Mark,
To answer your previous question, I think if you do go with the SDS series you'd be quite comfortable programming it yourself. The functionality is very similar to the HP series even including the zip code feature. I, too, debated having the scanner pre-programmed and it would have proven to be a waste of money even considering my rudimentary computer skills. Some YouTube video tutorials are helpful references.
As for the other issue you lament - as we all do - the dreaded E word. More and more agencies are going encrypted and this trend will continue. As it stands today, there are still plenty of agencies whose main dispatch channels operate in the clear (Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, MCSO, DPS, etc.) but that could change tomorrow with the flip of a switch. It really comes down to a cost/benefit comparison. Yes, 700 bucks is a lot to spend on a scanner and there is less out there to monitor than there used to be, but still plenty of great stuff.
All the more reason to see if we can't get your HP-2 to work for you. I think if you continue to experiment with it you may just crack the code. Update the database, squelch set to zero, attenuation off, restrict your service types, limit the tower sites, limit the talkgroups you're scanning, move the antenna, etc. are all tricks to try. Keep at it - I was standing on the ledge of very tall building contemplating my existence when I finally got mine to work.....
