BCD436BCD comments

[UPMan]

If I understand your comments, then, every scanner is built around the RR DB, since every scanner can be programmed from the information you can see in the database, here.

Just like the BCD396XT, BCD996XT, you can program the BCD436HP and BCD536HP completely from scratch. When doing so, you'll get significantly the same feature set as is available on the two previous models, but adding P25 Phase 2, the recording features, and the discover features (none of which require the RRDB).

If you don't like the RRDB, I respect that opinion and have made the scanners so that you can completely ignore the RRDB if you so desire. To say that the scanners are completely dependent on RRDB is a false statement. To say that the scanners have significant value added (for most users) because we include RRDB in it would, I believe, be a fair statement.

 

[LIScanner101]

If I understand your comments, then, every scanner is built around the RR DB, since every scanner can be programmed from the information you can see in the database, here.

Just like the BCD396XT, BCD996XT, you can program the BCD436HP and BCD536HP completely from scratch. When doing so, you'll get significantly the same feature set as is available on the two previous models, but adding P25 Phase 2, the recording features, and the discover features (none of which require the RRDB).

If you don't like the RRDB, I respect that opinion and have made the scanners so that you can completely ignore the RRDB if you so desire. To say that the scanners are completely dependent on RRDB is a false statement. To say that the scanners have significant value added (for most users) because we include RRDB in it would, I believe, be a fair statement.

Paul,

Your response is not entirely accurate as it doesn’t accurately reflect my position. I fully agree that the RR DB is an EXCELLENT tool – heck, I use it all the time for my lowly BCT15X. What I’m saying is that the DB seems to be very closely connected to the usage AND marketing of the NEW scanners.

On Uniden’s own site, it clearly states “Database updated weekly”. In the manual it also says,

"Simply turn it on, enter your location, and you will immediately begin hearing communications in your area. This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from RadioReference.com”

To me, it looks like this connection between Uniden and the RR DB was deemed important enough of a sales/marketing point to have included it on your site, yet now you’re backpedaling and downplaying the symbiosis between the x36HP’s and the RR BD.

 

[UPMan]

I 100% agree that "the DB seems to be very closely connected to the usage and marketing of the new scanners."

I 100% disagree with the earlier statement that the scanners rely on the RadioReference database (as in, without the database, they won't work). It is actually a marketing (and marketed) feature that you can program anything you want, regardless of whether it is or is not in RRDB. Stating that disagreement is not backpedaling, it is correcting a false statement.

 

[lep]

I have the BCD436HP, it receives my 800 MHz analog MOT system just fine, it receives my 700 MHz
P-25 phase 1 system just fine. But, so did my other digital scanners. I have no connection with any scanner maker or seller, I paid the MSRP for it. I've had no trouble building Favorites List or understanding the Uniden software, I am used to the HP-1 and the software if basically the same.
What I don't like is the way the fonts are arranged on the screen crowding the data into strange portions of the display, making the UID/TGID at a glance looking like a fractional number one above the other.
The screen layout needs work by a graphic oriented person who understands how users might want to actually do something with the info (preferably a person who is a native English speaker).
I assume the layout could be improved by a modification of firmware. The layout on the HP-1 is so much superior it is hard to believe the same designers did both.
Maybe when the "problems" with the 536 are solved, attention can be placed on the 436 which seems somewhat ignored for the moment.
Do I regret purchasing the 436? Not at all, do I NEED it, nope but it was a gift to myself so I could see what the buzz was about. Finally, IMHOP a good deal of the discussion threads are amusing and tell the reader more than the writer intended!

 

[LIScanner101]

I 100% agree that "the DB seems to be very closely connected to the usage and marketing of the new scanners."

I 100% disagree with the earlier statement that the scanners rely on the RadioReference database (as in, without the database, they won't work). It is actually a marketing (and marketed) feature that you can program anything you want, regardless of whether it is or is not in RRDB. Stating that disagreement is not backpedaling, it is correcting a false statement.

I’m not sure where I ever said that the X36HP’s will NOT work without the RR DB and I don’t recall seeing dcriner saying that either. Unless you are referring to his comment below:

“But, I bought my scanner from Uniden, not RR. And, even though I can submit bug reports to RR, why is that my responsibility to make my new Uniden scanner functional?”

Is that what you meant?

