Kind of torn here between the scanners. One has the zip code programming and I would not have to program it myself or pay for programming. The other does not. Any pros or cons between the scanners and are they compatible?
Thanks
Thanks
Pros are the SD card, Wi-Fi, built in Radioreference Data Base which updates all the time too and full LCD display but this model had reported problems in earlier productions. I cannot justify the price difference between this and the Bearcat BCD-996P2(ask doctordialtone) here. I own the Bearcat BCD-996P2($379.90) and is "PERHAPS" the best base scanner ever made. The 536HP takes about 20 seconds to load up each time on the SD card and is $469.90 now. The next model above it is the SDS-200 which has the best simulcasting and true IQ circuitry but is $699.95 so you be the judge. The BCD-996P2 isn't that hard to program with FreeScan(Bearcaat Warehouse can do it too along with a software update for $70) or look it up on YouTube. Bearcat Warehouse is the BEST place to purchase as it ship free and no sales tax.Kind of torn here between the scanners. One has the zip code programming and I would not have to program it myself or pay for programming. The other does not. Any pros or cons between the scanners and are they compatible?
Thanks
Also, do you have simulcasting out there in PA? I don't think so.
RFSS | Site | Name | County | Freqs | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 (5) | 005 (5) | Wayne | Delaware | 851.2125a | 851.750a | 852.325a | 853.2625c | |||
10 (A) | 010 (A) | East Central Simulcast | Chester | 851.0625c | 851.6125a | 851.8625a | 853.1125a | 856.2375a | 860.2375a | 860.4875a |
30 (1E) | 030 (1E) | West Simulcast | Chester | 769.53125c | 771.19375a | 771.56875a | 771.89375a | 773.49375a | 773.90625a | |
50 (32) | 050 (32) | West Chester Simulcast | Chester | 854.9875c | 855.7375a | 859.2625a | 860.2625a |
Please note that he is in Illinois and doesn't have a clue which scanners will work at your location. It is possible that the 996P2 and 536HP may work, but I don't guarantee it. They are both good scanners. The people in your immediate area will provide better information.Definitely go with the BCD536HP
I own this one and you will not be disappointed
Isn't it just the name that says simulcast? The sites use their own unique frequencies and none are shared. The RR database mentions nothing about it being a simulcast system?Yes, Chester County PA is Simulcast. That is why I suggested to change to the PA forum and get input from other people in your area.
RFSS Site Name County Freqs 5 (5) 005 (5) Wayne Delaware 851.2125a 851.750a 852.325a 853.2625c 10 (A) 010 (A) East Central Simulcast Chester 851.0625c 851.6125a 851.8625a 853.1125a 856.2375a 860.2375a 860.4875a 30 (1E) 030 (1E) West Simulcast Chester 769.53125c 771.19375a 771.56875a 771.89375a 773.49375a 773.90625a 50 (32) 050 (32) West Chester Simulcast Chester 854.9875c 855.7375a 859.2625a 860.2625a
The database says East Central is 11 site simulcast and West is 14 site simulcast.Isn't it just the name that says simulcast?
Isn't it just the name that says simulcast? The sites use their own unique frequencies and none are shared. The RR database mentions nothing about it being a simulcast system?
tvenger, That's a good point but NOT everyone wants to jump into a $699.95 top of the line bells and whistles scanner that's a "HP" model like "hvytrucker" just said above. This is WHY I purchased a Bearcat BCD-996P2 as NO problems in almost every review. Even "drdialtone" on here has mentioned this too. Yea, you guys won't suspend him for behavior like I had been but I tell it like it is! Yes, the BCD-536HP "may" do that a little better. I do NOT like zip code features and the SD card booting up the data every time you turn the SDS-100/SDS-200/436HP/536HP scanners. I would love to see a Bearcat SDS-200 but in this pandemic with so many people out of work, really now(I'm retired), who is going to lay out $699.95 but it would be only from a purchaser that's been into this hobby a long time.The Chester Co radio system uses simulcast sites. You may have a problem with both radios depending on your location in relation to the towers. They may work and they may not. The 536HP handles simulcast slightly better than the 996P2. I would recommend the SDS200 which was designed to receive simulcast systems. I suggest that you click on Report and request that your thread be moved to the Pennsylvania forum. The people in your area can tell you what kind of luck they have with the 996P2 and 536HP.
I want to thank everyone for their opinions. With the HP model are you able to use the Sentinel software to delete or permenetly avoid certain frequencies? Also can you set quick keys using the Sentinel software. You all have been very helpful
For a trunked system, there are two steps to designating a talkgroup as a Priority channel.OK, here's my 2 cents...
First off right now I am using the 436HP and it is working great picking up everything I want in Philadelphia!!!
I also had both old XT models and the newer HP (Home Patrol) models and both have pros and cons. The HP's are good (and easier) for someone who is just starting out because all you have to do is put in your zip code and choose which service types you want to monitor and you are scanning. They also come with the complete database and software if you want to use it instead of the zip code method. They are also great for using the GPS function if you are using it as a mobile nd travelling through multiple zip codes. Downside is that it will monitor all talkgroups withing your zip code and within your choosen servide types.
The older XT & newer P2 models are better for me as I would like to limit what I am monitoring as I like to pick and choose exactly which freqs & talkgroups I monitor. Downside to this is having to subscribe to RR for the database but well worth it in my opinion!
If I had to choose again I would definately choose a P2 model over the HP model ... The deciding factor for me is the way that the newer HP models use favorite lists and they are broken down into Systems, Departments & Channels which I don't like! The P2 models use the old style like the old XT's where there are only Systems and Groups making it a lot easier to enable and disable what I want to listen to.
I am also having problems trying to set up a certain talkgroup as a priority channel. I select a specific talkgroup and set it as a priority then go back and enable priority scan and the first time it tries to scan it gives me an error saying "Priority scan. No channel" But I think that is a subject for a later post...
With the HP model how do you know what frequencies are activated in the scanner?
You don't, at least not directly, unless you either use Sentinel to duplicate what would be loaded based on your selected range, location (by Zip code or actual coordinates), and service types. Or, you can create a Favorites list, in the scanner, based on what database/location/range/ and service types enabled.EDIT - When setting the Zip Code