How Can ANYONE Complain About Uniden Trunktrackers ?

[JohnnyGalaga]

It amazes me how people complain about Uniden ! What's the deal ?? So what if the keypad isn't backlit or you have to use a proprietary battery back. Yes, the software sucks, get over it people. If it wasn't for Uniden's trunktrackers in the first place, you wouldn't be able to listen to JACK SQUAT.

Eight years ago Uniden gave us our hobby back when they came out with the BC235XLT. Why is it that some people have forgotten the excitement the day that radio came out ? Since then thet've come out with many more models that do all knds of trunking modes.

Uniden has kept most of their prices within the several hundred dollar range. Even if they charged DOUBLE, you can bet almost everyone on here would still buy 'em. I would !

Think about it. If it was wasn't for Uniden, the scanning hobby as we know it would be all but finished.

Next time you complain about how 'ugly' their new radio is, you might wanna think about the good old days of pressing the SCAN button all day amidst a sea of EDACS tones.

I think a little PRAISE is in order for Uniden, and as for the complainers, you're more than welcome to go buy yourself a conventional scanner and make GOOD USE of the scan button.

 

[peterjmag]

I am a GRE fan most of the time however like you said 8 years ago Uniden brought hope and life back into Scanning. 8 years? wow has it been that long? I remember when I got my first Trunker. It was the Pro-90 a duplicate of the BC 235. Wow that was so cool. I remember I got it for Christmas in 1997 and my dream had come true. No more pressing the scan button on my Pro-2006 to listen to part of a conversation of my city's MOT Type 2 800 system.


P.J. Maguire

 

[fireant]

I have bought nothing but Radio Shack scanners from the day, I first got into scanning some 15 or so years ago. I had always heard bad things about Uniden scanners but the 246T had alot of features that really attracted my interest. I got one as a early christmas gift this year and I agree that Unidens are agreat scanners!! I feel that Uniden makes a far better scanner than Radio Shacks Gre units. I am waiting for the 346T to hit the market and going to part with all my Radio Shack rigs. Uniden has continued to be the leader in the scanner development. Radio Shack could argue the V folders function of the Pro 96 but I think the new 346T will surpass that.

fireant

 

[qoatzecotl]

Why complain? WHY NOT??? If no one complained, then they wouldn't know what we think. They need to know why we aren't buying a certain product. Even if we DO buy a product, there can still be things we don't like. We need to let them know. Just like with ANY product. They LIKE legitimate consumer feedback. That's the only way they know what we want...

After all I've read and seen about Uniden and GRE scanners, I would buy them both. I have my complaints for both.

The beautiful thing about living in a country like this, is that you CAN complain, and there's always a competing product. Competition, plus consumer feedback is what makes both brands of scanners so great...

 

[911scanner]

Big Uniden fan myself...I give them props just by purchasing new Uniden scanners. :lol:

Bought my 296D 2 days after it was available, and I'll be pre-ordering my 396 when someone takes the 1st pre-orders!

BTW Johnny...great name & applicable avitar! 8)

Was one of my favorite games as a kid, so much so that I had to get the version to play on my GC....but I digress....

Mark

 

[Voyager]

It amazes me how people complain about Uniden ! What's the deal ?? So what if the keypad isn't backlit or you have to use a proprietary battery back. Yes, the software sucks, get over it people. If it wasn't for Uniden's trunktrackers in the first place, you wouldn't be able to listen to JACK SQUAT.

Uniden has also received very high praise for switching to AAs, making the keypad backlit, and greatly improving the SW.

As for the scanning hobby, sure we would still be listening. The scanners simply would not say Uniden on them but another company name. I remind you that there is VERY TIGHT competition to Uniden by GRE, and some other manufacturers who make communications receivers that would not hesitate to jump into the scanner market should it open up (such as AOR, Icom, etc).

Joe M.

 

[poltergeisty]

What is the 346?

 

[cellblock776]

What is the 346?

:lol:
They probably mean the 396.

 

[poltergeisty]

Got it thnks

 

[DaveIN]

Uniden has also received very high praise for switching to AAs, making the keypad backlit, and greatly improving the SW.

As for the scanning hobby, sure we would still be listening. The scanners simply would not say Uniden on them but another company name. I remind you that there is VERY TIGHT competition to Uniden by GRE, and some other manufacturers who make communications receivers that would not hesitate to jump into the scanner market should it open up (such as AOR, Icom, etc).

Joe M.

Has anyone ever asked a rep from AOR or Icom as to why they have never entered the Trunked Scanning market? Is it because Uniden and GRE have all the trunking methods in patent? AOR has the APCO-25 add on decoder, but I have only seen one review where they were able to use it correctly after a few tight tuning adjustments. You would think even Motorola would do something geared toward the Public Safety/News reporter market. After all, they have a low end MURS, GMRS, and FRS radios.