 

[detroit780]

New scanner

The new scanners are built around RR in respect to making it easy to program and get you up and running in minutes. However they don't require the DB. You can enter anything you want withing the range of frequencies they were designed to receive. You can enter directly or via Sentinel software.
If you prefer to create more work for yourself you can enter what you want. If you aren't happy about a description from the DB you can change it to what you want. What source of data do you use for your current scanner? I would bet RR or you wouldn't even be reading these forums.

Don't you think dcriner is being a little harsh on us volunteers? I take offence to being called untrained unprofessional volunteer. I take pride in my submissions to RR and follow well established guidelines for posted submitted information. He has no clue how professional people here really are.

My relationship with my new BCD436HP is LOVE HATE. Currently tipped heavy on the hate side. Audio performance on P25 Trunked Phase 1 here in Michigan is horrible compared to my last non Uniden P25 radio. In terms of total clarity and Audio AGC. I can listen side by side and always end up turning off the 436.

The fact that UPMAN is working on fixes is encouraging, the fact that there are so many is is discouraging. How well this all pans out time will tell. Being a beta tester after purchase isn't the best plan but being asked for our help in correcting the issues isn't all bad either. We may actually get some things changed that they wouldn't change is the launch were perfect.

With all due respects to the site administrators, it’s understood that you are of course required to walk a fine line between member’s comments and what Uniden says. I understand that. Be that as it may, I think you’re being a little harsh on dcriner. Let me explain….

He’s concerned that the new scanners are more or less “built around” the RR DB. You can deny that all you want – UPMan can say things like “the scanner does not rely on the database. It includes the database, but you can ignore the database completely and just program it like any other scanner with whatever you want”, but that’s just silly. Everyone KNOWS that the RR DB IS the source of data – UPMan says it, you say it, it’s all over the place. Please stop acting like that’s not reality. Funny how everyone here tells everyone else to download the RR DB to make favorites and use it as THE source for raw data, but the moment there is ANY pushback, ANY dissent, people like UPMan say things like “you can ignore the database completely”. To me, that is EXTREMELY poor customer service. It’s tantamount to saying “go screw”. Not good and while the Uniden water carriers will be unswayed I see many more disenfranchised people seeking scanners elsewhere as soon as they find another outlet.

I commend Paul for his recent responses to the plethora of issues that are plaguing this prematurely released product line, but it’s gonna leave a sour taste in many people’s mouths. I really DO want an x36HP but I’m gunshy about all the issues. Yes, yes, yes, Uniden is addressing all these problems, I get that, we ALL get that, but the fact that there are so many speaks to their product release process.

I’m not 100% convinced that I WON’T “go Uniden” for my first digital scanner, but I’m going to continue to be in a holding pattern.

 

[WILSON43]

LIScanner makes some very cogent points regarding this issue that many here want to say, should have said, or may be saying more about in the future. The problem is that those with viewpoints contrary to the Uniden Kool Aid drinkers are treated with contempt and run the risk of an admin abruptly closing a thread as no longer relevant.

I love the HP 1 scanners, and wished for a portable hand held version using a similar screen, etc.

I WANT my scanner to revolve around a database such as RR as I am lazy and do not want to manually enter all the information necessary to monitor today's complex radio systems. Quite frankly, who does - really....

The portable I had hoped for has not yet been released, and instead we have the 436 / 536, and quite frankly again I will agree with LI Scanner in saying there are a multitude of problems with these scanners.

While the early adopters will convince themselves the 436 is the greatest thing since salted peanuts, those of us hoping for a product matching the $500.00 price tag continue to wait and watch what Uniden does here....

And than there's Whistler....

 

[UPMan]

Was a paraphrase of

Uniden is the one that tied its newest scanner to RR, which relies on unpaid, untrained, and unprofessional volunteers to update their data, not I. It's a good deal for Uniden, and they, like you and others, may point the finger at RR and its amateur volunteers for these problems. But, I bought my scanner from Uniden, not RR. And, even though I can submit bug reports to RR, why is that my responsibility to make my new Uniden scanner functional?

and

Uniden is the one that tied their new scanner to RR, not I.

and

They are the ones that tied themselves to the DB and if there is an issue THEY should step in and resolve

and

Actually because as you said, you bought the Uniden KNOWING it was tied to and reliant on the supposed half a$$ RR database so.......

