Home Patrol / The cost thread...

[KE4ZNR]

I intend to inform the dealers of my intention Not to purchase this receiver due to the absurd markup of this receiver, maybe they will forward these issues to Uniden reps and to UPMAN YOU JUST DONT GET IT.

I am sure the independent dealers will be glad to hear your concerns.
What does Uniden not get? They have made a scanner that can be used anywhere in the US or Canada to monitor some type of two way radio activity (Public Safety, Air, Trains, etc) within a few minutes of it being pull out of the box. Add in a touch screen display and recording of audio on the unit and you have a great radio.
Add in the fact that it requires no programming to get up and running I am trying to figure out what the complaint is here.
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[KE4ZNR]

Ads placed here would work. Alot of stream listeners find their way onto this site to see how it's done. Or word of mouth from guys like us.

Scanners are a niche market anyway. Folks who buy a cordless phone probably think a scanner is something you attach to the computer so you can scan in pictures of the kids and upload 'em to facebook.

The key is to get them hooked on listening and then offer them a does-it-all product like the Homepatrol to listen whenever they want (versus whenever the local feed is online).

-AZ

+1000

AZ FTW!

Glad someone understands the idea here. I have already had a ton of people (some geeks, some tech challenged to the max) ask me to let them know when it was available for purchase.
There will be a lot of negative nellies here at first. I understand that they are overthinking the product. Using terms like CTCSS/DCS/NAC/SYSID are a no-go with the Home Patrol.
It is a simple but powerful product.
Just the fact that you can record radio traffic then pull that radio traffic off the unit as .wav files later without using any external add on recording devices is awesome.

I guess to sum it up the Haters are gonna hate

But once this radio gets out there in the hands of consumers I believe we will have many more like AZ who understand how powerful of a device the HP1 is.
Happy Monitoring (and HP'ing)
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[markbart]

I Agree

+1000

AZ FTW!

Glad someone understands the idea here. I have already had a ton of people (some geeks, some tech challenged to the max) ask me to let them know when it was available for purchase.
There will be a lot of negative nellies here at first. I understand that they are overthinking the product. Using terms like CTCSS/DCS/NAC/SYSID are a no-go with the Home Patrol.
It is a simple but powerful product.
Just the fact that you can record radio traffic then pull that radio traffic off the unit as .wav files later without using any external add on recording devices is awesome.

I guess to sum it up the Haters are gonna hate

But once this radio gets out there in the hands of consumers I believe we will have many more like AZ who understand how powerful of a device the HP1 is.
Happy Monitoring (and HP'ing)
Marshall KE4ZNR

This radio looks to be awsome,but for myself and others cost is a factor.

Mark

 

[Highpockets]

+1000

AZ FTW!

Glad someone understands the idea here. I have already had a ton of people (some geeks, some tech challenged to the max) ask me to let them know when it was available for purchase.
There will be a lot of negative nellies here at first. I understand that they are overthinking the product. Using terms like CTCSS/DCS/NAC/SYSID are a no-go with the Home Patrol.
It is a simple but powerful product.
Just the fact that you can record radio traffic then pull that radio traffic off the unit as .wav files later without using any external add on recording devices is awesome.

I guess to sum it up the Haters are gonna hate

But once this radio gets out there in the hands of consumers I believe we will have many more like AZ who understand how powerful of a device the HP1 is.
Happy Monitoring (and HP'ing)
Marshall KE4ZNR

That hurt, some just don't care for the unit and voice their opinion, like UPMan said if you don't like it, "Don't buy it". If a updated version of it comes out leaning towards more advanced users, I'll buy one myself!

 

[KE4ZNR]

Wow! Now we're using the word "Haters", some just don't care for the unit and voice their opinion, like UPMan said if you don't like it, "Don't buy it". If a updated version of it comes out leaning towards more advanced users, I'll buy one myself!

Oh come on Steve, I was not talking about you.


I was talking about the people who are dismissing the radio
outright before even giving it a chance in person.

You have provided valid reasons why this radio may not be right
for you at this time. You have also shown (as you pointed out above) rational discourse on what features are right for you and the price range you are willing to pay.

