ansul1001
#1 Member
I agree 100% with every thing you said the pro668 is not user friendly and lacks a lot of features the 446 has overall the uniden is a better radio will buy another
BCDx36 owners, how as this experience affected your future purchases?
- Thread starter nosoup4u
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I agree 100% with every thing you said the pro668 is not user friendly and lacks a lot of features the 446 has overall the uniden is a better radio will buy another
TomTN
Member
I have been into listening since before radios would even scan. My first actual scanner took crystals. Since then I have owned many Relm, AOR, Icom, GRE and Uniden/Bearcat scanners as well as professional radios.
Currently my 800 trunking radio of choice is the BCD536HP. It is a great radio once you learn how to use it. There are definitely some usability improvements that could be made to the radio but once you learn to navigate the system correctly it works very well. Obviously an engineer designed the menu system.
Where it counts, the 536 is a great radio. The sound, with an external speaker, is very clear. Running side by side with my two PSR-500 radios I have not detected any missed transmissions. I am in an area with a 800 trunked simulcast system. It works pretty well on that system whereas my GRE PSR-500's do not.
Overall, I am happy I purchased the BCD536HP and will remain a Uniden customer.
Currently my 800 trunking radio of choice is the BCD536HP. It is a great radio once you learn how to use it. There are definitely some usability improvements that could be made to the radio but once you learn to navigate the system correctly it works very well. Obviously an engineer designed the menu system.
Where it counts, the 536 is a great radio. The sound, with an external speaker, is very clear. Running side by side with my two PSR-500 radios I have not detected any missed transmissions. I am in an area with a 800 trunked simulcast system. It works pretty well on that system whereas my GRE PSR-500's do not.
Overall, I am happy I purchased the BCD536HP and will remain a Uniden customer.
I have a Uniden 436hp I had bought a couple months ago and actually preform better in most areas then the Whistler WS1080. I picking up stuff pretty far out. Haven't notice deafness on VHF at all with the 436hp.
This last week I put the Whistler WS1080 side by side with same programming to see which one actually preforms better. Even in analog conventional the Uniden pulls in way more and yes try the same test with the pro-668 in the same spot. Never really notice it before as have the scanners set to different systems and departments and usually used the Whistler more thinking it would pickup more in analog conventional and uses 4 AA batteries. Now finding out that not the case. I was pulling in stuff from other nearby states that I couldn't receive on the Whistler even on a good day on the same Diamond antenna. Just seem to miss a lot less traffic and seem faster. In a area scanner is never silent. I do still prefer the case design of the whistler as it doesn't tip over easy.
The whistler is a decent scanner that seems to be reliable for the most part, haven't had no real issues with it unlike the first batches of Uniden scanners, but still lack behind the Uniden 436hp, even in audio. I had to put the Whistler to 29- 30 in volume which is pretty much max in a room with people talking and some background noise, where the Uniden was set to 7-8 and was much louder and clearer and easy to understand.
The issue people are complaining about, including myself, are mostly with the early batches. I had three bad 536hp that had SD issues and could barely pickup local PD, so was pretty deaf, clock would need to be reset after a week, or so, even when never unplugged, or loss of power. Sent those back and the first 436p I bought had issues to. Just waited a few month after that mess and this new one has been great, yes it does have minor bugs like following a p25 patch and ETC, but works well enough for what I need it for
After doing tests considering selling off the Whistler now, as was kind of disappointed. I notice it was also picking up interference from the room and you could hear thumping in the background and yes IF output was set to off, where the Uniden didn't pick up noise and was pretty clear. The Uniden despite the issues I had with the early ones seem to be a better radio. Next time just wait before buying a new model to make sure get a later revision. Even though broke my rule again and just order a Uniden bcd325p2, as look like my 125at, which is a great analog scanner.
This last week I put the Whistler WS1080 side by side with same programming to see which one actually preforms better. Even in analog conventional the Uniden pulls in way more and yes try the same test with the pro-668 in the same spot. Never really notice it before as have the scanners set to different systems and departments and usually used the Whistler more thinking it would pickup more in analog conventional and uses 4 AA batteries. Now finding out that not the case. I was pulling in stuff from other nearby states that I couldn't receive on the Whistler even on a good day on the same Diamond antenna. Just seem to miss a lot less traffic and seem faster. In a area scanner is never silent. I do still prefer the case design of the whistler as it doesn't tip over easy.
The whistler is a decent scanner that seems to be reliable for the most part, haven't had no real issues with it unlike the first batches of Uniden scanners, but still lack behind the Uniden 436hp, even in audio. I had to put the Whistler to 29- 30 in volume which is pretty much max in a room with people talking and some background noise, where the Uniden was set to 7-8 and was much louder and clearer and easy to understand.
