536 or 996

yankees6161

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Hutchinson Ks
Looking to buy a base scanner 536 or 996. If anyone has both please tell me you likes or dislikes on both. I currently own the sds100 and don’t really want the 200. I would entertain the idea of a trx2. I currently listen to 25p2.
 

dispatch235

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Jan 27, 2005
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Central Missouri
I have all the 996 series and a couple of 536's and a TRX2. If I had to choose just one I would say the 536. The 996's are good solid radios but their drawback is if you have a large statewide p25 trunk system you are limited on how many groups you can put in the system (20 if I remember correctly). I have such a system in my 996 and to get all the counties to "fit" i've wound up combining say 3 or 4 counties in groups.
The 536 however is basically "unlimited" for all practical purposes on the amount of groups a system may have... at least for my use. It also has more information on a larger display. And you can just eject the sd card and use the card reader on the computer to program so if you use it mobile or another room you don't have to drag it to the computer to update it.
Now the TRX2... I bought one to use in my truck because of the remote head feature but never even put it in the truck... after playing with it on the desk for a couple weeks I just really can't like this scanner. Small display, weird methods of programming trunked system... I've had plenty of Radio Shack / Whistler radios but this one for what it SHOULD be just lacks (for me at least). I can't fault it's performance at least on conventional and P25 trunking, but for same money or less the SDS200 is so much more radio.
OK that's my opinions for what they're worth :cool:
 

hiegtx

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Looking to buy a base scanner 536 or 996. If anyone has both please tell me you likes or dislikes on both. I currently own the sds100 and don’t really want the 200. I would entertain the idea of a trx2. I currently listen to 25p2.
The programming issues of the 996P2, if you are trying to wedge in a large system, can be a problem. I'd agree with drdispatch that the 536HP is the better choice. While the 996P2 is a solid scanner, the ease of programming of the 536HP gives it the edge. While both the 996P2 as well as the 536HP can be used with a GPS when traveling, with the 996 you would have to pre-program your intended route. With the 536, update the database before leaving, and let the GPS & range settings, plus selected service types, you're good to go.

I don't have the TRX-2, but do have its portable sibling the TRX-1. The TRX scanners, as well as most of the Whistler/GRE design scanners, are susceptible to overload from cell towers, among other signal sources. While the 996P2 & the 536HP are not immune to heavy simulcast issues, they still are much better than the TRX series. The only software for the TRX scanners is Whistler's EZ-Scan, which can be wonky, especially when trying to do a library import. The 536HP, of course, can utilize Sentinel. While not perfect, Sentinel is more flexible & easier to use than EZ-Scan. Both the 996P2 and the 536HP can be programmed and/or controlled with ProScan,.

As Global has noted, the 536HP's WiFi is not worth messing with.

It does not look like the two KSICS sites in your county are simulcast. However, if you frequenctly go to or through metro areas, where many of the systems are simulcast, then the SDS200 is worth considering.
 

W1KNE

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The 536 has rewind/replay, a better way of channel/memory management, and better display. I have a 996P2 and I do love it, but for those reasons, I would choose the 536 over the 996 any day of the week.
 

Whiskey3JMC

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Last edited:

JimD56

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I like the 996P2 over the 536. I use ProScan and FreeScan both to program.
Visibility was definitely an issue for me with the 536, and Uniden did acknowledge a flaw and conducted a recall, and warranty repair campaign years ago for the 536 dim display.
 

tvengr

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Feb 10, 2019
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Baltimore County, MD
For your location, the BCD996P2 should work OK. The BCD536HP is a little better at handing simulcast, but I don't see simulcast in Reno County. There is some simulcast in adjacent counties, but it is usually less of an issue when receiving from a distance rather than being surrounded by towers. The BCD536HP is good for travelling with the nationwide database. If you just want to use the scanner at home. the BCD996P2 has adequate resources and is easier selecting systems, sites, and groups using quick keys. I don't see any DMR or NXDN in Reno County so FreeSCAN programming software can be used and it is FREE!
 

hiegtx

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I see zip scanners has the 536 refurbished for 419$. Any one have any experience with them?
I've never purchased from Zip. However, reviews posted on them are "mixed" at best. Sometimes. Zip delivers as promised and on time. But at other times, they fail badly, showing a scanner model as in stock, but really what you're buying is only a spot on the waiting list. Actual delivery would be sometime in the unspecified future. Their response to inquiries has also been spotty. Sometimes, again, they respond quickly and accurately. At others, you either get an incorrect answer, or you are ignored instead of getting a response.
 

2006walt

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How is the BCD536 on analog aircraft (am) and VHF/UHF (fm). I am looking for a higher end scanner for analog. I also need p2.
 
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