BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Bcd436hp many years without support

[Chris0516]

Seriously, I've always kept my 436 as a backup. It has always worked just fine, except for simulcast. I also still have Jon's rechargeable external GPS module that he designed for the 436. It still works, too. I suspect updates have not been offered because, like others have said, there's nothing left to update. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I kept mine, too. Where the SDS100 is abysmal on NXDN, the 436HP is abysmal on Simulcast. I have several local counties(including my own) Programmed. The Simulcast CCs' are in my SDS100, whereas. The non-Simulcast CCs' are in my 436HP.

 

[trentbob]

Haha, the joke about the waffle maker was when people had wish lists for a new scanner, Paul said that a new model should include a waffle maker.

I believe the last update that was referred to in this thread was to accommodate new hardware secondary to the supply shortage.

I think that everything possible was squeezed out of the x36 radios, once simulcast systems became popular the x36 series didn't meet a lot of listeners needs, lest we forget, it's 10 years old now. Innovative radios that still meet some listeners needs.

 

[R0am3r]

I kept mine, too. Where the SDS100 is abysmal on NXDN, the 436HP is abysmal on Simulcast. I have several local counties(including my own) Programmed. The Simulcast CCs' are in my SDS100, whereas. The non-Simulcast CCs' are in my 436HP.

I use my SDS scanners on multiple NXDN48 and NXDN96 trunked systems without issues. I also monitor a NXDN One Frequency system with zero issues. I find that most people who have problems decoding NXDN are probably using a stock antenna, and/or the system(s) are out-of-range.

 

[RandyKuff]

Life Care Amb in Lorian County, there dispatch used to be NXDN... I heard them just fine...
They have since went back to conventional FMN...
The wheelchair transport part of Life Care is still using NXDN and I hear them just fine...

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Where the SDS100 is abysmal on NXDN

It is? I've never had a problem with NXDN (conventional nor trunked) on my SDS. One could always try different filter settings if traffic isn't coming in like it should

 

[trentbob]

It is? I've never had a problem with NXDN (conventional nor trunked) on my SDS. One could always try different filter settings if traffic isn't coming in like it should

I also had good results with nx48 460 MHz nxdn with the SDS100 until that system went encrypted. I will say this, it also worked great on the 436!

 

[Chris0516]

It is? I've never had a problem with NXDN (conventional nor trunked) on my SDS. One could always try different filter settings if traffic isn't coming in like it should

Since I already spent the $ for the NXDN key, for my 436HP. Have a local NXDN system programmed in that one, since it can't do Simulcast. I checked my settings, nothing changed. I double-checked them against Sentinel. Nothing was amiss.

I use my SDS scanners on multiple NXDN48 and NXDN96 trunked systems without issues. I also monitor a NXDN One Frequency system with zero issues. I find that most people who have problems decoding NXDN are probably using a stock antenna, and/or the system(s) are out-of-range.

I stopped using a stock antenna, long ago. The system in question is around 30mi. from my location. I can pick up a P25 system 30mi.+ frm my locale. I can pick up two P25(Simulcast) systems that are 40mi. from my locale. I can pick up a P25 system almost 50mi. from my locale.

 

[buddrousa]

Chris
What bands as my range for each band depends on
POWER
HEIGHT
FREQUENCY
We do not know your area but a 350 foot 100 watt 800 system will talk further than a 200 foot 25 watt UHF ect.

 

[trentbob]

Since I already spent the $ for the NXDN key, for my 436HP. Have a local NXDN system programmed in that one, since it can't do Simulcast. I checked my settings, nothing changed. I double-checked them against Sentinel. Nothing was amiss.

I stopped using a stock antenna, long ago. The system in question is around 30mi. from my location. I can pick up a P25 system 30mi.+ frm my locale. I can pick up two P25(Simulcast) systems that are 40mi. from my locale. I can pick up a P25 system almost 50mi. from my locale.

If I understand you correctly, you are using a on radio antenna upgrade, you are getting results from p25 systems that very well could be out of range in most situations but you're not satisfied with your nxdn trunked UHF reception? I may have misunderstood.

