Hp-1 advanced mode what can we expect ?

[EJB]

I actually have a degree in Marketing ... not that it matters much being that I dont use it in my day to day job... so I do know something about Marketing.

...anyhow are you telling me I should not have bought this radio because im an advanced user? I would think in dire times down south that most US based companies would not want to turn away sales simply because the user is "too advanced" .. at the end of the day my "advanced" dollar is as good as joe blow's "beginner" dollar when it comes to Uniden's balance sheet.

The real point here is that Uniden could put another digital scanner out tomorrow and most of us will buy it so I dont buy the whole designed for entry level people only story.

Absolutely right Matt. I agree with pretty much everything you are saying here. I may not be a genius, I may not know how to build a radio, or build an anteenna or design and explain the specs of scanners but I would like to think that I am not a rube.

I deleted a post here on this thread partly because some of the posters to that point might get defensive over my comments but we are big boys...

I have been into scanning for pretty much thirty years now and have bought several over the last thirty years. I figured out how to to trunking scanners earlier this century and then figured out how to build by 'hand' and by software Uniden scanners like the 296 then the 246 and 396.

Then again, noone is a genuis for taking information from this database and putting into ARC or Uniden or whatever software, I at least cut and pasted stuff from here (I am not a premium member)

I thought that the new 996XT was cool, Matt let me try his out and while it was a bit different than my regular 396T I have no doubt that I would have figured it out in a matter of days.

I also saw a YouTube demonstration for the HP 1 in the summer and thought it was cool.
I managed to raise enough $ and sold by 396T to buy a HP1.

I think it is cool that it looks like a GPS system and it comes in handy the colour screen on my commute to work, you can easily see what it stops on.

I betcha there are plenty of people out there who know scanners and who arent novices that have takent he plunge and either use a HP1 as their main scanner or part of their centrepiece.

P.S. You can build and design systems or favourites as they are called on the HP 1 just like you are programming your 'regular scanners.'

 

[se]

I bought the HomePatrol HP-1 for its EASE OF USE! And Im an advanced user. And I shoulda posted this sooner.

Sheldon.

 

[scanchs]

Right on...

I bought the HomePatrol HP-1 for its EASE OF USE! And Im an advanced user. And I shoulda posted this sooner.

Sheldon.

+1

Sheldon,

I totally agree! I specifically purchased the HP-1 because it is less complicated to use and travel with. If I wanted to have advanced features, I would have bought a different scanner model which has that feature set. I simply don't see the point in needing to have all of the advanced features in every model...

ScanCHS

 

[DaveNF2G]

My HP-1 was a gift (thanks Lindsay!). I would not have bought one for myself, but since I have been operating this one it has grown on me. I, too, am an "advanced" scanner user and have owned all of the latest digitals except the 996XT - I want one some day.

I hope Uniden does come out with a more advanced feature set for the HP. Maybe there will be the HP-2. I wish for an upgrade to HP-1 firmware to that level, but am not holding my breath because the 996XT was not a simple firmware upgrade from the 996T.

Don't forget Uniden when you list the makers of GPS systems with pretty touch screens.

The only GPS systems that have a serial NMEA output, AFAIK, are the simple ones for hikers and boaters. They don't have pretty maps or turn-by-turn directions. I'm also hoping that Uniden's custom GPS for the HP-1 (and other GPS-capable scanners) will combine the road navigation features with the ability to speak to the radios.

 

[garys]

My HP-1 was a gift (thanks Lindsay!). I would not have bought one for myself, but since I have been operating this one it has grown on me. I, too, am an "advanced" scanner user and have owned all of the latest digitals except the 996XT - I want one some day.

I hope Uniden does come out with a more advanced feature set for the HP. Maybe there will be the HP-2. I wish for an upgrade to HP-1 firmware to that level, but am not holding my breath because the 996XT was not a simple firmware upgrade from the 996T.

Don't forget Uniden when you list the makers of GPS systems with pretty touch screens.