The issue people are complaining about, including myself, are mostly with the early batches. I had three bad 536hp that had SD issues and could barely pickup local PD, so was pretty deaf, clock would need to be reset after a week, or so, even when never unplugged, or loss of power. Sent those back and the first 436p I bought had issues to. Just waited a few month after that mess and this new one has been great, yes it does have minor bugs like following a p25 patch and ETC, but works well enough for what I need it for
After doing tests considering selling off the Whistler now, as was kind of disappointed. I notice it was also picking up interference from the room and you could hear thumping in the background and yes IF output was set to off, where the Uniden didn't pick up noise and was pretty clear. The Uniden despite the issues I had with the early ones seem to be a better radio. Next time just wait before buying a new model to make sure get a later revision. Even though broke my rule again and just order a Uniden bcd325p2, as look like my 125at, which is a great analog scanner.
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I'm quite pleased with my 325P2. Does very well on P25 Phase 1 and EDACS. Has everything the 396XT had except the backlight colors, 'Adjust Audio AGC', backlit keypad, 1240-1300Mhz, and has a new mini-USB serial port. Still that nice small size (at the bottom). A bigger display, like the BC125AT, puts a funny bulge in it at the top.
The MENU and FUNC buttons are on the front making it faster to navigate. X2/Phase 2, on-board memory, no blue; just orange (more like tangerine) backlight. Uniden handhelds have never had recording (until SD-card), and the backlight timeout is still a problem.
The 996P2 does have recording your way, sort of, then you need another cable and some place to put the audio. Has the famous backlight colors, knobs on the correct side, along with everything else the XT had, and also follows P25 Phase 1 very well. Haven't tested Phase 2 yet.
Not a bad radio for $375 (at The Hamstation).
668 vs 436
A child could program a Pro-668 or the 436hp.You put the zip code in,whats so hard?. I have both and think the Pro-668 scans better,the 436HP does alot better at Phase 2 decode though because the Pro-668 firmware was only a BETA version....... Even if I put all my channels as priority,the 668 gets there faster,the home patrol scanners just scan terribly slow!Both scanners pick up noise from TV's and routers..... Would I buy another Uniden?If they can make em scan faster again.....Like to see a 996P2 in person,but I hear the Phase 2 decode is squirrely(probably same chip as in the 436hp)The NJPSIC system is very hard to get the control and voice channels perfect everytime,my 436 works better some days and not on others.One day it will stop another day it wont. I say Uniden has Phase 1 P25 as a science.I also agree with the above the backlight and LED functions need extension!Hopefully they can DSP or clear up that muddy P25 Phase 2 audio somehow,high or low pass filter maybe?we're rootin for ya! Maybe next batch of new scanners.....
A child could program a Pro-668 or the 436hp.You put the zip code in,whats so hard?. I have both and think the Pro-668 scans better,the 436HP does alot better at Phase 2 decode though because the Pro-668 firmware was only a BETA version....... Even if I put all my channels as priority,the 668 gets there faster,the home patrol scanners just scan terribly slow!Both scanners pick up noise from TV's and routers..... Would I buy another Uniden?If they can make em scan faster again.....Like to see a 996P2 in person,but I hear the Phase 2 decode is squirrely(probably same chip as in the 436hp)The NJPSIC system is very hard to get the control and voice channels perfect everytime,my 436 works better some days and not on others.One day it will stop another day it wont. I say Uniden has Phase 1 P25 as a science.I also agree with the above the backlight and LED functions need extension!Hopefully they can DSP or clear up that muddy P25 Phase 2 audio somehow,high or low pass filter maybe?we're rootin for ya! Maybe next batch of new scanners.....
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Biggest cause for slow scanning on the Uniden models is having the HOLD TIME set to anything more than 0 seconds. If you have it set to 2, for example, you are telling the scanner to not scan anything else for those 2 seconds. A setting of 0 will scan everything once then move on to the next system - the way scanners have always worked in the past.
troymail
Silent Key
Even with 0 second hold, it's still slow. In fact, there are times that, for unknown reasons, I see the radio acting like it's stuck on a system or site for no apparent reason. My only guess is that the radio has detected something and it is 'trying" to decode it but it never reaches a level that allows it to open up and talk.
I think part of the reason it seems to be slow sometimes is because it picks up some distant activity. But because it is having such difficulty decoding it, you don't hear anything. Sometimes you "see" the radio stop on something but hear nothing.
It would probably work better and at least seem to scan faster if it would filter out some of this weak, distant activity. But even if they wanting to, Uniden couldn't change that now because then people would complain the reception of some of this distant activity would appear to have gotten worse or disappeared.... At least with my GRE/Whistler radios, I either get the system/signals or I don't - not hit and miss.