Stick with it, employ filters, invest in a rooftop antenna even if you can't install it on the roof, try a floor lamp and attach a broom handle with the base antenna, with a 10-ft low loss coax. 10 ft is a short run so it really doesn't matter about being low loss, that's just my OCD🙂

 

[Chris0516]

Chris
What bands as my range for each band depends on
POWER
HEIGHT
FREQUENCY
We do not know your area but a 350 foot 100 watt 800 system will talk further than a 200 foot 25 watt UHF ect.

While am actually on a high point in the neighborhood, there are a lot of trees' around here. I guess the only antenna that would work(maybe). Is a discone, at least for an NXDN.

 

[hiegtx]

Stick with it, employ filters, invest in a rooftop antenna even if you can't install it on the roof, try a floor lamp and attach a broom handle with the base antenna, with a 10-ft low loss coax.

See this post, from jonwienke, several years back.

Indoor Discone Antenna Setup

For those who for whatever reason can't set up an outdoor antenna, this setup works quite a bit better than a ducky/whip. Antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QVPGKHU/ Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E0PPG0/ The stand tubing is the exact right size to fit the antenna...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[trentbob]

See this post, from jonwienke, several years back.

Indoor Discone Antenna Setup

For those who for whatever reason can't set up an outdoor antenna, this setup works quite a bit better than a ducky/whip. Antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QVPGKHU/ Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E0PPG0/ The stand tubing is the exact right size to fit the antenna...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Chris0516]

If I understand you correctly, you are using a on radio antenna upgrade, you are getting results from p25 systems that very well could be out of range in most situations but you're not satisfied with your nxdn trunked UHF reception? I may have misunderstood.

Stick with it, employ filters, invest in a rooftop antenna even if you can't install it on the roof, try a floor lamp and attach a broom handle with the base antenna, with a 10-ft low loss coax. 10 ft is a short run so it really doesn't matter about being low loss, that's just my OCD🙂

You are correct, you didn't misunderstand. I think, part of(probably majorly) my NXDN problem, is that. My NXDN is not activated on my SDS100(LCN Finder), yet is on my 436HP(no LCN Finder). So, I have to use web tools.

 

[trentbob]

Oh yes, I remember that post very well and I think he reposted it in different threads.

Even though I have an antenna farm on my roof I responded with my setup with a very cheap Walmart floor lamp and a broom handle I purchased from Home Depot. The antenna is a Radio Shack Sputnik that I bought in bulk in the first bankruptcy. I actually bought my first one in 1969 but it didn't have the two 4-in prongs, it cost $5.95 LOL.

 

[Chris0516]

See this post, from jonwienke, several years back.

Indoor Discone Antenna Setup

For those who for whatever reason can't set up an outdoor antenna, this setup works quite a bit better than a ducky/whip. Antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QVPGKHU/ Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E0PPG0/ The stand tubing is the exact right size to fit the antenna...

forums.radioreference.com

I went to the links he recommeneded. Both links said the item was unavailable. But one also mentioned this: https://www.amazon.com/Taurus-D1000...74-81c2-b066ce8613b0&pd_rd_i=B019UMHNQ2&psc=1

Would that be an alternative?

 

[trentbob]

You are correct, you didn't misunderstand. I think, part of(probably majorly) my NXDN problem, is that. My NXDN is not activated on my SDS100(LCN Finder), yet is on my 436HP(no LCN Finder). So, I have to use web tools.

Correct, the sds-100 and the 436 are two different radios and you must program nxdn properly. Research and look up LCN finder for the SDS 100. Do your research, it's actually very easy.

 

[RandyKuff]

I went to the links he recommeneded. Both links said the item was unavailable. But one also mentioned this: https://www.amazon.com/Taurus-D1000...74-81c2-b066ce8613b0&pd_rd_i=B019UMHNQ2&psc=1

Would that be an alternative?

Link for the ant worked for me...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QVPGKHU/

 

[buddrousa]

To use the LCN Finder for NXDN or DMR you have to have the format unlocked.

 

[Chris0516]

Link for the ant worked for me...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QVPGKHU/

I didn't mean the links were bad. At the links I thought I had seen 'unavailable' as in, out of stock.

 

[Chris0516]

To use the LCN Finder for NXDN or DMR you have to have the format unlocked.

I know. That is why I have to do it from the web, when the LCNs' are not included w/ the frequencies.