HP-2: How often HP-2 Needs Hooked Up to Sentinel?

[KD8USW]

Think after research here I am close to ordering a HP-2 (although still considered the BCD-436HP for being more portable and slightly less expensive). I do have concerns about how often I need to or will want to hook the radio up to Sentinel. I don't have a decent Windows PC (run Linux or Chrome OS) so I have to borrow one from my son if I want the Windows (10 I think) experience. So how often will I be wanting to do that?

If it runs on XP, I might be able to work out an older machine I could still use just for that. Is XP still an option?

Thanks!

Monty

 

[mass-man]

The database is updated every Sun night....so if you want, a weekly connection to Sentinel is advised. Then again you can check the RR database for changes...seeing none you can skip the Sentinel session...

 

[W8RMH]

If you purchase the Extreme Upgrade you will have the ability to program the scanner without a computer. Monitor the RR database for updates to your area and you can program/make changes directly on the radio. You can just monitor the database without creating any favorite lists.

The HP-2 has never had a firmware update so you are good on that for now.

 

[Isaac-1]

For most places I would tend to say not all that often, I live in a fairly rural area and only update my 436HP when firmware updates come out, and do a check for database updates at the same time. Now if I were to notice I was no longer pickup communications from one of my regulars I would go check to see if they changed frequencies, etc.

 

[phask]

It really depends on how often changes or additions happen in YOUR area , and your area of interest.

Example - here in Ohio they are in the process of building out the new statewide system, weekly updates are almost necessary in some parts of the state.

No idea what WV and the Charleston area is going thru.

XP does work fine.

 

[KD8USW]

Thanks everyone for the input. Sounds like I need to dig out that XP netbook and see how Sentinel runs on it. Hope 1024x600 is sufficient. Wasn't planning on the extreme update right away.

Thanks!

Monty

 

[Voyager]

I tend to update every few months. There aren't that many updates in my area.

 

[phask]

Thanks everyone for the input. Sounds like I need to dig out that XP netbook and see how Sentinel runs on it. Hope 1024x600 is sufficient. Wasn't planning on the extreme update right away.

Thanks!

Monty

Old 10" netbook works fine

 

[KD8USW]

Old 10" netbook works fine

LOL...my old eyes wish....8.9"

 

[rwier]

For most places I would tend to say not all that often, I live in a fairly rural area and only update my 436HP when firmware updates come out, and do a check for database updates at the same time. Now if I were to notice I was no longer pickup communications from one of my regulars I would go check to see if they changed frequencies, etc.

Good post. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

" ... no longer pickup communications from one of my regulars ,,, "

First, without moving the failing scanner, I bring an HP-1(E) to it, transfer the antenna feed to the HP, and check the signal for strength and quality. Then I would check on the RR DB, but I would have probably already heard "rumors" of changes here on the Forums.

 

[smithken]

There haven't been any changes recently, at least none that interest me, so it's been over a year since my 536 has been connected to a computer. I may not have the latest firmware because of this but like rwier says, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.