BCD436HP: is it really worth the money

[desert-cheetah]

It may be almost twice the size of the 396 display, but in my opinion it isn't necessarily better. The small font size makes it hard to see unless one is "straight on" in front of the thing. Off to the side even a little? Forget about it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I437P using Tapatalk

I have no problem reading the display off to the side. No, it's not as sharp as looking straight on, but my contrast is as high as it goes and that helps a great deal.

 

[hiegtx]

I agree with you. Particularly if you do not have P2 in your area, or any systems plans to change to P2, the purchase may be a reach. There have been some mixed reports on reception. I am hoping most reports are really comparative and not just "I think it tracks or sounds better" to justify the purchase.

I'm using the Radio Shack 800MHz antenna on my 436hp, and it's sensitivity is better than either of my 396XT's (one using the R/S 800, the other a Diamond RH77CA, but previously an 800). Most all of the Vhf-high of interest is relatively close, so no reception problems. The main Uhf channels of interest to me are Dallas PD & Dallas Fire/Rescue. But I'm maybe 4 to 5 miles from the main transmit site, and the signal is so strong, I literally don't need an antenna on any of the scanners.

The 436 is usually decoding the PAWM P25 system, with no or at most one bar, while the 396XT rarely stops on it. I'm probably 20-25 miles form the closest site, and that system gives problems to people living within it's jurisdiction, based on their posts in the Texas Forum.

So, in my case, especially since several large suburban systems will be changing to Phase II in the next year or so, it's been worth it.

 

[daneg]

Does anyone leave theirs on for a long time while plugged in, does it mess with it? or is it ok to do that?

 

[Jay911]

Define what you mean by "a long time". Mine has been plugged in and operating for over 24 hours with no issues. What kind of "messing" would you expect to see?

 

[daneg]

Define what you mean by "a long time". Mine has been plugged in and operating for over 24 hours with no issues. What kind of "messing" would you expect to see?

Long time plugged in and turned on would be probably shy of 24 hours. "mess with". I mean in terms of it getting hot or anything.

 

[Jay911]

Long time plugged in and turned on would be probably shy of 24 hours. "mess with". I mean in terms of it getting hot or anything.

Nah, no heat noted. I think you would only find heat from a device that was charging batteries, and with the radio powered on, that isn't happening. All's good here.

 

[VE3RADIO]

I actually just dumped my 436 because I cant stand how it bothers me to set the clock every time I don't use the radio for a week

 

[Jay911]

If you're not using the radio for a week at a time, respectfully it appears you didn't really need to buy it in the first place..

My PSR-800 needed to have its clock reset if it was left shut off for extended periods too - just saying.

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

I actually just dumped my 436 because I cant stand how it bothers me to set the clock every time I don't use the radio for a week

A week? I have to reset the clock on mine every few days. Very frustrating.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I437P using Tapatalk

 

[daneg]

Nah, no heat noted. I think you would only find heat from a device that was charging batteries, and with the radio powered on, that isn't happening. All's good here.

Ok cool thanks!!

 

[VE3RADIO]

If you're not using the radio for a week at a time, respectfully it appears you didn't really need to buy it in the first place..

My PSR-800 needed to have its clock reset if it was left shut off for extended periods too - just saying.

Respectfully your full of crap.. I have several scanners and have different uses for all of them and don't see the need to lug along a handheld when I have a mobile in my car.. A handheld is used for times when I will be out and about and don't have my car.. I.e. the go train or a trip.. I know your in love with Uniden Brian and are one of Paul's biggest defenders so respectfully I don't need your validation to buy a scanner.. nor to have an opinion on it... the guy asked for opinions.. I think its a PITA. The GRE only asks me to change the time if the batteries have died or are removed.. the Uniden asks almost every time... and yes I know about leaving charging and or on for 50 hours.

 

[phask]

Respectfully your full of crap.. I have several scanners and have different uses for all of them and don't see the need to lug along a handheld when I have a mobile in my car.. A handheld is used for times when I will be out and about and don't have my car.. I.e. the go train or a trip.. I know your in love with Uniden Brian and are one of Paul's biggest defenders so respectfully I don't need your validation to buy a scanner.. nor to have an opinion on it... the guy asked for opinions.. I think its a PITA. The GRE only asks me to change the time if the batteries have died or are removed.. the Uniden asks almost every time... and yes I know about leaving charging and or on for 50 hours.

I tend to agree - I don't need a new portable. I don't have the disposable income for one However when I did use a portable , it might sit for weeks at a time, then it would be grab and go.

I'll admit, I have not followed all the threads on these, but if it even stays charged by keeping it plugged in that is still a PITA for some.

I have a Yaesu VR500 that will get anything non-digital, but I may only use it a few times a year, also several older non-digital HH.

 

[lep]

I like my 436. I sometimes don't use it for several days and it holds the time on the battery. But even if it did not, so what? You can just ignore the time request. I do notice that the time is not very accurate, I am logging with ARC pro beta and the log times, set from my pc internet connection are often at variance from the 436 display time. Again, if it is critical (and for me, it usually is NOT) I just use the NIST log time from my pc as the official time of a transmission. [BTW, in the systems I monitor it is common for the 'dispatch time' announced over the air to be OFF a minute or two].

 

[VE3RADIO]

I like my 436. I sometimes don't use it for several days and it holds the time on the battery. But even if it did not, so what? You can just ignore the time request. I do notice that the time is not very accurate, I am logging with ARC pro beta and the log times, set from my pc internet connection are often at variance from the 436 display time. Again, if it is critical (and for me, it usually is NOT) I just use the NIST log time from my pc as the official time of a transmission. [BTW, in the systems I monitor it is common for the 'dispatch time' announced over the air to be OFF a minute or two].

It wont record without the time set I believe.. or it wont tag it right at a very minimum

 

[MtnScanner]

Recently got the 436 and really enjoy using it. Still learning, but overall it's a great unit.

 

[desert-cheetah]

I had to set the clock on mine every time for a couple of days, but now it stays...and I didn't charge it for the 50 hours so I don't know why so many people are having problems.

 

[resqpig]

I can't say it any better than ButchGone!! I love mine!

 

[bberns22]

I take with all over the NE USA and love it - Stays off for days at a time and never had to reset the clock - it's been 100% perfect.

 

[ray smith]

Clock

Set the clock 45 days ago. Never had to set again.

 

[Glidehog]

I've never had to reset the clock