Future Scanner Feature Request

[DesertRatt]

I would like to see a multiprocessor successor to the 396XT/996XT. It is annoying when normal scanning operations are interrupted to check for priority traffic. A second processor could be used for Fire tone-outs, frequency/talkgroup, WX SAME Alerts, Close-call, and other priority checks without disrupting normal scanner traffic. The next generation of scanners need to be more flexible, smarter, and faster (not necessarily smaller). Some will say that another processor will make the scanner too expensive. That may have been true in the past, but isn't necessarily true today. I think its something Uniden should consider. Perhaps when they get done playing house with Home Patrol, they could begin to get serious about the next game changer. For me its not about price, its about speed and feature sets. Just a thought. Not necessarily expecting everyone to agree. I just hope Uniden (upman) is listening.

 

[kruser]

It's not so much the processor as it is the RF sections of the radio. You would need two (or more) rf sections to accomplish what you are wishing.

 

[dragon_slayer79]

Hey DesertRatt!

I for one COMPLETELY agree with you!!! That's one thing that I hate and just drives me nuts is how the thing has to cut out for the checks. So much so that I avoid using priority as much as I possibly can. I mean even if the cutout was shorter that would be more acceptable to me. I have a RS PRO-82 that I can run with priority and it can check and be back playing any transmission going on is less than a 1/4 of a second, and it works just fine. When there is traffic that pops up on the priority channel it's immediately there within it's approx. 2 sec check times and when there's nothing there you might miss 1 word at most of the normal transmission during it's check. Granted it is only checking 1 channel but even my bct15X has a much longer cutout time for just one priority. It's maddening.

It also wouldn't have to be anything all that special for this to be possible either. It wouldn't have to be a super fast chip or fancy second tuner or anything because you're not scanning 100 priority channels. I'd be willing to wager that most of us wouldn't do more than 10-15 at the very most plus your weather etc. (I'd only do like 3 or 4 plus weather myself) So even a slower chip could run through a small bank of channels like that in no time whatsoever, and never interrupt your normal transmissions unless a priority channel has traffic or alert. If an older scanner can handle priority checks faster and in my opinion better than these 300-500 dollar models can there is something seriously wrong with this picture. We're going backwards in performance here.

I'd be one of the first in line for almost ANY scanner that could offer a DND priority scan! Maybe if enough of us complain they'll actually get the next gen radios right. Here's to hoping!

Another thing I'd like to see is a second REAR USB jack so that you don't have to have a wire out the front for base use. I like a clean install and I hate having that wire out the front all the time to have it linked to the PC. Even a Bluetooth option would be awesome!

 

[SkipSanders]

It takes real time to recognize activity on a channel, which means close call, priority, etc, will never be un-noticable unless they use a completely seperate receiver for that function.

Want to pay 50% (or higher) more cash for the scanner? I don't think so.

Want to run close call, or priority, without the breaks? Buy another scanner just for that use. There really isn't any other practical option.

 

[dragon_slayer79]

whaaaat?

It takes real time to recognize activity on a channel, which means close call, priority, etc, will never be un-noticable unless they use a completely seperate receiver for that function.

Want to pay 50% (or higher) more cash for the scanner? I don't think so.

Want to run close call, or priority, without the breaks? Buy another scanner just for that use. There really isn't any other practical option.

I had to laugh a little to myself at your post there... You would rather spend another 300-500 dollars to have a dedicated priority, CC, etc scanner than pay around 150-250 dollars (per your 50% estimate) for one scanner to just do the job right to start with? I must say your logic doesn't make sense to me. I'd gladly pay a little more for a radio that offers the features I want long before I'd invest in a complete second radio just to scan a few priority channels.

Not trying to fight just your logic just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[SkipSanders]

The point is, are manufacturers going to add a 'feature' that makes their already hard-to-sell $500 radios cost $750? No, they're not. So you can forget that happening in a 'consumer' grade radio.

Yes, technically, it can be done. Economically, it can't.

 

[b52hbuff]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the current XT line of radios use subaudible data to implement the TGID priority? And is'nt this done w/o interrupting audio of what you're currently listening to?

 

[DaveIN]

Just keep in mind that the system you are monitoring also has to have the priority feature programmed into the talkgroups or this feature will not work on the XT even if you have it correctly setup.