Would I buy another Uniden scanner? In a heartbeat. I currently own a 15x, 2 996xt's, 2 536's, a RS 652. Along with Pro-18 and 668's, a 396xt, 2 Pro-651's and a 436hp. Looking forward to the 1095, and am going to pull the trigger on the P2 series shortly. I gave my 1080 to my brother in law in the hope it gets him interested, and bought several 651 and 652's during the RS blowout to give to others who were interested, but never would have pulled the trigger.
I certainly feel for those who have experienced issues, but I have not had any problems with any of my Unidens. All came from the same vendor (Amazon) and all have performed as I expected them to. I could care less about WiFi connectivity, but would love to see Ethernet.
I will say I prefer the iScan/EZScan software only due to the way it handles DB updates, and lets me CHOOSE to overwrite my custom tags with the (occasionally ridiculous) RR provided tags or not. Otherwise the provided software works for me just fine for my Uniden and RS scanners. ProScan for Unidens, and WInXX for my RS models. Once I find what I like, I tend to stick with it
I always chuckle when I read posts like "I didn't buy this scanner because of all the problems" or the recent "The Pro-668 is a PROFESSIONAL BUILT SCANNER!!!!!!! BESTEST GREATEST EVER!!!!!!" Only because, people with agendas or an axe to grind because they are having a tantrum, will post whatever they want to, without regard to facts.
But, I drive both a Ford and a Chevy, have Mac and Windows computers along with IOS and Android devices I use daily. So I tend to avoid the religious wars that eventually break out over technology. The best (scanner/computer/car/religion/phone) is the one that works best for YOU. That doesn't mean it's the best one for me.
I certainly feel for those who have experienced issues, but I have not had any problems with any of my Unidens. All came from the same vendor (Amazon) and all have performed as I expected them to. I could care less about WiFi connectivity, but would love to see Ethernet.
I will say I prefer the iScan/EZScan software only due to the way it handles DB updates, and lets me CHOOSE to overwrite my custom tags with the (occasionally ridiculous) RR provided tags or not. Otherwise the provided software works for me just fine for my Uniden and RS scanners. ProScan for Unidens, and WInXX for my RS models. Once I find what I like, I tend to stick with it
I always chuckle when I read posts like "I didn't buy this scanner because of all the problems" or the recent "The Pro-668 is a PROFESSIONAL BUILT SCANNER!!!!!!! BESTEST GREATEST EVER!!!!!!" Only because, people with agendas or an axe to grind because they are having a tantrum, will post whatever they want to, without regard to facts.
But, I drive both a Ford and a Chevy, have Mac and Windows computers along with IOS and Android devices I use daily. So I tend to avoid the religious wars that eventually break out over technology. The best (scanner/computer/car/religion/phone) is the one that works best for YOU. That doesn't mean it's the best one for me.
LOL
I wonder how many of those people actually even tried a x36 Uniden scanner? For the current clearance price, the RadioShack Pro-668 scanner is decent and will get the job done for some. For the price why not buy a few even? You can always resell them later, or have one as a spare, just in case one breaks, or use them for feeds. Even taken in to consideration the x36 series issues with early batches and bugs, don't think I would go as far and state that the Pro-668 a professional built quality scanner by any means, or better then the Uniden x36 series of scanners.
There is no prefect radio/scanner, all have their pros and cons and one will work better in one area while another won't do so well.
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I would like to say I'd never buy Uniden again, but I'm quite partial to them and I have a $1700 investment in 2 536's and 1 436. It looks like I'm going to have to get a 996P2 for my car because the 536 in my car won't hold a charge on that damn clock battery for 2 hours now :-(
Mike
Mike
I'm certainly in a wait and see mode now. My 536's display is dimming, has clock issues and can't be used in my car the way I'd like. Specifically unless I'm getting out of the car for more than an hour I don't normally turn my scanner off. Problem is when I start my car back up the voltage drops enough that the 536 restarts. Not only do I risk corrupting the SD card but I have to deal with the clock issue (which from what I understand the firmware won't satisfactorily resolve). No 996T or XT has ever restarted due to a voltage drop.
On the other hand I do like the 536's digital decode. I'm toying with buying a handheld to use on duty to better monitor the adjacent agencies.
Initially I was going to get a 436, but it has an asinine charging/powering system, and the same clock and display issues already discussed. Since I have no use for the recording feature that just sucks battery life and chews up SD cards unnecessarily. The 325P2 sounded promising, until I read that it's built on a chassis that only takes 2 AA batteries that give a typical service life of just four, yes four hours. When the agency-issued Motorola APX 6000 gives well over twelve hours on a charge, including some transmitting, the idea of carrying a handheld receiver that needs two diaper changes a shift is a no go.
So my discretionary scanner money went back into my pocket and I'm going to wait to see what folks think of the next Whistler handheld.
On the other hand I do like the 536's digital decode. I'm toying with buying a handheld to use on duty to better monitor the adjacent agencies.
