Home Patrol problems

[markbart]

You just can't please some people.

Mark

 

[scanchs]

It's simply the best...

The home patrol is one of the biggest failures in modern history...

As I have said in many previous HomePatrol threads, if I had to sell all of my scanners except one, I would keep the HomePatrol. For what I monitor, it is by far the easiest scanner to operate and the simplest to keep updated. How anyone can call it "one of the biggest failures in modern history" is a mystery to me... :roll:

ScanCHS

 

[derevs]

The first biggest failure of the HP-1 is to understand that it is not your typical scanner. It works on a different set of principles than most scannists are used to.

The second biggest failure with the HP-1 or any DMA scanner is the ability of one to read the manuals. If I have a problem I reference the manual for answers. Some aren't laid out that well but I can get my answer 99% of the time from reading the manual.

Yes I had a few problems with my HP-1 but I resolved them from reading the manual. I did find however that setting up the HP-1 was easier using the Sentinel software. Clicking things on and exploring them can show you a lot of things. I think that one thing people miss is in the Profile settings. Check service types and make sure that the service is turned on (checked), that cured some of my problems.

The other problem with the HP-1 is understanding the zip/postal code set-up and range. Check the HomePatrol website and look at How It Works for a better understanding. From what I can gather, first set the range then enter your zip/postal code or lat/long co-ordinates. Works for me.

 

[SCPD]

The home patrol is one of the biggest failures in modern history. It is right up there with Betamax. But of course Uniden will not admit that they screwed up and came up with a piece of junk. They will just walk around with their tails between their legs and pretend that all is fine.

I think that you just have to see the huge number of returned HP units to show that it is a big failure and maybe it is time Uniden cut their losses and removed it from the market before more people get suckered into buying them.

I should say that the above information was based on information obtained from a friend. I have never owned a HP and probably never will. So .. I wouldn't take the above as being factual.

The only thing that I must say is that I am a GRE fan (and really have tried newer Uniden scanners and just don't like them) and haven't owned a Uniden scanner since the BC780XLT. So .. you can take things as you read them.

 

[SkipLincoln]

Mine works perfectly as does the one I bought for my son.

I also have a 396T and a 996T. Each has their own use for me.

I like them all.

Skip

 

[KE4ZNR]

Never Mind...not worth it.

 

[magicjellybeans]

Hp-1 NEEDS

Heres what the Hp-1 NEEDS :
1.Broadcast band coverage 88-108MHZ
2.Programmable SEARCH not some dumb enter the frequency mode that I cant ENTER from the scanner
3. CLOSE CALL (what the ----- was Uniden thinking when they left this out?
4.A LOUDER speaker ,the speaker is LAME.
5.A PERMANENT OUT from the WX mode or CLOCK feature.I want a Leave me the ---- alone button.
Some of these fixes could be FIRMWARE fixed,some not.
Otherwise its a neat little doo-dad.
I think about selling him but sometimes he catches what the 996XT doesnt,so hes a member of the radio family.

 

[UPMan]

5. ??

If you set your default standby mode to all off, when you press POWER it will shut down completely.

 

[derevs]

magicjellybeans: If you want those things in a scanner then buy a 996XT, a 396XT and an AM-FM radio.

The HP-1 was not designed with those features in mind.

When is it going to dawn on people that the HP-1 was designed as a simple entry level scanner for those who don't want all the features of a full blown scanner? It was not meant as step up from the 996XT/396XT!!!

 

[eorange]

Interesting that all you must do is connect the power, antenna, enter a zip code, and you're off. Yet people STILL have problems and come here for help. What does that say?

I don't buy that people are 'dumb' or didn't 'RTFM' (and what for, given the above?)

The HP-1 is an attempt to simplify a hobby that's becoming more difficult to mask the inherent complexity.

 

[Larry1014]

Turning clock off when turing off♠

My radio sure will not shut off without leaving clock on screen. Went into settings and set all off accept. Turn off radio and default clock is there if I don't hit all off. Oh well.

 

[SYOTT]

I'd like to see the ability to program a frequency on the fly... It could be a "newbie" thing that I'm overlooking, but I can input a frequency, however, nothing happens when I do... If I want to input a freq that is not already in the HP-1, I need to use a 3rd party software

 

[UPMan]

My radio sure will not shut off without leaving clock on screen. Went into settings and set all off accept. Turn off radio and default clock is there if I don't hit all off. Oh well.

Be sure you are setting this in:

MENU --> ADVANCED MENU --> Standby Options

 

[Larry1014]

Yep, not to hard. That's exactly what I am doing

 

[UPMan]

You are setting both options to "All Off"?

(I ask again, because I have three units running the latest f/w and all behave differently from what you are describing.)

 

[Larry1014]

You are right, didn't know it had a 3rd page. It works now. Thank you very much. senior moment

 

[magicjellybeans]

hp-1

magicjellybeans: If you want those things in a scanner then buy a 996XT, a 396XT and an AM-FM radio.

The HP-1 was not designed with those features in mind.

When is it going to dawn on people that the HP-1 was designed as a simple entry level scanner for those who don't want all the features of a full blown scanner? It was not meant as step up from the 996XT/396XT!!!

I have TWO 996XTs! And they ROCK! The Home Patrol should have ALL the 996xt';s features and MORE!

 

[UPMan]

And now it pretty much does (well, lots of overlap, but lots more, too).

 

[Gcom]

Other areas to consider .These type of radios are data base dependent. I have seen databases that do not have correct info or info entered under a total different heading then you would expect ,such as a state agency for a given area being assigned to a local city or county entity instead of residing with the rest of that states agencies talk groups , frequencies, or type of service . You are totally at the mercy of the database. In most cases they are pretty accurate,but not perfect. Check the RR database and find what category your desired agency is listed under & then out to the side determine the type service , Law dispatch, multi-tac, etc.

 

[Gcom]

For all of you that like to make fun of people, Remember the HP-1 is database dependent . If you enter the zip & have chosen your services, it will not receive it if isn't in the database or is somewhere you wouldn't normally expect to find it . And that is sometimes is the case . The HP is overall a great piece of equipment, especially for someone who wants to get up and running quickly. Fortunately I live in a area where the database is well cared for. But i have traveled out of state and found issues,not many but a few . RR overall is a great database , not perfect, but pretty darn good. For advance users or where issues exist Extreme upgrade gives you the upper hand where you can tailor the radio more to your liking.