The only GPS systems that have a serial NMEA output, AFAIK, are the simple ones for hikers and boaters. They don't have pretty maps or turn-by-turn directions. I'm also hoping that Uniden's custom GPS for the HP-1 (and other GPS-capable scanners) will combine the road navigation features with the ability to speak to the radios.

I know that Uniden sells GPS units, but didn't know if they made their own. Then again, they might make them for some of the other companies. :lol:

I like your idea about a dual purpose GPS that's compatible with the Uniden scanners, not just the HP-1.

Instead of a HP-1, I opted to spend my money on a 396XT. With the RH-96, it's pretty good for use on the road when I'm not driving my own truck. Still, a touch screen scanner would be very nice, provided it had the right feature set.

 

[tjstroh42]

I think your last line gets to the essence of this thread, despite your previous statements. When I brought up some of the same comments in a previous thread regarding the HP-1 being an awfully expensive entry level scanner, others commented that additional features would be released at a later date that would appeal to more advanced users. That's what people seem to be speculating about, but you seem to discount that speculation. From your previous posts, that seems out of character for you.

The best feature I see in the HP-1 right now is the touch screen. That's a real plus for mobile operation as Tom Tom, Garmin, and Magellan have taught us. Certainly the size and form factor are a bit odd for mobile mounting and given that the mobile bracket seems to have been an add on after release (is is even available yet), it seems that Uniden's marketing people might have underestimated the demand from mobile and advanced users.

Personally, at that price point I think Uniden should include most of the XT series feature set.

I agree, it is a very pricey unit for a beginner, in scanning, when it has additional options like close call, or searching between freq. i might become a buyer for the second time, as i returned my HP-1 unit.

 

[DonS]

The only GPS systems that have a serial NMEA output, AFAIK, are the simple ones for hikers and boaters. They don't have pretty maps or turn-by-turn directions.

My GPSMAP® 76CS and GPSMAP® 76Cx have pretty color maps, turn-by-turn directions, and serial NMEA 0183 output.

 

[dcfox]

If you are going to spend 500 bucks on anything why wouldn't you research and check the optiions and features first. If you didn't like them don't buy it. I like to sell a car to alot of people like that. I bought it knowing what it is and am happy with it, and I am an "advanced user".

 

[Baskt_Case]

I'm new here and all, but two words come to mind...

Hacked Firmware

I think the HP1 is interesting enough that it will attract sufficient attention for this to take place, sooner rather than later. That is, if Uniden does not provide diligent updates themselves. However, bet your good money that a handful of individuals are already trying to do this. The HP1 (to me), has lifted scanners back out of the realm of "Grandpa's radio junk in the basement". It's new and exciting and def high tech and "with the times" if you will.

Look at P25 and all the other modes, even the so-called "un-monitorable" ones. People have found work-arounds, and will continue to do so. As with all cases like this, the first methods will be laborious and only for the dedicated enthusiast, but later incarnations will be more and more consumer friendly.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Welcome to RR.com Basket Case:
A couple of things to clear up:
The firmware does not need to be "hacked" as you put it. Anything you would ever need to mess with is easily modifiable with windows notepad. The Firmware itself is not where the programming is located. The programming files are stored separately from the firmware. If you do not feel comfortable using Windows notepad you can use a software solution like ARC Patrol to do all the work for you. There is nothing in the firmware in the device itself that is of user interest.
So no need to hack away when everything is already figured out by others.
Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

I'm new here and all, but two words come to mind...

Hacked Firmware

I think the HP1 is interesting enough that it will attract sufficient attention for this to take place, sooner rather than later. That is, if Uniden does not provide diligent updates themselves. However, bet your good money that a handful of individuals are already trying to do this. The HP1 (to me), has lifted scanners back out of the realm of "Grandpa's radio junk in the basement". It's new and exciting and def high tech and "with the times" if you will.