All of which would leave someone unfamiliar with the actual operation of the scanner with the belief that you are reliant (i.e. tied to) the RRDB.

I would still be very interested in knowing what specific channels are correct in RRDB but appear incorrectly on the scanner. But, so far, no information has been provided that would allow me to evaluate these statements.

 

[Dafe1er]

LIScanner makes some very cogent points regarding this issue that many here want to say, should have said, or may be saying more about in the future. The problem is that those with viewpoints contrary to the Uniden Kool Aid drinkers are treated with contempt and run the risk of an admin abruptly closing a thread as no longer relevant.

I love the HP 1 scanners, and wished for a portable hand held version using a similar screen, etc.

I WANT my scanner to revolve around a database such as RR as I am lazy and do not want to manually enter all the information necessary to monitor today's complex radio systems. Quite frankly, who does - really....

The portable I had hoped for has not yet been released, and instead we have the 436 / 536, and quite frankly again I will agree with LI Scanner in saying there are a multitude of problems with these scanners.

While the early adopters will convince themselves the 436 is the greatest thing since salted peanuts, those of us hoping for a product matching the $500.00 price tag continue to wait and watch what Uniden does here....

And than there's Whistler....

Valid points. I was also not happy loosing the touch screen from the HP-1 among other things.

I did however get tired of reading the issues some where having from my area with the x36's and decided to break down and get the 436 to find out what is what for myself. It has really worked well so far on everything I tested it on. The only test I have left is a Phase 2 system. This will be done next weekend. Hopefully.

I was and still am a little negative on Uniden and the way they went with these new units and also for bringing known problems from the HP-1 to the new units. If the 436 was a touch screen, had the app to work with it, the analyze mode was functional and was better on battery life I would be 100% happy.

I have been working the 436 for a week now and and still cannot wait to see what IF anything Whistler does.

 

[LIScanner101]

I take offence to being called untrained unprofessional volunteer. I take pride in my submissions to RR and follow well established guidelines for posted submitted information. He has no clue how professional people here really are.

I think you’re a little too sensitive. Were you trained to add info to the RR database? Was I? No. Am I offended? Not in the least. He’s merely pointing out that Uniden is banking on the inputs of untrained people to populate and maintain the RR DB. And before you tell me that the RR DB is no big deal, and that one can "ignore" it, please note that it’s mentioned MANY MANY times in the new x36HP manuals. It’s a VERY big deal to Uniden, and I'd venture to say that it's a VERY big deal to someone who is new to scanning, reads the press and runs out and buys one of these. Paul downplaying the virtual symbiosis between their flagship scanners and the RR Db is somewhat disconcerting.

 

[mikewazowski]

With all due respects to the site administrators, it’s understood that you are of course required to walk a fine line between member’s comments and what Uniden says. I understand that.

With all due respect, where did you come up with this crazy idea?

A DB Admin and/or a Forums Moderator has no allegiance to Uniden, Whistler or any other scanner manufacturer that comes along.

Forums Moderators and DB Admins have never been asked to quell any anti-Uniden discussion or finesse the database to favour Uniden.

As long as discussion is on topic, productive and respectful, we won't step in. We are free to voice our pleasure or displeasure in a professional manner with any product.

If I misread your comment I apologize but I want to make it clear that the only allegiance we have is to the site.

And yes, we were trained to add info to the database. It would be considered on the job training using the Handbook and asking questions in the Admin forum.

 

[NUGEN]

Who's got the popcorn? It's getting good!

 

[LIScanner101]

LIScanner makes some very cogent points regarding this issue that many here want to say, should have said, or may be saying more about in the future. The problem is that those with viewpoints contrary to the Uniden Kool Aid drinkers are treated with contempt and run the risk of an admin abruptly closing a thread as no longer relevant.

I love the HP 1 scanners, and wished for a portable hand held version using a similar screen, etc.

I WANT my scanner to revolve around a database such as RR as I am lazy and do not want to manually enter all the information necessary to monitor today's complex radio systems. Quite frankly, who does - really....

The portable I had hoped for has not yet been released, and instead we have the 436 / 536, and quite frankly again I will agree with LI Scanner in saying there are a multitude of problems with these scanners.

While the early adopters will convince themselves the 436 is the greatest thing since salted peanuts, those of us hoping for a product matching the $500.00 price tag continue to wait and watch what Uniden does here....