Initially I was going to get a 436, but it has an asinine charging/powering system, and the same clock and display issues already discussed. Since I have no use for the recording feature that just sucks battery life and chews up SD cards unnecessarily. The 325P2 sounded promising, until I read that it's built on a chassis that only takes 2 AA batteries that give a typical service life of just four, yes four hours. When the agency-issued Motorola APX 6000 gives well over twelve hours on a charge, including some transmitting, the idea of carrying a handheld receiver that needs two diaper changes a shift is a no go.
So my discretionary scanner money went back into my pocket and I'm going to wait to see what folks think of the next Whistler handheld.
Because I'm in the market for a portable not a mobile. My current mobile rig is a 996T and it works flawlessly where I am. With nothing running Phase 2 there's no compelling reason to upgrade at this point.
The department tends to frown on installing equipment in its vehicles, plus I want something I can take on foot or bicycle with me.
JoeyC
Senior Member
The 996P2 is not a handheld.
Love the x36HP scanners
I purchased a 536HP just over a year ago, and have not looked back since. The new digital experience has been an eye opener, for me, for the better. It took a bit of adjustment to get use to the digital sound, but now I'm quite pleased with the clarity, and the 536's prrformance. In fact, the old analog scanners were replaced with three 536's and one 436.
Another plus, It's really easy to design and program your Favorites Lists, to optimize the listening pleasure.
With the digital scanners, I am truly a believer that location in the home is essential for optimum performance.
Uniden scanners? I wouldn't change them for any other scanner!
I purchased a 536HP just over a year ago, and have not looked back since. The new digital experience has been an eye opener, for me, for the better. It took a bit of adjustment to get use to the digital sound, but now I'm quite pleased with the clarity, and the 536's prrformance. In fact, the old analog scanners were replaced with three 536's and one 436.
Another plus, It's really easy to design and program your Favorites Lists, to optimize the listening pleasure.
With the digital scanners, I am truly a believer that location in the home is essential for optimum performance.
Uniden scanners? I wouldn't change them for any other scanner!
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None of these scanners are perfect. Some are just less perfect than others, depending on who you talk with, what they monitor, and their location. My favorites are still the 436HP and 536HP but have had the RTC issue on one, and bad dimming on two, 536HPs (have 3; two here and 1 set up at daughter's in Phoenix).
I have the exact same experience as retropcdos with my 1080 vs 436HP. I've compared them closely here in Los Angeles, in Phoenix, and several times when I go to Vegas. 436HP wins out. The most sensitive of the bunch actually is the 536HP. P25 decode varies, but x36HPs probably overall the best for me.
Bought the new 996P2 and 325P2. They actually are very sensitive and have good P25 decode, but I have gotten used to the bells and whistles on the x36HPs. Even the HP2 does quite good on some P25. And if you don't want to be changing diapers, be a bit careful with the 325P2, mine goes about 3 to 3.5 hours her in non-stop radio traffic Los Angeles. But it is quite sensitive, and a decent scanner.
Oh, yes, the original question. Has this all changed whether I would buy from Uniden? Well obviously not. I just bought two new scanners. Let's face it, we all don't have a lot of choices of manufacturers chomping at the bit to sell us scanners. I will leave the professional Motorola radios to others who can get them readily programmed.
Well, back to EZ-scan, to try and like the WS-1080 a bit more. Why, because I just pre-ordered a 1095. Isn't scanning fun!!!. I actually think so, and have been in ham radio/scanning since 1962.
I have the exact same experience as retropcdos with my 1080 vs 436HP. I've compared them closely here in Los Angeles, in Phoenix, and several times when I go to Vegas. 436HP wins out. The most sensitive of the bunch actually is the 536HP. P25 decode varies, but x36HPs probably overall the best for me.
Bought the new 996P2 and 325P2. They actually are very sensitive and have good P25 decode, but I have gotten used to the bells and whistles on the x36HPs. Even the HP2 does quite good on some P25. And if you don't want to be changing diapers, be a bit careful with the 325P2, mine goes about 3 to 3.5 hours her in non-stop radio traffic Los Angeles. But it is quite sensitive, and a decent scanner.
Oh, yes, the original question. Has this all changed whether I would buy from Uniden? Well obviously not. I just bought two new scanners. Let's face it, we all don't have a lot of choices of manufacturers chomping at the bit to sell us scanners. I will leave the professional Motorola radios to others who can get them readily programmed.
Well, back to EZ-scan, to try and like the WS-1080 a bit more. Why, because I just pre-ordered a 1095. Isn't scanning fun!!!. I actually think so, and have been in ham radio/scanning since 1962.
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I like reading your reviews Steve, I read them before I received my 996P2 and now after. I must agree with the 996P2 decode. It has a great sound. Nice that you get to test the various scanners "in the field" in various locations that would have interesting monitoring.
Looking forward to more of your observations.
Looking forward to more of your observations.
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