Yes if you can get the 396T to work... Cool. Be sure it is latest and last firmware - 3.02.02
BCD396TFirmwareUpdate < UnidenMan4 < TWiki
Couple things if you end up using the XT programming on the 396T,
The 396T has only 6,000 memory vs. 25,000 on the XT.
396T has a limit of 200 talkgroups in a trunked system vs. 500 on the XT.
If you customized the background colors on the XT, the 396T only does blue.
Priority on a talkgroup won't work at all on the T as it does though the XT
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* If he want to... buy new and if others are looking at this for ideas ----
Mentioned the models 396T, 396XT and the 996XT... The XT series have been discontinued for a few years and the 396T been so a few years longer. Just ebay or so now for them.
Check ebay prices for the models, you can currently get a brand new 325P2 - comparable to the XT series with warranty for less$ at the links below! Has 2 batteries vs. The 3 batteries in an XT and it won't charge the batteries in the background while on AC and running.
The ws1095 - ws1098 on amazon run $349, $366, the TX1-TX2 add another $100 or so.
My opinion as of right now with the sale going on, it would be foolish to get the t or xt models. You mentioned less expensive, the whistlers are about $80-$180 more than the current sale price below. They also do very poorly in areas that are simulcast(multiple towers) counties.No audio or very garbled audio at times as has been mentioned in the forums and seen it happen first hand.
Amazon-Walmart put it on sale a few days ago, no telling how long it last. If he can swing it, really need to get it... now!
For a portable, recommend the uniden 325P2 which is on sale last few days for $281.92, normally it runs about $390. Its also phase II capable, I know OH is currently phase I digital, but if OH goes to phase II this radio is capable.
If he went cheaper and got the models T - XT's mentioned here, and if OH goes phase II he would have to get a new scanner! More money.
Amazon was first to put it on sale, then Walmart matched it. They don’t have em at the store I understand you would just go pick it up there- 2 day shipping
After tax(6%) its $298.84
Amazon -
https://smile.amazon.com/Uniden-BCD...?ie=UTF8&qid=1491064896&sr=8-1&keywords=325p2
Walmart -
https://www.walmart.com/ip/UNIDEN-BCD325P2-TRUNKTRACKER-V-HANDHELD-SCANNER/45136754
What it looks and how it runs videos-
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=325p2