And than there's Whistler....

dconti,

Thank you for a breath of fresh air.

Of course I’m not going to hide the fact that I also use the RR DB, and do it daily. Just look at my profile, I’m a premium subscriber. Why not? Who has the time to manually program thousands of channels? For what it’s worth, the RR DB is a great thing to have because there’s nothing else like it. My main issue is not with the DB itself, but, as I have already said many times (and what YOU get, but the UCD’s don’t) is the way the x36HP’s are so closely tied to the DB as far as marketing is concerned, then Paul turns around and basically says you can ignore it…..

I too was hoping for this release to be phenomenal. I wasn’t expecting perfection; that would’ve been unrealistic. However, just because early adopters plunked down hard cold cash for these prematurely released items doesn’t mean that I have to join their forced chants of joy. Yes, there are some who seem to have absolutely no issues, and that’s great, I am genuinely happy for them, but there are so many others that are having the opposite experience.

This is off topic at this point so I will close in saying that the x36HP’s and the RR DB are, to the unbiased eye, inextricably entwined and while you do NOT need the DB to program the scanner it would be disingenuous to imply that it’s just as easy to gather the data on your own and manually program it yourself.


Over and out

 

[phask]

As the one who +- started this

I still maintain my position - don't complain about it , if you don't contribute.

I've seen several lately with similar comments. FWIW - I'd hate to drive 1000 miles by loading my own favorites. I used to do it but with statewide trunking, although not impossible, it's so close as impossible to be null. I do create fl for favored locations, but if I'm going cross state, through states or

Look at the competition, 3rd party software, and on and on. They all either rely on RR or have hooks to RR.

Is the RR db perfect, far from it, but it's all we have and everyone who gives a crap to improve it. I've said before, it needs work on location. Hopefully these scanners will help force an improvement in location and especially ranges.

The days are long gone where Betty Bearcat can do it.
I've only had scanners sine '69 and used tube based VFO radios before that so I'm still new to the hobby.

 

[KE4ZNR]

I think you’re a little too sensitive. Were you trained to add info to the RR database? Was I? No. Am I offended? Not in the least. He’s merely pointing out that Uniden is banking on the inputs of untrained people to populate and maintain the RR DB.

The problem is that the Database Admins are not "untrained".
I linked to the Database Administrator Manual earlier in this thread.
You (and the thread starter) seem to have this false idea that anyone can
be a Database Admin anytime they want to. Database Admins are selected based
on their knowledge of the radio systems in the areas in which they are responsible.
Most either work in the 2 Way Radio Industry or have intimate ties to it.
Database Admins are far from "untrained".
Database Admins check RR.com
submissions and make sure they are valid before entering the info into the RR.com
Database. Is the database perfect? No. Is there a constant attempt to make it better? Of course. But here (again) is what matters: The database depends on folks like you and me (and the thread starter) to make it better. To show up as a new member and criticize the database and those responsible for maintaining it while not even attempting to contribute to making the database better is ridiculous.

And before you tell me that the RR DB is no big deal, and that one can "ignore" it, please note that it’s mentioned MANY MANY times in the new x36HP manuals. It’s a VERY big deal to Uniden, and I'd venture to say that it's a VERY big deal to someone who is new to scanning, reads the press and runs out and buys one of these. Paul downplaying the virtual symbiosis between their flagship scanners and the RR Db is somewhat disconcerting.

You and your repeated pathetic attempts to smear UPMans & Unidens credibility is what is disconcerting. Of course one of the awesome features of the new radios is the included RR.com database but (again for the cheap seats) the scanners can be programmed entirely from the front keypad just like any other scanner.

Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[KE4ZNR]

My main issue is not with the DB itself, but, as I have already said many times (and what YOU get, but the UCD’s don’t) is the way the x36HP’s are so closely tied to the DB as far as marketing is concerned, then Paul turns around and basically says you can ignore it…..

What is wrong with the above statement?
1) The RR.com database is a part of the x36HP line of scanners (just like it will be for
the upcoming Whistler scanners). It provides a starting point for those not tech savvy
to be able to input their zip code/city and be off and running.
2) You can ignore the included RR.com Database and program from the front panel
just like any other scanner that has ever been on the market.
That seems to me to be the best of both worlds.
Paul (as Uniden Product Manager) is of course going to promote both features as
both have positive benefits for the end user.
So, again, please enlighten me as to what is wrong with any of the above?
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[blantonl]

With all due respects to the site administrators, it’s understood that you are of course required to walk a fine line between member’s comments and what Uniden says. I understand that. Be that as it may, I think you’re being a little harsh on dcriner. Let me explain….