My little jab was not directed towards you (and hopefully you
can see that).

Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[Highpockets]

Oh come on Steve, I was not talking about you.


I was talking about the people who are dismissing the radio
outright before even giving it a chance in person.

You have provided valid reasons why this radio may not be right
for you at this time. You have also shown (as you pointed out above) rational discourse on what features are right for you and the price range you are willing to pay.

My little jab was not directed towards you (and hopefully you
can see that).

Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

I wish we lived across the street from each other, I'd really enjoy the Zings back and forth.

 

[scosgt]

Looking at the database in the software, something jumps out at me:

While it does seem quite complete, it will be MORE work in the RF rich environment that I live in to lock out all the stuff you DON'T want to hear than to just program in what you DO want to hear.

The only benefit I see is the pre-programmed trunking systems. Trunks are a problem for some people to program.

I love the display. But I am not sure it can be set up to scan exactly what I want to hear. In any case, here in the NYC area, I would have to lockout literally thousands of channels.

 

[Drowsiness]

Sounds like lots of "sour grapes" in this thread.

I've been into scanning for nearly 24 years. I started back when $500 bought you a scanner that had about 200 channels, didn't trunk, didn't have alpha tags, didn't do anything but AM and FM analog, and didn't have a computer interface. Radioreference? What's that? We used Police Call books. I remember when I got my first 200 channel programmable. I spent HOURS programming that thing by hand for the LA area. HOURS!

Fast forward to today. That same ~$500 gets you a scanner that trunks, decodes P25 digital (something that was rumored to be the death of scanning just a few short years ago, by the way), has a computer interface, alphatags, a color touch screen, data for the ENTIRE COUNTRY preloaded, the ability to record audio for playback later, can interface to a GPS device, and can be "programmed" by simply entering a zip code and selecting what you want to listen to.

Folks, it doesn't get any better than this. This scanner will sell boatloads at $495. It could have easily cost $100 more. I intend to buy one, and that's saying something considering the last new scanner I bought was a BC796.

-AZ

All of your points are invalidated by your "24 years of scanning..." line in your statements. Would you pay $500 for 6 year old technology? I mean, seriously... prices come down, but scanners stay the same, even though the features are the same overall just with an improved interface?

Sorry... it's just too rich for a lot of people. Again, I love the concept and execution of this scanner but I simply do not care for the price. It's a bit on the ridiculous side.

 

[yaesumofo]

What makes you think this is "6 year Old" technology?
The APCO 25 Spec has not changed so it's digital vocoder shouldn't change either.

People buy cell phones based upon old tech (GSM) and spend Lots of cash only for an workable Human interface.

If the front end (not radio) human interface is improved then it is not old tech.
RF front end technology is becomming cheaper and more integrated. does that make it better?
Not necessarly.

Some of the older RF designs are MUCH better than "new" designs.
Newer is not allways better when it comes to RF design. What is important is selectivity and sensitivity. New or Old, the proof is in the pudding.
People pay $400.00 for a cell phone based on "old" GSM or CDMA technology. Why? Because of the improved experience.
If the Home Patrol delivers on this Improved experience than it will be a success, regardless of the behind the scenes technology.
Yaesumofo

All of your points are invalidated by your "24 years of scanning..." line in your statements. Would you pay $500 for 6 year old technology? I mean, seriously... prices come down, but scanners stay the same, even though the features are the same overall just with an improved interface?

Sorry... it's just too rich for a lot of people. Again, I love the concept and execution of this scanner but I simply do not care for the price. It's a bit on the ridiculous side.

 

[Drowsiness]

What makes you think this is "6 year Old" technology?
The APCO 25 Spec has not changed so it's digital vocoder shouldn't change either.

People buy cell phones based upon old tech (GSM) and spend Lots of cash only for an workable Human interface.

If the front end (not radio) human interface is improved then it is not old tech.
RF front end technology is becomming cheaper and more integrated. does that make it better?
Not necessarly.

