Does anyone prefer the 996P2 over the 536HP? I know the differences regarding simulcast and the database capabilities of the HP series. I don’t travel so that’s not an issue. I have a 436 and am considering switching to a 996P2 base model primarily because of the screen. I’m just wondering if there are any here that prefer the 996 to the to the higher models for any reason.
Fans of 996P2 vs Higher Models
- Thread starter rs16
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BC_Scan
Member
I have both two different animals IMHO , 996P2 is classic layout like a BCT15,
536 opened a new world due to a variety of features mainly smaller display and big plus SENTINEL programming included NO EXTRA COST
my lists on 436/536 keep growing as I travel more Canada/US definitely big plus for me !
I dunno about higher models ?? do you mean a 200 , that is also a different animal best suited to bigger display more information and most notably works best on trunked radio system that have multipath /cast distortion on the latter two models
536 opened a new world due to a variety of features mainly smaller display and big plus SENTINEL programming included NO EXTRA COST
my lists on 436/536 keep growing as I travel more Canada/US definitely big plus for me !
I dunno about higher models ?? do you mean a 200 , that is also a different animal best suited to bigger display more information and most notably works best on trunked radio system that have multipath /cast distortion on the latter two models
tvengr
Well Known Member
Personally, I love the ease of operation with the BCD996P2. Systems, sites, and groups are so much easier to select using quick keys with far fewer button presses than with the BCDx36HP and SDS100/200 scanners. If only, Uniden would make a BCD996P2 which handles simulcast. I would grab up several in an instant. I program scanners for firefighters in my area. Unfortunately, all of the local systems use simulcast sites. The present BCD996P2 has plenty of resources for firefighters who only need their local county and surrounding counties for mutual aid. They don't need or want to pay for all of the bells and whistles on the higher end scanners. They just want a reliable scanner which is easy to operate.
A minor reason is the BCD996P2 starts scanning right away. With the BCD 536HP, you have to wait for the splash screen then the database or favorite lists to load. A bigger reason is you can color code your Service types on the 996 (red for fire, blue for police etc.. You can't do that on the 536. You get three options: low, medium or high brightness of white.
I've had the 996P2 for several years. My neighbor got a 536HP and brought it to me to program. Maybe it's because I have years of experience with the 996P2, but I didn't like the programming and operation of 536HP at all. Just turning it on and having to wait so long before it starts scanning bugged me.
jtwalker
Member
Don’t turn it off, problem solved.
I have the portable version of the 996p2, the 325p2. I also have the 436hp, the portable version of the 536hp as you know, and here’s my take on both radios:
- I consider my 325p2 as my local/regional radio, the one I use the most out and about, in my region (let’s say “my county”), with main systems imported from radio reference, and with my own discovered frequencies not in radio reference database.
- I consider my 436hp as my travel radio: lots of useful features for when travelling in little known areas / regions. The zip code feature along with Services selection, makes for a pleasing no fuss listening experience.
So…. I guess it is fair to say that considering your intended use (fixed base station, in a local/regional environment), the 996p2 would fit the bill perfectly.
And if you need to travel, your 436hp will do the job no problem.
The only thing to consider is if you have multicast in your area: you could have difficulty with those systems. But I assume that you already have no problem with the 436, so again yes, the 996p2 seem to fit the bill.
- I consider my 325p2 as my local/regional radio, the one I use the most out and about, in my region (let’s say “my county”), with main systems imported from radio reference, and with my own discovered frequencies not in radio reference database.
- I consider my 436hp as my travel radio: lots of useful features for when travelling in little known areas / regions. The zip code feature along with Services selection, makes for a pleasing no fuss listening experience.
So…. I guess it is fair to say that considering your intended use (fixed base station, in a local/regional environment), the 996p2 would fit the bill perfectly.
And if you need to travel, your 436hp will do the job no problem.
The only thing to consider is if you have multicast in your area: you could have difficulty with those systems. But I assume that you already have no problem with the 436, so again yes, the 996p2 seem to fit the bill.
I prefer the 996P2 over the 536 for some applications that are important for me, maybe not for you.
A) It works with PRO96Com
B) It has a record jack
Other than that though I prefer the 536 over the 996P2, I found that making Favorites Lists and setting them up for scanning is pretty easy once you get used to it. Since I have a half dozen 536's, a pair of SDS200's as well as a 436 and SDS100 it is easy to make a single set of Favorites Lists and send them to all 10 radios, selecting the lists I want on the particular radio.
A) It works with PRO96Com
B) It has a record jack
Other than that though I prefer the 536 over the 996P2, I found that making Favorites Lists and setting them up for scanning is pretty easy once you get used to it. Since I have a half dozen 536's, a pair of SDS200's as well as a 436 and SDS100 it is easy to make a single set of Favorites Lists and send them to all 10 radios, selecting the lists I want on the particular radio.
BinaryMode
Blondie Once Said To Call Her But Never Answerd
I own both P2 versions. Base and handheld. I like them and I can easily program them by hand or with ProScan. I have never owned an HP and don't intend to either due to my clairvoyance... That goes for the SDS line of scanners. LOL If I ever have a simulcast issue I'll just use a Unication "pager."
Due note I heard the 325P2 handheld suffers in the battery longevity department. This I'm actually not sure because I've never taken my P2 handheld out and about. It just sits here running 24/7.
Due note I heard the 325P2 handheld suffers in the battery longevity department. This I'm actually not sure because I've never taken my P2 handheld out and about. It just sits here running 24/7.
Set scan selection>select lists to monitor> turn off scan full database. Unless you're traveling, it is needless as long as your favorites lists are set up to listen to what you want to hear. Cuts boot time in half and it'll scan faster since there's less to get through so you'll hear more. Also make sure range is set at a realistic mileage if you do scan full database. 20-25 is usually good, otherwise it'll load stuff based 3 states away that you have a snowman's chance in hell of receiving.
Oh it does, even with Eneloop/LADDA batteries expect 5 hours. External battery or wall plug when not traveling is a must
As I have said elsewhere, it depends on use. My daily radio is the 996..ease of use, decent, simple display, it just works. My sds200 is for more complex monitoring tasks when time is not an issue. I would have preferred the 536 because of consistent favorites programming with my 200 but I just did not care for its display or general functioning..one complex radio like the 200(or 100) is enough..I know those with multiple scanners might disagree, but to keep it simple that is the route I have taken. We have no simulcast so this works out with the 996.
This is not counting multiple ham transceivers that I own and use for certain sectors of scanning 😉
This is not counting multiple ham transceivers that I own and use for certain sectors of scanning 😉
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