BCD436HP/BCD536HP: First Impression

[Dgreen70]

This is the scanner I decided on. It was easy to put in my zip code and start listening. It seems more capable and has more features than I will ever need. I like the size of it. It feels like it is somewhat cheaply built. The knob on the top doesn't feel real durable. It is a little loose and wobbly. I was disappointed to find out that the scanner can't be charged while listening to it and the batteries don't last as long as I had hoped they would. I was considering the SD100, but the BCD436HP had as good or better reviews I thought.

 

[bearcatrp]

Am on my second 436. Works great for me. Want extended battery life? read this thread.

BCD436HP/BCD536HP: - External Battery pack

Anyone ever use an external battery pack for longer scanning? Something like the link below. https://www.amazon.com/Aibocn-External-Battery-Flashlight-Smartphones/dp/B00VWV8LD4

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Dgreen70]

I was just reading that.

I probably misunderstood the instructions in the manual. It said it wouldn't charge the batteries while you were listening to it. Does that mean it can be powered from an external battery while listening to it, but it won't charge the radio batteries?

 

[bearcatrp]

When I hook up the external battery, make sure no batteries are installed in radio. Works awesome. AA batteries are not cheap. will never go back. Just need to find a case that will hold both. BTW, if you go this route, buy 2 batteries. Takes awhile to charge them up. Mine was like 23 bucks shipped.

 

[Dgreen70]

I’ll give it a try, thanks. I have battery pack somewhere.

 

[MStep]

This is the scanner I decided on. It was easy to put in my zip code and start listening. It seems more capable and has more features than I will ever need. I like the size of it. It feels like it is somewhat cheaply built. The knob on the top doesn't feel real durable. It is a little loose and wobbly. I was disappointed to find out that the scanner can't be charged while listening to it and the batteries don't last as long as I had hoped they would. I was considering the SD100, but the BCD436HP had as good or better reviews I thought.

The 436 is a good solid performer. Some prefer it to the SDS series. But if you just got it and are in the process of evaluating it, I would not get more that one (if any) of the digital voice options until you are posivite you are are going to keep the radio. They are not refundable and non-transferable.