I like the fact that GRE and Uniden are competitor, it rases the bar of scanner technology with every new model.

Sort of interesting how GRE is coming out with the PRO-97 with a "Signal Stalker" feature, but it's only analog. It will be interesting to see how it performs vs. the Uniden Close Call and the BC246T.

Uniden may not be the leader in case and chassis style in the scanner field is some peoples eyes, but they make a solid well built package :!:
I also love the ability to upgrade the firmware in the newer models. A must in today feature filled technology. If you have to send a product back to the manufacturer to get repaired or replaced that is not a positive image. Many would say, well the product should not be released before it gets totally debugged. At what point do you wait before you release the product then :?: The competition may beat you to the sale and you will loose the market edge. Todays scanners are filled with so many features it is tough to check each and every possible combination for failure before release.

I really like the form and polish of the BC780XLT, BC785D, and BC796D. Even the BCT-8 has a great desktop appeal. The BC890XLT lineage has a nice big layout for the base, but tend to lack the full features of their base/mobile cousins.

I've only had one problem with the ergonomics on a Uniden Scanner. The VFO knob on the BC780XLT cracked in three places within 6 months of purchase. It looked like it was too small for the control shaft that it was attached to :x On the GRE PRO-96 I had to get a swap because the squelch control was bad. I then jumped on the firmware upgrade bandwagon, sent the radio in, and did not see it for 2 months. :roll:

Then again each scanner manufacturer has their nitch and handicaps in their programming and scanning methods. Technology has so many options it's like buying a car, or heaven forbid, a computer...

 

[rasputen246]

My first scanner is/was a Pro-43 GRE built that I still use everyday to scan local non trunked PD/SO. It is an awsome scanner with rugged features.

I bought a Pro-90 on ebay a year or 2 ago (CHEAP!) and it has some good features, but the overall reception is about 75% of the Pro-43.

I am waiting on (jonesing for) a BC246T and it seems like it's gonna be awsome.

I agree that Uniden seems red hot right now, they are leaping ahead while GRE seems to be plodding along. :shock:

 

[JohnnyGalaga]

BTW Johnny...great name & applicable avitar! 8)

Was one of my favorite games as a kid, so much so that I had to get the version to play on my GC....but I digress....

Mark

Thanks ! you should get into MAME so you can play it on your computer:
http://www.mame.net/

I like Galaga '88 better, but I can't find any cool pics to use as an avatar.

 

[N1XDS]

I always heard some good/bad things about the uniden scanners
some say they're good duty scanners and some say they're
cheap made? There's some uniden scanners are up there
in price. I owned a uniden bear cat twin turbo scanner and
I bought when I was 13 when I was learning about scanner's
and I pick up alot of things im happy with the scanner I use
it as a back up when I dont have pro 95 around with me

 

[safetyobc]

All three scanners I have bought since I got into scanning about 3 years ago have been Uniden. There is nothing that GRE has put out that I want. My 246T is to arrive Wednesday and I am like a 7 year old boy the night before Christmas. I have checked the UPS tracking 50 times today just to see if it has changed. I have a 250D which I truely love I just wanted the new features of the 246. I fully intend on getting the 396 when it becomes available. I am a hardcore Uniden fan and can't see myself wanting a GRE unless things change, and they often do.

I applaud Uniden for making huge steps in scanning technology. They make wonderful scanners. In case any Uniden reps read these posts........

Good Job Guys! Keep up the good work.

 

[Dubbin]

It amazes me how people complain about Uniden !

It amazes me how you complain about us complaining

 

[RolnCode3]

It amazes me how people complain about Uniden !

It amazes me how you complain about us complaining

Exactly. That's our right as a consumer. This is another thread full of wasted kilobytes.

As for praise for Uniden, go look at the BC246 thread (and others) full of compliments for UPMan.

 

[911scanner]

Wouldn't cal them wasted at all. As a matter of fact, if someone can complain about complaining, then obviously someone will complain about prasing. :roll:

Refer to above for the reference point....

Mark

 

[digitalpimp_n]

I wouldn't complain, but is the only way to get things corrected.

I have no real Problems with the unidens scanners, they seem to be a pain in the a$$ to Program though. I have both 296d and 796d and they seem to fail to stay in digital mode. Then getting the trunking mode right is difficult to do. I also have a pro 96 i think that is a lot more user friendly.
I guess that as time go on i will get the hang of it. Some of you may have been contacted by PM as to gather info about programming and trying to work out the bugs. I'm Greatful to those that took the time to answer. Until i get comfortable with these models I will not pass judgement and make to many complaints.

So JohnnyGalaga any advise on programming these scanners. i have arch already. Help turn me into a uniden lover like you. open to suggestions.

So if any one that has time PM and we can discuss programming and even trade files. I use ARCH. If any in west michigan PM. Open to all as long as we can discuss adult like, not looking for any arguements.