Look at P25 and all the other modes, even the so-called "un-monitorable" ones. People have found work-arounds, and will continue to do so. As with all cases like this, the first methods will be laborious and only for the dedicated enthusiast, but later incarnations will be more and more consumer friendly.

 

[Baskt_Case]

Welcome to RR.com Basket Case:
A couple of things to clear up:
The firmware does not need to be "hacked" as you put it. Anything you would ever need to mess with is easily modifiable with windows notepad. The Firmware itself is not where the programming is located.

Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

I think were on 2 different pages here friend. I'm talking about going above and beyond what Uniden already allows you to do. I'm talking about modifying the OS (firmware), which could concievably add many of the features that other members are talking about. UID's, modified menu's, etc. This is assuming the base hardware could support said features, then you modify the OS to access those features.

For example, my portable navigator has been loaded with modified firmware which changed the entire menu layout, added custom voices, and various other features not previously available on that model.

Lastly, please take my post with a grain of salt, this is all great speculation on my part. But understanding that the HP1 is heavily software driven and just as much computer as it is scanner, only time will tell what this device may ultimately be capable of.

 

[KB8KOJ]

I bought the HomePatrol HP-1 for its EASE OF USE! And Im an advanced user. And I shoulda posted this sooner.

Sheldon.

Yeah I consider myself an advanced user (at least in terms of time in hobby and different models owned). But my finger is on the trigger on buying one of these simply for interstate travel. With that said.. the more the merrier regarding features.

 

[KE4ZNR]

What you are describing is reverse engineering the source code that makes up the firmware. Bad idea. At the very least you void your warranty and you are now possibly modifying Uniden's Intellectual Property. Uniden (like other tech companies) takes its patents seriously and would, in all likely hood, take legal action against someone who makes public part of its source code or distributes changes in said source code.
If they wanted the end user to easily modify the firmware they would have released it as an Open Source project. They did not.
Up to you if continue down this illegal path. Just don't come crying to us when you either brick your radio or are sued out of existence by Uniden themselves.
Marshall KE4ZNR

I think were on 2 different pages here friend. I'm talking about going above and beyond what Uniden already allows you to do. I'm talking about modifying the OS (firmware), which could concievably add many of the features that other members are talking about. UID's, modified menu's, etc. This is assuming the base hardware could support said features, then you modify the OS to access those features.

For example, my portable navigator has been loaded with modified firmware which changed the entire menu layout, added custom voices, and various other features not previously available on that model.

Lastly, please take my post with a grain of salt, this is all great speculation on my part. But understanding that the HP1 is heavily software driven and just as much computer as it is scanner, only time will tell what this device may ultimately be capable of.

 

[tampatracker]

Game on!

 

[Baskt_Case]

What you are describing is reverse engineering the source code that makes up the firmware. Bad idea. At the very least you void your warranty and you are now possibly modifying Uniden's Intellectual Property. Uniden (like other tech companies) takes its patents seriously and would, in all likely hood, take legal action against someone who makes public part of its source code or distributes changes in said source code.
If they wanted the end user to easily modify the firmware they would have released it as an Open Source project. They did not.
Up to you if continue down this illegal path. Just don't come crying to us when you either brick your radio or are sued out of existence by Uniden themselves.
Marshall KE4ZNR

Wow, just wow. Your right, absolutely right, and kudos to you for sticking up for big brother and friends! Perhaps I should go warn the others, you know, those guys that are illegally listening to encrypted radio traffic? I know their lurking around here somewhere. I'm not sure, but I suspect some of them have even modified their radios, they will be crushed when they find out their warranties have been smashed to bits.

Back on the topic of this thread, I really hope that some more advanced features are added or somehow addressed in later firmware updates. I am teetering on the edge of purchasing this scanner for my father-in-law and love the ease of use afforded by it. Having these features accessible in the format the HP1 provides would be wonderful.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Back on the topic of this thread, I really hope that some more advanced features are added or somehow addressed in later firmware updates. I am teetering on the edge of purchasing this scanner for my father-in-law and love the ease of use afforded by it. Having these features accessible in the format the HP1 provides would be wonderful.

