Going to buy 436 or HP-2

[Beaquel]

I've had 3 previous Radio Shack scanners in my day since about 1995. I started off with an analog base station, then stepped up to a Pro-95, and then a Pro-106 hand held. I've been scanner-less for about a year and want to get back into it. I'm going to buy either a 436 or a HP-2. I plan to use it at home, possibly in the car, and when travelling. The location based scanning idea is great for me. With my Pro-106, I used to be able to scan for "types" of services such as railroad, or marine, or aircraft, or CB. I've researched the HP-2 and have yet to learn if it can do a similar type of scan for a service "type" like I used to be able to do. Does the HP-2 still allow the user to scan in this method?

 

[hiegtx]

I've had 3 previous Radio Shack scanners in my day since about 1995. I started off with an analog base station, then stepped up to a Pro-95, and then a Pro-106 hand held. I've been scanner-less for about a year and want to get back into it. I'm going to buy either a 436 or a HP-2. I plan to use it at home, possibly in the car, and when travelling. The location based scanning idea is great for me. With my Pro-106, I used to be able to scan for "types" of services such as railroad, or marine, or aircraft, or CB. I've researched the HP-2 and have yet to learn if it can do a similar type of scan for a service "type" like I used to be able to do. Does the HP-2 still allow the user to scan in this method?

No, the HP-2 does not have a "Service Search" function. Nor does it have "Close Call" (Uniden's term; You may know the same basic thing as 'Signal Stalker', from the GRE/Radio Shack scanners). It also does not have the ability to set Priority Channels, or Quick Keys (to toggle specific systems, or Favorites lists on and off). The 436 has all those. The HP-2 has a much easier to read display (assuming it's like the HP-1, I don't own an HP-2 at the minute).

Either scanner will work with a GPS when traveling, to turn systems on and off ans you come into, then pass out of, range. Both have the database loaded on the memory card, so that you can set them up via your location, such as using your zip code, if so desired.

 

[stingray327]

I've had 3 previous Radio Shack scanners in my day since about 1995. I started off with an analog base station, then stepped up to a Pro-95, and then a Pro-106 hand held. I've been scanner-less for about a year and want to get back into it. I'm going to buy either a 436 or a HP-2. I plan to use it at home, possibly in the car, and when travelling. The location based scanning idea is great for me. With my Pro-106, I used to be able to scan for "types" of services such as railroad, or marine, or aircraft, or CB. I've researched the HP-2 and have yet to learn if it can do a similar type of scan for a service "type" like I used to be able to do. Does the HP-2 still allow the user to scan in this method?

I too have always bought Radio Shack Scanners until now as it seems they are getting out of the scanner business.
I have a 436 and am still learning it. But I don't reallly like it in the car because it is very difficult to see and I am starting to have problems trying to get scanner to come on. At this point it becomes a distraction.
I hook it up to the cigarette lighter and it keeps asking me if I want to charge. Regardless if I answer no or E for yes it turns off or starts charging. I also have the GPS scanning device hooked up and it picks up distant stations.

 

[hiegtx]

I too have always bought Radio Shack Scanners until now as it seems they are getting out of the scanner business.
I have a 436 and am still learning it. But I don't reallly like it in the car because it is very difficult to see and I am starting to have problems trying to get scanner to come on. At this point it becomes a distraction.
I hook it up to the cigarette lighter and it keeps asking me if I want to charge. Regardless if I answer no or E for yes it turns off or starts charging. I also have the GPS scanning device hooked up and it picks up distant stations.

You may have your range set too long. Reduce the miles amount. Also, you may want to turn off the Nationwide systems.

 

[Beaquel]

No, the HP-2 does not have a "Service Search" function.

I just went to Universal-Radio dot com to check their pricing on the HP-2 and it clearly says there is a service search function. Are they wrong?

 

[stingray327]

You may have your range set too long. Reduce the miles amount. Also, you may want to turn off the Nationwide systems.

Range is set to 5 miles.
Turn off Nationwide systems?
Then there must be something else to replace that then?? I also must turn on or create a favorites list?

 

[bailly2]

dont' know if it matters to you beaquel, st louis police encrypted dispatch for district 2. still alot to hear on the st louis county trunked system

 

[hiegtx]

I just went to Universal-Radio dot com to check their pricing on the HP-2 and it clearly says there is a service search function. Are they wrong?

I just looked at the description, and agree that it is unclear. However, the scanner itself does not have a true "service search" feature, to search a range of frequencies commonly assigned to specific usage (Aircraft, Military Air, Railroad, etc).

I think the poorly written description is attempting, badly, to refer to the Service Types you can select. These key off the "Tag" column you see in the database listings, such as Law Dispatch, Law Tac, Fire Dispatch, etc. By selecting which of these you want to listen to, and setting your location, the scanner will build a list of frequencies within the range of where you're at, that are in those types. (See also How it Works: Location, Location, Location )

Check out the owner's manual, linked on this page, and you'll see there is no 'service search' like there is on, say, the 396XT, 996XT, etc.