Some of the older RF designs are MUCH better than "new" designs.
Newer is not allways better when it comes to RF design. What is important is selectivity and sensitivity. New or Old, the proof is in the pudding.
People pay $400.00 for a cell phone based on "old" GSM or CDMA technology. Why? Because of the improved experience.
If the Home Patrol delivers on this Improved experience than it will be a success, regardless of the behind the scenes technology.
Yaesumofo

The difference with cell phones is the fact that the CDMA and GSM specs are constantly being updated and improved. Also, by your very own admission here, the new tech either isn't any better than the old or, in some cases, is worse than the old tech. Given those statements, HOW can you support such a ludicrous price for this item?

The technology is old. It's not using a capacitive touch screen. It is not as customizable as the 996XT or the 396XT. It does the same thing, in the same way with a different interface and an easier to use approach. That does not justify the $500 asking price.

 

[SCPD]

Oh come on Steve, I was not talking about you.


I was talking about the people who are dismissing the radio
outright before even giving it a chance in person.

Marshall KE4ZNR

Were not dismissing the radio before we give it a chance, its the price that got most worked-up.

In the good ole days, if something is being sold for $ 500.00, it costs roughly $ 100.00 to build. if you get somewhere around $ 250.00 for something you cost your $ 100.00 to build these days your doing ok.

I noticed in the manual they list all the patents / license agreements assoicated with this radio. I wonder if the majority of the cost of this radio are to pay off license agreements ?

Maybe Uniden should think twice about the price. It's obvious they have thier eyes on a whole new target audience, Joe consumer at a price tag over $ 450.00 it's going to be a hard sell or heavy returns to the stores, up in the 40% range in IMHO

 

[fwashburn]

i have always bought my scanners on sell, i have a pro 106 and got it on sell, just this week i got a psr 500 on sell as well. i would not spend that kind of money for a hp1 and even if it was on sell i would still say no because i do not know how the scanner will work after the reband of safety t

 

[AZScanner]

All of your points are invalidated by your "24 years of scanning..." line in your statements. Would you pay $500 for 6 year old technology? I mean, seriously... prices come down, but scanners stay the same, even though the features are the same overall just with an improved interface?

Lots of people pay much, much more for technology that's older and more limited/less user friendly (i.e. their own Astro Saber).

Sorry... it's just too rich for a lot of people. Again, I love the concept and execution of this scanner but I simply do not care for the price. It's a bit on the ridiculous side.

Yes, so you've said, about 50 times now. We get it. I disagree, and plan to buy one.

-AZ

 

[AZScanner]

Maybe Uniden should think twice about the price. It's obvious they have thier eyes on a whole new target audience, Joe consumer at a price tag over $ 450.00 it's going to be a hard sell or heavy returns to the stores, up in the 40% range in IMHO

Is this the same Joe consumer who will drop 5 bills on a PS3 or 2 grand on a 52 inch TV? $600 bucks for an Iphone? $500 a month leasing a Bimmer or Lexus? Or is this some other consumer? I'm just wondering because I see plenty of people every day who think nothing of dropping 500 bucks on a golf club or spending $50 for lunch. Not everyone is working at Arby's or 7-11, and not everyone needs to buy the HP-1 for it to be a successful product.

-AZ

 

[rdale]

i have always bought my scanners on sell,

I think you mean "on sale"?

i do not know how the scanner will work after the reband of safety t

Perfectly.

 

[eorange]

Is this the same Joe consumer who will drop 5 bills on a PS3 or 2 grand on a 52 inch TV? $600 bucks for an Iphone? $500 a month leasing a Bimmer or Lexus?

All of which are mainstream consumer products. You know what you're getting.

Scanning is a niche market. 5 bills is a pretty steep entry for a niche market product for the average consumer. Sounds like something you'd see in the Herrington catalog!

Same consumer could reason they'd get more bang for the buck putting those 5 bills towards an iPad (and streaming the audio from this site.)

 

[tonyclark]

Alright people.....Group hug!

 

[jack103]

How about a new poll asking if you would purchase this scanner for $500.

 

[fwashburn]

i will not or would not purchase a hp1 for $500. i will stick with my pro 106 and my psr500

 

[scnnr]

I have been trying to find on the Home patrol demo page if I can punch in my Canadian version of a zip code. Combination of letters and numbers. Otherwise we up here are not going to know really what all is programmed into the scanner for us.