I hope my comments came across in the constructive manner I meant them. I was not trying to stay you wanted to do any mischievous just that both GRE & Uniden encrypt their source code for a reason.
Believe I understand wanting the advanced features...and Uniden (through their product manager UPMan) has stated they have not forgotten about us advanced users. I have a good feeling Uniden will make additional features available via a firmware update.
As of now I carry both a BCD396XT & HP-1 with me to work and home each day. I would love to just be able to carry the HP-1 and have additional features like UID
I can guarantee UPMan reads this forum like a hawk and he is aware the demand is there.
Let's keep our fingers crossed for an update!
Happy Monitoring
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[Highpockets]

If he reads this, I hope they don't forget the 396-996, add back the 3 & 4 second delay time and whatever other fixes and additions they may have.

 

[tjstroh42]

Everybody already knows that the Home Patrol 1 is a entry level scanner. The fact remains though that it does in fact lack options even the entry level scanner consumer would have use or need for. I mean come on its a 500 dollar scanner, what about 500 dollars is entry level. Just because it does p25 and has a touch screen makes it a first for all of us, not just the entry level users. They (Uniden) could have easily added the ability to use a basic or advanced mode. Basic mode for the entry level consumer and advanced modes for those of us that wanted to get our hands on a brand new scanner technology and have use and the resources or knowledge to use the advanced features. This scanner is a one of a kind in that it operates completely off the radio reference database, comes ready to go out of the box if you are using a GPS it even makes it that much easier. But the truth is radio reference Geo tags need updating, agencies and there descriptions and channel tags need to be updated and we cant even make a change to our local systems with out the use of third party software and even then all we can really change is the info in the favorites lists we have already made. This touch screen scanner was the first of its kind in the scanner market and it just seems a little weird to me that Uniden would not have included the features of the XT series line of scanners for the more advanced users among us out there. Also they are not as easy to program as everyone thinks this scanner brings a whole new operating system unlike that of any scanner on the market, i will be taking a trip out to a friends house early next week because he cant get his area to work because of incorrect Geo tagging and a confusing take on favorite lists. God help you if you want to make a decent sized favorite list and don't own a computer. and if you want to monitor a frequency thats not in the data base you have to add via third party software or monitor it in CSQ since they only give you the ability to monitor one channel and you cant even add it to a favorites list so what is even the point of having that option. Bottom line for me is this scanner is really cool but it could have been incredible and a set a new standard had advanced options been added,our are to be added (hopefully) for those of us that could use them. and for the record I already own 3 996XT's 2 396XT's and a BCD396T (plus both their GRE/ Radio Shack equivalents and I still bought the Home Patrol 1 just because of the touch screen and GPS functionality. I think the database needs a whole lot of updating though for it to work the way it was described without having to use favorite lists as a crutch while waiting for your areas geographic info is updated. In all I think it was a great new idea for a scanner but it was not implemented or marketed right to the market that would appreciate it the most. Entry level scanner ,maybe. A shame that it does not have the advanced settings entry level or veteran scanner enthusiast have use for, definitely.

Bob

I agree, i have an older scanner like about 1997 Alinco DJ-X10, and it has a basic and an expert mode, and i am still learning new programming features, somehow i own 2 of these little monsters. I recently found a rechargeable battery, on line. i have been eating up AA alkaline x 4 to keep it running, so i am happy about that. The HP-1 could easily have put in an expert mode, for the price of $500 i like the touch screen, but come on, a beginner spending this much dough, and expert mode would have justified the price.
There are many features that i liked, and some i wish this unit had like close call, and some other areas that have been mentioned, and please don't throw the 996XT at me, i am not that advanced, i would just like to see the features added to the HP-1, and i thank you Uniden for your new item.