BCD536HP vs BCD996P2 vs SDS200 which for my specific application?

[videobruce]

Ubbe;
What's so internally (components) different between a SDS vs BCD model?

" As to audio recording; I'm intrigued by that, don't all of these have that ability past the default last 4 minutes? "
Would someone clear that up since it isn't clear between the 3 models. I'm looking for internal, continuous recording capability (not thru the rec. out jack).

 

[mikewazowski]

If I can throw in my two cents, if you don't plan on travelling and can handle programming a scanner with a 3rd party app such as ProScan, then jump on the 996P2 and add in the DMR and NXDN upgrades. Great scanner for a base station but requires a bit more setup if you plan on taking it places and using the GPS option. I've got a couple that I use as base stations at a few locations and they work great.

If you travel a lot and take your scanner with you, then I'd consider the 536HP. With the builtin database and an external GPS, you're all set. I've got one in my work vehicle as I travel a lot and having the built in database and external GPS helps get me scanning the local stuff fairly quickly.

Used to love listening to Buffalo Fire on 154.190MHz.

 

[videobruce]

No traveling. The Pro 43 fits the bill ok around town.

 

[RandyKuff]

Cant speak for the 996...
But the 536 and 200 has a "Replay" feature... Temporary recording and storage on the SD card...
And a full blown "Recording" feature, all transmissions stored on the SD card till you delete them...

 

[mikewazowski]

No traveling. The Pro 43 fits the bill ok around town.

Then I'd check out the 996P2 or if money permits, the 536HP.

 

[RandyKuff]

Then I'd check out the 996P2 or if money permits, the 536HP.

But acording to his post above (#21) he is looking for internal to the radio recording,,,
That rules out the 996...

 

[buddrousa]

For the what it is worth I like the $50 PROSCAN SOFTWARE option you get programming and recording and not run the risk of the SD Card constant reading writing problems.

 

[iMONITOR]

For the what it is worth I like the $50 PROSCAN SOFTWARE option you get programming and recording and not run the risk of the SD Card constant reading writing problems.

Excellent point!

 

[videobruce]

What exactly is the deal with internal audio recording? Don't all 3 have the 240sec/4 minute playback capability at least? The specs in the manuals for each are organized poorly, no consistent order.

The 996 is the only one that has a audio out jack and doesn't have continuous recording capability?
This optional s/w, then you have to have the scanner connected to a PC for recording audio? If so, that's out of the question.

AFA price, that hasn't been any issue with these 3. I like the SDS apparent larger size thou there aren't any specs in that manual.

 

[videobruce]

Not to get OT, I understand the deal with the SD memory holding the whole ball game (so to speak) with the memory of the radio, but for audio recording purposes, can a 2nd card be substituted for holding audio recordings?

Also, backing up the original SD card w/ a 2nd, using a PC to copy isn't a problem, correct? I've read of problems with these cards going south.

 

[Ubbe]

Ubbe;What's so internally (components) different between a SDS vs BCD model?

The BCD and XT models use receivers that more or less use the same technology since 20-30 years back that have no major flaws and work well.

SDS scanners replaced the whole receiver and IF with a digital chip that are the same used in many satellite boxes that are designed to receive wideband signals at a strong signal level from a dish's LNB. Uniden placed a preamplifier in the scanner to raise the signal level to a normal scanners but the chip are sensitive to overload and also intermod when used in an enviroment that has a lot of different transmitter signals.

/Ubbe

 

[buddrousa]

Constant use of SD Cards cause them to fail. NO THE 996 family does not have a SD Card.

 

[videobruce]

Ubbe;
Now, you are talking my language regarding the SDS200. Sounds as some major poor decision making on both of those counts AFAIC. The preamp makes up for the poorer sensitivity of the misfit satellite receiver front end?
That puts a major negative on that model which is too bad since I do like the larger size which is a big plus.

buddrousa;
I didn't realize the 996 didn't have a SD card, I assumed that all 3 did. Other than cost, why did they drop that, then bring it back again w/ the 200??

I pretty much removed the 536 in this short list.

 

[videobruce]

Programming in the 536 & the 200 I'm assuming are similar since they both have memory cards?

 

[hiegtx]

Ubbe;
Now, you are talking my language regarding the SDS200. Sounds as some major poor decision making on both of those counts AFAIC. The preamp makes up for the poorer sensitivity of the misfit satellite receiver front end?
That puts a major negative on that model which is too bad since I do like the larger size which is a big plus.

buddrousa;
I didn't realize the 996 didn't have a SD card, I assumed that all 3 did. Other than cost, why did they drop that, then bring it back again w/ the 200??

I pretty much removed the 536 in this short list.

