Compare BC 796 D & PRO 2096

[dereklh]

After my trusty PRO 2004 died I bought a 2006 on eBay. The 2006 has also died (I vow never to purchase radios on eBay again), so I need to purchase a new scanner.
I have a shortlist of two. The Bearcat/Uniden BC 796 D and the Radio Shack PRO 2096.
Is anyone aware of a reliable side by side comparison of these scanners. They both look good and have their strong features but I can't decide and don't want to live with a $500 mistake.

Thanks

 

[loumaag]

Right in this forum, as a sticky, (look at the index) you will find a comparison of the Pro-96 and the BC296D. This is the handheld versions of the two radios you are asking about. There is no radio operational difference between the mobile and the handheld versions. The only difference I am aware of between them are the light options and the power supply.

 

[dereklh]

Thanks Lou, very informative.

I have found the BCD 396T, so now I am wrestling with a shortlist of 3; when will it all end?


Regards.......Derek Helling

 

[LarrySC]

I have BC-796 and PRO-96 and plan to get a 2096 within 30 days. The BC-796 is just a little dorky when it comes to standard functions. Cant turn off bank if its in trunking mode. If you try this it will lock out a bank list for the bank its in. Must go to search to lockout banks or just wait until a regular conv freq is talking and do it then. I've programmed several 2096's already since I have a 2067. I plan to make some changes. I have a 780 mobile that I will replace with 796 because I need digital while mobile and it will sound better than 96 portable. Base will be new 2096 which will be all 800 A/Dig. This will allow better use of the 780 for base. 20 banks base is what I need. I'll sell the 2067. Bottom line. The 2096 is easy to operate and easier to program. I use software for all programming. Good Luck

 

[Voyager]

Thanks Lou, very informative.

I have found the BCD 396T, so now I am wrestling with a shortlist of 3; when will it all end?


Regards.......Derek Helling

When the government makes all scanners illegal or everything goes encrypted. Sad, but quote possible (either one).

Hopefully, it never ends.

Joe M.

 

[loumaag]

...The BC-796 is just a little dorky when it comes to standard functions. Cant turn off bank if its in trunking mode. If you try this it will lock out a bank list for the bank its in. Must go to search to lockout banks or just wait until a regular conv freq is talking and do it then. ...

Not really. You see this becuase you have the radio in "List" display mode while in "ID Scan" mode.

You can toggle it to "Bank" display mode (just like it shows for "ID Search") by pressing the <RVRS> key. Then you can just press a bank button to toggle it off or on. You can press the <RVRS> key at any time to get this to happen while in "ID Scan" mode. On the Pro-96/2096 you have to wait for a conversation to take place, on the TRS you want and then quickly press <FUNC> --> <TRUNK> to get the same result. Seems a but "quirker" to me for the GRE scanners.

 

[CORN]

Well said Lou. I find the 796 easier to program (without a computer, you see i'm old school), and easier to navigate through all the talk group channels. With the 796 or 296 I can manually stop on a talk group and listen (you can do the same with the 96/2096) but here's the kicker: You can also manually go through the talk groups up or down using the VFO knob and listen to the talk groups as you navigate. Without touching any buttons. I can't do that with the GRE models. You can hold on a talk group but if you push the up or down arrow you somehow get the control channel with all the buzzing. The 296/796 acts more like a real scanner in trunk mode. And I can turn banks on and off with no problem. Not to mention my 2096 cuts in and out of comms constantly.

 

[loumaag]

Joe, each of the models (GRE and Uniden) have some advantages, which is why I own both. There is no way I will agree that the 296/796 is easier to program than the 96/2096 though! The menu system on the Uniden is just way too involved. Hand programming a 96 is so much easier. Now, I don't hand program either one, but will occasionally add something or change something by hand on the 96, but I won't do that on the 796, it is just too much trouble, I will use the software everytime (despite the fact that it is slower than a snail crawling uphill.)

 

[CORN]

Same here. I own both models as well and they all serve their purposes well. I guess I am able to follow the menu directions better on the Unidens than the 'Shacks. I am always refering to the manual when I have to add a new system completely. But deciding which one is better is a personal choice. I believe it's a 50/50 split between folks who prefer one or the other.

 

[Voyager]

Same here. I own both models as well and they all serve their purposes well. I guess I am able to follow the menu directions better on the Unidens than the 'Shacks. I am always refering to the manual when I have to add a new system completely. But deciding which one is better is a personal choice. I believe it's a 50/50 split between folks who prefer one or the other.

It sounds like you have a case of unfamiliarity with GRE programming. I've learned both and agree the GRE is much easier to program. Now, remembering certain options (func-X) is not easy, but adding/editing frequencies and TGs is a piece of cake compared with the Uniden method.

I also like the fact that the GREs can't be easily reprogrammed - you have to hit the PGM button before you can reprogram it. With the uniden, a bad keystroke and your channel is accidentally reprogrammed.

Joe M.