out and post back how well these do. But you need the correct cable to connect the battery to the 436. I’ll do some digging to try and find the correct one and post back. One draw back using an external battery. You cannot record anything. You have to be using the internal battery to record. I don’t record so didn’t bother me. It’s nice to scan all day without changing batteries. Buy 2 because it takes most of the day to charge these back from almost empty. There is an older post about Using external battery pack. About march of last year. Has the info on the cable and batteries folks have been using.

 

[rs16]

I bought a pair of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Aibocn-External-Battery-Flashlight-Smartphones/dp/B00VWV8LD4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Aibocn&qid=1704680992&s=wireless&sr=1-1&th=1

Not the ones I had for the 436 but it’s close. I’ll try these out and post back how well these do. But you need the correct cable to connect the battery to the 436. I’ll do some digging to try and find the correct one and post back. One draw back using an external battery. You cannot record anything. You have to be using the internal battery to record. I don’t record so didn’t bother me. It’s nice to scan all day without changing batteries. Buy 2 because it takes most of the day to charge these back from almost empty. There is an older post about Using external battery pack. About march of last year. Has the info on the cable and batteries folks have been using.

Thanks so much. I don’t record either. I’m curious to hear how those do for you. I usually use my 436 plugged into the wall with the USB charging block, but am curious about external batteries.