Getting my first scanner!

[K8cpa-chuck]

I am getting the uniden BCD-536HP from bearcat warehouse tomorrow!

I am also getting the So-239 to BNC pigtail from R & L and a Astatic 10 watt speaker from Amazon.

I am also THINKING about setting up a feed for scanner audio from around here. Wonder if they'd have me?

Anyhow, I'll keep ya'll posted!

-Chuck K8CPA

 

[joeuser]

I am getting the uniden BCD-536HP from bearcat warehouse tomorrow!

I am also getting the So-239 to BNC pigtail from R & L and a Astatic 10 watt speaker from Amazon.

I am also THINKING about setting up a feed for scanner audio from around here. Wonder if they'd have me?

Anyhow, I'll keep ya'll posted!

-Chuck K8CPA

Unless you don't want to monitor what most would monitor, forget the feed.

 

[K8cpa-chuck]

Unless you don't want to monitor what most would monitor, forget the feed.

Ummmmkay. There is a need for the stuff around this area.

 

[joeuser]

Ummmmkay. There is a need for the stuff around this area.

You'll see... then you can UhhmmmmKay again & with spirit!

 

[K8cpa-chuck]

Moderator: Delete this posting. I posted the same thing elsewhere, by accident. Sorry.

 

[eaf1956]

Unless you don't want to monitor what most would monitor, forget the feed.

I still monitor everything I just use Proscan's Broadcast LOCKOUT for those talkgroups that are not supposed to be on the feed.

 

[joeuser]

I still monitor everything I just use Proscan's Broadcast LOCKOUT for those talkgroups that are not supposed to be on the feed.

I had no idea that was an option!

 

[K8cpa-chuck]

Just another little thing. I downloaded the Sentinel Software and I've already updated the database and created 2 favorite lists. Lots of pruning had to be done.

Now, it's just gotta get here.

 

[SCPD]

I am getting the uniden BCD-536HP from bearcat warehouse tomorrow!

I hope you have a better experience with your 536 than I did mine. I ended up selling the 536 and buying the 436. It's been a drastic difference between the two.

One tip: leave the 536HP on full-time -- never turn it off -- or you'll have to set the date/time after every turn on.

[Probably the worst bit of engineering ever into a scanner... especially with no way to disable that functionality.]

The 436 seems better in this regard. I think it's because the 436 uses the battery pack to help keep the clock active. Even though the 536 is plugged into mains, it doesn't seem to draw any power to maintain the battery. It has to use the built-in lithium battery. My 536 never seem to stay charged for more than 8-12 hours. No where near the claimed 50 hours.

You didn't mention it but be sure to get a quality, outdoor antenna for the 536HP so you can get the maximum signal. Especially if you're monitoring digital activity, you'll want the best signal possible.


Cheers!

 

[K8cpa-chuck]

I hope you have a better experience with your 536 than I did mine. I ended up selling the 536 and buying the 436. It's been a drastic difference between the two.

One tip: leave the 536HP on full-time -- never turn it off -- or you'll have to set the date/time after every turn on.

[Probably the worst bit of engineering ever into a scanner... especially with no way to disable that functionality.]

The 436 seems better in this regard. I think it's because the 436 uses the battery pack to help keep the clock active. Even though the 536 is plugged into mains, it doesn't seem to draw any power to maintain the battery. It has to use the built-in lithium battery. My 536 never seem to stay charged for more than 8-12 hours. No where near the claimed 50 hours.

You didn't mention it but be sure to get a quality, outdoor antenna for the 536HP so you can get the maximum signal. Especially if you're monitoring digital activity, you'll want the best signal possible.


Cheers!

Hi Nick,

Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, it'll most likely be on, when I am home. Which is, admittedly, quite a bit. Anyhow, as for the antenna, I also ordered a SO-239 to BNC pigtail, which will be connected to a Comet CX-333 at 40 feet. It's fed with RG-213U. So, I think should be able to hear around here. I hear stuff all over with my handheld, So, I should be fine.

Just can't wait till it gets here!

 

[teufler]

Your speaker , 10 watt speaker, I have tried motorola speakers, other speakers but the best by far was a set of old computer speakers that were amplified. Got them at a recycled computer parts store, $10.00. Adjustments for base and treble plus vefry loud. Come with the plug that fits the scanner so no rewireing. These are great for home use. For a mobile use, I found a dual speaker battery pack, amplified from Amazon. Run about a week on two aa batteries.

 

[K8cpa-chuck]

Your speaker , 10 watt speaker, I have tried motorola speakers, other speakers but the best by far was a set of old computer speakers that were amplified. Got them at a recycled computer parts store, $10.00. Adjustments for base and treble plus vefry loud. Come with the plug that fits the scanner so no rewireing. These are great for home use. For a mobile use, I found a dual speaker battery pack, amplified from Amazon. Run about a week on two aa batteries.

I am getting this one here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R5LHM0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I know some might not like it, but, guys, come on. It's a scanner for goodness sakes, not a broadcast radio station!