BCD536HP vs SDS 200

[snowboarder3185]

Hi. Here is my situation. I dont know which scanner to choose. The two areas I want to monitor are in Oregon which is Clackamas County and Portland Police also lifeflight when activated. Of those two scanners which would be more beneficial?

Thank you!!

 

[buddrousa]

I do not see anything listed that says you have to go with the SDS200 the BCD536HP should work just fine for you I see NXDN and DMR listed in your area so you may want to buy those for the scanner you chose. There are a lot of Phase 2 listings with a few ENCRYPTED Talkgroups anyway so unless you want to spend the extra money for the SDS200 the BCD536HP will do a good job for you.

 

[ofd8001]

It looks like they might be using simulcast in Portland. 536's can be touchy on simulcast systems. Some places its real good, others not so good. So an SDS 200 might be worth considering.

 

[snowboarder3185]

Also which is a good antenna to get?

 

[chief21]

Also which is a good antenna to get?

I would suggest waiting on any antenna upgrade. Use the one provided with the scanner to see if it will receive the agencies of interest. For scanning in general, your best bet is an outside antenna, as high as you can practically get it. But in some cases - especially P25 systems that employ simulcast - a better antenna can actually make simulcast reception worse. Go ahead and learn the new radio and you can then adjust your antenna situation as circumstances require.

 

[Bob1955]

Hi. Here is my situation. I dont know which scanner to choose. The two areas I want to monitor are in Oregon which is Clackamas County and Portland Police also lifeflight when activated. Of those two scanners which would be more beneficial?

Thank you!!

Hi snowboarder, I would go with the Bearcat BCD-536HP as too many defects with the SDS-200. The first base scanner has been on the market since 2014. Hope this helps you.

 

[Ncfirewire]

my sds 200 blows away my bcd536 on p25 simulcast i am hearing things on neighboring counties that my 536 never once picked up