2 scanner comparison

[kb2idx]

anyone have experience with both models?
BCD536HP
BCD996P2
I'm curious to know what the extra $100 buys you.
or if you know of someone who has already done this
let me know.
"curiosity and anxiety work hand in hand"

 

[trentbob]

Both good radios but markedly different. Main differences are the 536 has a removable data card that will hold more information. It also has a database in the radio that you can search and draw from. This database can be updated every week to reflect changes. The 536 uses the homepatrol method of scanning.

Both radios are somewhat long in the tooth now. They can face a challenge with simulcast distortion depending on the system's listened to and your location within those systems.

Depends on what your needs are. That's just some highlights, I'm sure plenty of folks will add to this.

 

[trentbob]

Unfortunately poster, I just looked at Cape Coral Police in Lee County and they look like they are completely encrypted. Fire is in the clear. Lee County Sheriff has some encryption. No scanner can pick up encryption. That's tough luck.

 

[JimD56]

The BCD536HP uses Sentinel for programming, and you can build a ton of Favorite Lists. Also remote control. Go on YouTube search "Scanner Guys" as they just did a deep dive on the 536HP remote control. 996P2 uses FreeScan or ProScan for programming. I like them both BUT I sold my 536HP to buy SDS200. I have simulcast issues that neither the 536HP nor the 996P2 handle well.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Well one major thing the "extra $100" gives you is wifi accessibility with the 536HP. Comes in handy while using Proscan or Uniden Siren app for Apple/Android.

 

[62Truck]

I don't own a 536 but I do own a 436 and a 996P2. They are both good radios, the one of the major things I like on the 436, the 536 has this as well, is the record and playback feature, and with the removable memory card you can place up to a 32gb memory card to give you more memory.

 

[scannersnstuff]

Although I have no experience with either, I have heard for year's the 996p2 has horrible digital decode.

 

[62Truck]

Although I have no experience with either, I have heard for year's the 996p2 has horrible digital decode.

IDK.. mine decodes fine, and I have actually owned one for years..

 

[scannersnstuff]

IDK.. mine decodes fine, and I have actually owned one for years..

IDK, maybe it's highly dependent on location. I see you're from Uranus.....

 

[kb2idx]

IDK, maybe it's highly dependent on location. I see you're from Uranus.....

sorry to disappoint but hail from the Andromeda galaxy.

 

[StoliRaz]

I don't own a 536 but I do own a 436 and a 996P2. They are both good radios, the one of the major things I like on the 436, the 536 has this as well, is the record and playback feature, and with the removable memory card you can place up to a 32gb memory card to give you more memory.

Uniden supports up to 32gb, but some people on here have said they use 128gb cards with no issues

 

[scannersnstuff]

Uniden supports up to 32gb, but some people on here have said they use 128gb cards with no issues

Believe it or not,one of my biggest beef's with the 436 is they make a more expensive scanner, and you cannot change screen color's.

 

[palmerjrusa]

Believe it or not,one of my biggest beef's with the 436 is they make a more expensive scanner, and you cannot change screen color's.

I miss that feature too.

 

[StoliRaz]

Believe it or not,one of my biggest beef's with the 436 is they make a more expensive scanner, and you cannot change screen color's.

They really got that right with the 396xt. We're stuck with orange for the 325p2 or white with the 436hp.I do like the white background but it can hurt the eyes after a while. The orange of my 346 and 246T don't. What can you do

 

[scannersnstuff]

They really got that right with the 396xt. We're stuck with orange for the 325p2 or white with the 436hp.I do like the white background but it can hurt the eyes after a while. The orange of my 346 and 246T don't. What can you do

I regret selling so many of them. Including the 396xt/346/psr-500. The battery life on my 325p2 is miserable. I mostly now just use my bct15 and my bc246t. No digital around me.

 

[scannersnstuff]

Although I have no experience with either, I have heard for year's the 996p2 has horrible digital decode.

Thinking back, I believe the 996p2 was horrible at decoding the New Jersey NJICS. But it is a simulcast site.

 

[StoliRaz]

I regret selling so many of them. Including the 396xt/346/psr-500. The battery life on my 325p2 is miserable. I mostly now just use my bct15 and my bc246t. No digital around me.

I have a pair of bct15x and a beat up old 246T. The 246 is my glovebox beater. I got it off Ebay for $27, and my newer 15X off there as well for $75 shipped, looks brand new with factory plastic still on the screen. I've done pretty well on the bay lately.

My favorite is my 346xt though, I've been itching for a 396xt lately but they're tough to find. There's a beautiful one on Ebay right now but some meatheads bid it up from $33 to $150 in under 24 hours. Curious to see what it goes for at this point.

I hear you on battery life, the 436 isn't that great either. At least these newer models can be powered with large external battery packs though. I occasionally run mine off an old 12,000mah Anker battery pack. It lasts a long time, but of course this is only good if I'm sitting at a desk or by the firepit

 

[Rick6975]

The BCD536HP uses Sentinel for programming, and you can build a ton of Favorite Lists. Also remote control. Go on YouTube search "Scanner Guys" as they just did a deep dive on the 536HP remote control. 996P2 uses FreeScan or ProScan for programming. I like them both BUT I sold my 536HP to buy SDS200. I have simulcast issues that neither the 536HP nor the 996P2 handle well.

Jim is there a way I can find out what is simulcast in my area? I don't know where to find that info. Thanks

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Jim is there a way I can find out what is simulcast in my area? I don't know where to find that info. Thanks

Where's your area? Oftentimes on a trunked radio system the site name itself will contain the word "simulcast", though there are exceptions

 

[Rick6975]

Where's your area? Oftentimes on a trunked radio system the site name itself will contain the word "simulcast", though there are exceptions

Looking for Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties and communities in Wisconsin. Thanks