Hogwash.

We apply the same moderation standards to everyone and on topics related to any product.

 

[mancow]

With all due respects to the site administrators, it’s understood that you are of course required to walk a fine line between member’s comments and what Uniden says. I understand that. Be that as it may, I think you’re being a little harsh on dcriner. Let me explain….

He’s concerned that the new scanners are more or less “built around” the RR DB. You can deny that all you want – UPMan can say things like “the scanner does not rely on the database. It includes the database, but you can ignore the database completely and just program it like any other scanner with whatever you want”, but that’s just silly. Everyone KNOWS that the RR DB IS the source of data – UPMan says it, you say it, it’s all over the place. Please stop acting like that’s not reality. Funny how everyone here tells everyone else to download the RR DB to make favorites and use it as THE source for raw data, but the moment there is ANY pushback, ANY dissent, people like UPMan say things like “you can ignore the database completely”. To me, that is EXTREMELY poor customer service. It’s tantamount to saying “go screw”. Not good and while the Uniden water carriers will be unswayed I see many more disenfranchised people seeking scanners elsewhere as soon as they find another outlet.

I commend Paul for his recent responses to the plethora of issues that are plaguing this prematurely released product line, but it’s gonna leave a sour taste in many people’s mouths. I really DO want an x36HP but I’m gunshy about all the issues. Yes, yes, yes, Uniden is addressing all these problems, I get that, we ALL get that, but the fact that there are so many speaks to their product release process.

I’m not 100% convinced that I WON’T “go Uniden” for my first digital scanner, but I’m going to continue to be in a holding pattern.

It's similar to buying a new PC and the efforts you have to go though to make it "functional". If you don't update to the latest flash or java or .net or whatever else comes along it likely won't work. A majority of the software out there is not produced by Microsoft. It's an individual or separate company developing it, often with bugs.

I guess I'm still confused as to what the concern is. The radio can be completely customized by the user 100%. Nothing from the database has to be used.

 

[kikito]

And, even though I can submit bug reports to RR, why is that my responsibility to make my new Uniden scanner functional?

Because IT IS YOUR responsibility as far as the programming of the scanner with what you want to hear. That we have so many resources to make our lives easier nowadays is a bonus.

I remember the times long before the internet, trunkedradio.net/radioreference.com and all these services and interactions that do everything for you nowadays. Had to rely in our own knowledge and experimentation. Those were the good old days long forgotten....


Not trying to pick a fight, just saying....

 

[greggk]

This will no doubt be an over simplified, non technical response, but:

I remember the days when a scanner had to be programmed manually. Some of us loved to do that, others did not.

The 536 /436 are NOT attached to RR. Uniden gave us all the option of rapidly programming the scanner from RR, or manually program as before. They also gave us the option of programming from the RR data base and then manually making changes as desired, such as name changes, LED colors, etc. I see complete flexibility to do as you please.

Did anyone purchasing the 536 /436 not know this in advance? Before I put $500.00 down on anything, I have read reviews, read the manual, and did a lot of thinking. I knew what I was getting into. I realized that when I actually got the radio in my hand there would be some surprises, good or bad; I loved that 30 day return policy.

The 536 /436 are not like any scanner I have ever owned, and I have been buying them since 1972. I knew this would require a steep learning curve, some frustrations, and a good deal of time in order to enjoy the benefits of these two radios. You reap what you sow.

Uniden has given the 536 /436 the capacity to download both Data and firmware upgrades / changes. "Firmware Upgrades." This needs no further explanation.

Coming here to discuss these radios, discuss what we like and do not like, even things we truly despise, are why we are here. To learn from this site and to give help to others is a very powerful benefit.

Posting here, and especially being fairly new and just *****ing / complaining gets you no where. (The software put asterisks where my "*****" was. They did it again. You get the idea..the word starts with a "B"

If you did all your homework before putting $500 / $600 down, and now have the scanner in hand and do not like it...Uniden offers a 30 day return policy. Otherwise, get in gear and start learning it; instant gratification is NOT guaranteed.

Greg