Now, if you also purchase the Extreme Upgrade, you can do a 'limit' search, setting an frequency range for the scanner to search, but that's not what it seems you're asking about.

 

[hiegtx]

Range is set to 5 miles.
Turn off Nationwide systems?
Then there must be something else to replace that then?? I also must turn on or create a favorites list?

If you are scanning using the full database, then
Press Menu
Select "Set Scan Selection" (it's the top item)
Press "E" (enter)
On the next screen, you'll see where you can turn Nationwide systems on or off. That is only available if you are scanning using the full database.

I created Favorites lists with the systems that I am interested in, and that I know are in range, so I don;t have the same issue. Now, if I were traveling, in unfamiliar territory, using the GPS, then I might use the full database. Otherwise, I prefer to tailor a Favorites list for what I want and what I know is in listening range.

 

[W8RMH]

I just went to Universal-Radio dot com to check their pricing on the HP-2 and it clearly says there is a service search function. Are they wrong?

It's a service search, sort of. There site shows the Service Types you select when searching the " RR database". It doesn't do a true search like other scanners.

 

[stingray327]

If you are scanning using the full database, then
Press Menu
Select "Set Scan Selection" (it's the top item)
Press "E" (enter)
On the next screen, you'll see where you can turn Nationwide systems on or off. That is only available if you are scanning using the full database.

I created Favorites lists with the systems that I am interested in, and that I know are in range, so I don;t have the same issue. Now, if I were traveling, in unfamiliar territory, using the GPS, then I might use the full database. Otherwise, I prefer to tailor a Favorites list for what I want and what I know is in listening range.

Thanks....so then if I do turn off the nationwide or full database I must create a favorites list in place?

 

[W8RMH]

I have a Home Patrol - II and I had a 436HP and I definitely like the HP-II better.

The receive and audio is better and it just feels more solid.

The display on the 436 is useless. I have no problem seeing the HP-II display, of course in my Favorites I program the alpha tags with upper case letters, it makes a world of difference.

I have read posts about the HP-1's poor audio but the HP-II's audio is good, and I also program every channel with a Audio Level of +3. It is louder than my BCD396XT.

The 436 is also very top heavy. The HP-II is fine for desk or vehicle but not really a portable, but ScannerMaster has a nice hard leather case which I just ordered.

Creating favorite lists in Sentinel is a breeze. I also recommend the Extreme Upgrade just for the unit programming feature alone.

 

[stingray327]

I have a Home Patrol - II and I had a 436HP and I definitely like the HP-II better.

The receive and audio is better and it just feels more solid.

The display on the 436 is useless. I have no problem seeing the HP-II display, of course in my Favorites I program the alpha tags with upper case letters, it makes a world of difference.

I have read posts about the HP-1's poor audio but the HP-II's audio is good, and I also program every channel with a Audio Level of +3. It is louder than my BCD396XT.

The 436 is also very top heavy. The HP-II is fine for desk or vehicle but not really a portable, but ScannerMaster has a nice hard leather case which I just ordered.

Creating favorite lists in Sentinel is a breeze. I also recommend the Extreme Upgrade just for the unit programming feature alone.

If I put an HP-2 in the car I probably would use that sandbag mount and have it on the passenger seat.

 

[Voyager]

No, the HP-2 does not have a "Service Search" function.

But it's trivial to make a Favorites List that contains the same thing as the various Service Searches that would be identical in function.

 

[AA6IO]

I just bought the HP-2 today at HRO Anaheim. So this weekend, will do a number of comparisons on conventional/trunking/analog/digital signals here in the Los Angeles area between my 436HP and HP-2. I am encouraged by post #12 by W8RMH. I like the 436HP, but visibility of the screen (especially when driving) is certainly not one of its strong points.

Steve AA6IO

 

[Beaquel]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I placed my order for a Home Patrol II last night. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it and seeing if it lives up to my high expectations. Each scanner I've bought has been increasingly expensive. This is by far the most expensive. I hope its value is equivalent to its cost.

 

[Wally46]

The home patrol not having close call capture would suck in my opinion. I'm always picking up frequencies not programmed in that my scanners find. I love not having to know a frequency and it just finds it.

 

[AA6IO]

Been listening to my new HP-2 for the last couple of hours. Sounds great on P25 systems (LAPD and LA ICIS) here in Los Angeles. The audio quality on P25 is better than the 436HP and 536HP. I love the color display, as I do on my HP1. However, my initial impression is that P25 decode and audio is better on the HP-2 than the HP-1.
Steve AA6IO

 

[Beaquel]

The home patrol not having close call capture would suck in my opinion. I'm always picking up frequencies not programmed in that my scanners find. I love not having to know a frequency and it just finds it.

I do agree that missing out on Close Call will be a bum deal. However, I currently have no scanner, so I'll be pretty happy to get back to listening again. I don't think I could wait long enough until the "perfect" scanner gets released with every single feature I'd ever want all in one magical package.

 

[stingray327]

The home patrol not having close call capture would suck in my opinion. I'm always picking up frequencies not programmed in that my scanners find. I love not having to know a frequency and it just finds it.

What is close call capture do? Advantages?