The HomePatrol model will be the first to hit the street with a true USB connection for a "scanner". Let's hope this set a precedent for future models.

Blue-tooth on the other hand should be able to be done as a third party addition if the USB will support it.

 

[lm909]

Edit: Nevermind, I'm a noob. Please ignore this. No way to delete posts?

 

[SCPD]

Just keep in mind that the system you are monitoring also has to have the priority feature programmed into the talkgroups or this feature will not work on the XT even if you have it correctly setup.

Yes you are correct. They are talking about WX, Conv, and CC pri. Those will cut out the audio for a couple of seconds while it checks for activity. I hate that. They are useful tools but when they cuts the audio out every 2-3 seconds it gets annoying.

 

[Voyager]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the current XT line of radios use subaudible data to implement the TGID priority? And is'nt this done w/o interrupting audio of what you're currently listening to?

That's because the data they use is available on the channel you are listening to.

Joe M.

 

[wv_mountaineer]

I agree with you dragon_slayer79. I will pay what the asking price is if I want something bad enough. Build it and they will come!

 

[freqhunter]

Amateur portables have had dual VFO’s that can memory or band scan for years. Their price point is under $500.00. Heck the top of the line Icom, IC-92AD, is just a tick over that. It works well as a scanner, transceiver, weather alert, D-STAR, ect. and has dual VFO’s. Granted it does not do trunking but still works well in multiple rolls. Even the IC-R20 has dual VFO’s.

Bottom line is that the newest Uniden will not meet the needs of the serious scanner enthusiast. If a new model cannot well exceed the 500 / 396XT bench mark I am not interested.

Read all these posts Uniden, GRE, Icom, AOR and the like……… we are telling you what we want, build it! It will sell.

 

[kontos]

I will pay what the asking price is if I want something bad enough. Build it and they will come!

So, buy a second scanner and a roll of duct tape Problem solved

 

[ProScan]

Amateur portables have had dual VFO’s that can memory or band scan for years. Their price point is under $500.00. Heck the top of the line Icom, IC-92AD, is just a tick over that. It works well as a scanner, transceiver, weather alert, D-STAR, ect. and has dual VFO’s. Granted it does not do trunking but still works well in multiple rolls. Even the IC-R20 has dual VFO’s.

Bottom line is that the newest Uniden will not meet the needs of the serious scanner enthusiast. If a new model cannot well exceed the 500 / 396XT bench mark I am not interested.

Read all these posts Uniden, GRE, Icom, AOR and the like……… we are telling you what we want, build it! It will sell.

Does it do P25? I would think not so your point is meaningless.

 

[freqhunter]

My point remains..........

If a new scanner cannot exceed the performance and feature sets of the 396XT or 500 it has no place in many of our stables.

Dual VFO’s would not price a new scanner out of the market.

When it comes to AOR, Yupiteru, Icom and Alinco they have added nothing to speak of to the hobby for years.

Lastly, if I tell you I want a Cadillac and you offer me a Cavalier………. I am not buying!!

If Home Patrol works for you, great. It adds nothing to abilities we already have.

 

[kb9hgi]

Lastly, if I tell you I want a Cadillac and you offer me a Cavalier………. I am not buying!!

If Home Patrol works for you, great. It adds nothing to abilities we already have.

But the new home patrol has a touch screen and programs it's self. (lol) but it sure does not look like it's build tough like my 996XT

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

So, buy a second scanner and a roll of duct tape Problem solved

Too funny!!

 

[RadioDaze]

So, buy a second scanner and a roll of duct tape Problem solved

That's old news... I perfected that mod months ago:
http://forums.radioreference.com/am...174488-hh-2-meter-trunk-scan.html#post1286070

 

[Viper43]

If Home Patrol works for you, great. It adds nothing to abilities we already have.

Hmmmm, really? So you have a scanner that you can hook the GPS up and drive across the country and never once have to reprogram it and it has digital? As far as I know the HomePatrol is the only scanner in that market.
I think Uniden is doing just what they need to and it will help the hobby grow by bringing in new people and ultimately adding more features down the road for more advanced users. I also think Unidens move not only will change the scanner world, but I think amature radio will also start going to touch screen technology as well.

V