The 996P2 is not a "Home Patrol" series scanner, so it does not have the full database available in the unit itself. The Uniden models that do have the database, as this also the memory card, are all considered part of the Home Patrol series: HP-1; HP-2; BCD436HP;l BCD536HP; SDS100; and SDS200.

While the SDS series scanners, in some instances, might be more susceptible to interference from other strong signals, I have not found that to be a problem, even in my local areas where there is a heavy concentration radio repeaters. The filters are also available to mitigate conflicting transmissions.

Programming in the 536 & the 200 I'm assuming are similar since they both have memory cards?

Basic programming between these models is essentially the same. The most obvious difference (other than what you choose to show on the display) is that with the SDS scanners, you can add the NAC code used for sites on trunked systems. That can help prevent issues when the same frequencies are used on more than one system, and you happen to be where both are in range.

 

[Ubbe]

Sounds as some major poor decision making on both of those counts AFAIC.

Uniden should have kept the receiver design from the 536 and only replaced the last IF with the SDR chip. It would then have been a better receiver than the 536 as it would have had both I/Q output for handling simulcast systems and programmable bandwidth for the demodulator filters. But Uniden replaced the whole receiver with a chip with high internal noise and bad signal handling, probably to save production cost and recoup some of the profit loss they had with previous scanners extensive firmware upgrade/bug fixes program.

You can see what happens in the SDS receiver when feed with a single -60dBm signal, and I can only imagine what will happen when feed with multiple signals at moderate levels. Link to receiver test Most of that are masked when receiving in digital mode or analog with subtones, but will still interfere just as much and will create mysterious phenomena like conversations gets cut off or not locking to control channels.

/Ubbe

 

[MStep]

Uniden should have kept the receiver design from the 536 and only replaced the last IF with the SDR chip. It would then have been a better receiver than the 536 as it would have had both I/Q output for handling simulcast systems and programmable bandwidth for the demodulator filters. But Uniden replaced the whole receiver with a chip with high internal noise and bad signal handling, probably to save production cost and recoup some of the profit loss they had with previous scanners extensive firmware upgrade/bug fixes program.

You can see what happens in the SDS receiver when feed with a single -60dBm signal, and I can only imagine what will happen when feed with multiple signals at moderate levels. Link to receiver test Most of that are masked when receiving in digital mode or analog with subtones, but will still interfere just as much and will create mysterious phenomena like conversations gets cut off or not locking to control channels.

/Ubbe

Exactly why I would not sell my 436 and 536 units. Here, in the middle of New York City, they tend to outperform the SDS radios in certain ways. And the reason why the 436/536 have maintained their high retail and resale value.

Ubbe, were you one of the guys that attributed a statement to Paul Opitz that one should not select the SDS series unless simulcast was the primary issue that one is attempting to deal with? I read that post somewhere here--- I just can't seem to find it again.

 

[buddrousa]

I am sorry you are jumping to conclusions from some that may not even own a SDS scanner as I own 3 the receiver is far more sensitive than the 536 in VHF ANALOG and DIGITAL BOTH. I have over 20 Uniden Scanners all sharing the same antenna with no signal loss so I am not guessing I am stating real world use.

 

[MStep]

I am sorry you are jumping to conclusions from some that may not even own a SDS scanner as I own 3 the receiver is far more sensitive than the 536 in VHF ANALOG and DIGITAL BOTH. I have over 20 Uniden Scanners all sharing the same antenna with no signal loss so I am not guessing I am stating real world use.

I am not sure what post you were replying to. If it was my post that I would never sell my 536, yes I do have several SDS200's along with several other radios. Simply by switching first the 200, then the 536 to the same antenna within minutes of each test, and having repeated the test several times, my experience is that the 536 has better sensitivity and selectivity then my 200. Maybe I got a bum 200, who knows? It seems to work fine in all other respects, and it comes close to the 536, but it's just a point or two below the 536 in performance. As they always say, YMMV (Your mileage may vary.)

And wow, you have 20 Uniden Scanners all sharing the same antenna with no signal loss? That's amazing. If Guinness World records had a catagory, I think you might make the record. I've never heard of so many radios on one antenna--- not that I have any doubt. Maybe you could share information about what splitters you are using and how you have them set up.

 

[buddrousa]

Its called Stridsbergs 1 1 in 4 out feeding 3 1 in 8 outs I have Pictures if you care to look
The Correct Current Scanner List all in use.
785D 1
BC15 2
BC15X 2
996p2 10
536 7
SDS200 1
325p2 2
436 2
SDS100 2
TRX-2 1
TRX-1 1
RS-pro18
RS-pro668
RS-pro197