BCD536HP Post-Release Thread

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DaveIN

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Just got my scanner 1 hour ago. My last scanner was the BCD996XT. Never had a Home Patrol but I've had most other models since 2003. Most of what I can tell are good things about this scanner. Hopefully I am missing something on this 1 topics.

1) In Custom Search Mode you can't set the radio to Control Channel Only mode.

That's correct Jan. The firmware is supposed to get an update soon to include the advanced "Analyze" feature that is included in the HP-1 Extreme update.
WebHome < HomePatrol < TWiki
 

ButchGone

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Based on the videos I've seen so far, the screens are blue, not white. But then again, the "white" screen setting on the 396xt is actually blue as well. And no, it's not a camera white balance issue either, as some have suggested because the function keys on the 536 are brilliant white. Not a big deal tho, because it appears the new models are outstanding on simulcast decode! I will be ordering one too!
BG..
 

DaveIN

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The screen is white and the contrast and backlight are adjustable. I find the display easy to read, however I would like to see a lager font for the TGID and UID when displayed.
 

compubandit

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I have updated the Wi-Fi Dongle and am connected to my home Wi-Fi... now what? I'm not seeing where this is good for anything until they release the app?!?! Is that right?
 

signal500

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Read/perform the following as soon as you get your new scanner.

BCD536HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

Previous discussion is at http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/278121-bcd536hp-discussion-thread.html.

Discuss actual performance results, below.

For the past few hours I have been listening to my BCD536HP side-by-side with my BCD996XT through the same antenna (Comet DS-150S) via a Stridsberg MCA208M multicoupler. On strictly a performance basis with analog and P25 NFM signals, it has been somewhat of a close contest. Neither radio hears something that the other doesn't. The BCD536HP has the better audio readability / quality on P25 Phase 1 trunked and conventional. Both radios are connected to external speakers, the Uniden Bearcat BC20. This is true on frequencies between 136 - 465 MHz, on both strong and weak signals. My location is rural, near Pensacola, FL.

I had expected, based upon the BCD536HP having the newest technology, that this might not be a close contest. The BCD536HP does perform better on weak signals. With no indication (bars) on the signal strength meter, I'm able to hear the weak transmission better than on the BCD996XT. The receiver sensitivity seems better on the BCD536HP.

The BCD536HP's pros are: very sensitive RX with no front end overload, excellent audio, APCO Phase 1 and 2, Zip Code programming, WiFi remote access, and location based scanning, just to name a few.

Another 'Home Run' Uniden for your professional series 'Flagship' radio scanner. I'm very happy with my purchase and I would recommend this radio to anyone who is looking for the best!
 

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DaveIN

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I do not seem to be able to access this since I am only a registered member (not an administrator?).

OR was this not meant for us?

Let's try this. Here is his picture:

47632_10151916645096235_1204711367_n.jpg
 

teknishun

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I got my 536HP today. I put in my zip code and using the entire database the scanner finds lots of stuff in my area. I would be a lot happier if I could find a LINK TO the operating manual for the Sentinel software. I am looking for "how to use" the software. Every link I have tried thus far is either how to DL the ZIP file or how to install Sentinel or gab about the app. I have yet to find ANY information that tells you how to use Sentinel after it is downloaded and installed. This is for the BCD536HP and not the Home-Patrol-1.
 

teknishun

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Alpha Tags vs Description
I have discovered the BCD536HP does not use the RR alpha tags on the display. Instead it uses the Description field. You cannot distinguish whether you are listening to "Texas Wide Area Radio Network" or to "Texas Wide Area Radio Network P25." Both get chopped down to "Texas Wide Area Radio Netw..."

Perhaps RR database could put the P25 closer to the front of the line, like maybe as the first 3 characters of the name?
 

teknishun

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On the 536HP where is this so-called "Alert LED" that can change to one of 7 different colors? (As explained in the Owner's Manual page 5 at the bottom under Main Features). There is no LED that I can see in the front of the 536HP. Do they really mean LCD (the display itself) instead of LED?
 

teknishun

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Ease of use - I am still a newbie to the 996XT but I can already tell that the BCD536HP is so much easier to use than the 996XT! I had it up and talking within 5 minutes. Simulcast distortion is a bit better but still not perfect. I guess it all depends on your location and the antenna that you are using.

If someone is looking to buy a new scanner I would suggest forget about the 996XT and go for the 536HP instead.
 

kd8ati

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I got my 536HP today. I put in my zip code and using the entire database the scanner finds lots of stuff in my area. I would be a lot happier if I could find a LINK TO the operating manual for the Sentinel software. I am looking for "how to use" the software. Every link I have tried thus far is either how to DL the ZIP file or how to install Sentinel or gab about the app. I have yet to find ANY information that tells you how to use Sentinel after it is downloaded and installed. This is for the BCD536HP and not the Home-Patrol-1.

I myself am coming from the GRE world and stepping into the Uniden digital trunking world for the first time. I found this link to be very useful. Thanks UPman!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECOUceSdVCo
 

teknishun

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Instructions How To Use Sentinel

I myself am coming from the GRE world and stepping into the Uniden digital trunking world for the first time. I found this link to be very useful. Thanks UPman!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECOUceSdVCo

Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted.
That's much better than any printed manual.
This has answered all my questions (for now!).
 

NHdave

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On the 536HP where is this so-called "Alert LED" that can change to one of 7 different colors? (As explained in the Owner's Manual page 5 at the bottom under Main Features). There is no LED that I can see in the front of the 536HP. Do they really mean LCD (the display itself) instead of LED?

It's the clear ring around the Function knob on the left http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B80eAeisjHU
 
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