HP-1 or 996XT?

[LIScanner101]

Yes folks, in spite of the recent release of the 436HP and the 536HP I have such a bad feeling about these two scanners that I am considering either of these two older ones.

The only scanners I have right now are a PRO-163 (which I don't use anymore) and my current workhorse, the BCT15X. I'm falling behind on digital coverage for the CA Bay Area (which I travel to frequently on business) and I know I need to make the plunge. There IS a P2 agency in my local area (NCPD) but it's pretty much all encrypted anyway so a lack of P2 is no loss for me.

Of course Uniden could always get its act together on the x36HP's, or the new Whistlers might kick arse in scanning performance, but I don't know if I want to wait that long.

So, with that said, would you guys recommend the HP-1 or the 996XT? Before you answer my primary considerations are performance - I'm not a big bells and whistles guy. The scanner that is the most sensitive AND the most selective on conventional as well as analog and digital trunking wins.

 

[WatnNY]

That's a hard question to answer without knowing if you're good at manipulating software and know all of the frequencies you want to listen to - if so I would say the 996XT is the way to go. BUT, if you want to just be able to type in your/a zip code and start listening? Then the HP-1 is the way to go.

Mike

 

[Dafe1er]

I say the HP. I have had mine for three years and really enjoy the simple fact it is touchscreen. It makes everything more enjoyable to work with instead of pressing the function button and then scrolling with the volume knob or having to do a series of button press's and selections just to get something to change. I can get things programed faster with my HP than any other scanner I own. The only down side to me is if you want to use the unit as a portable unit it gets annoying. It is a little bulky and hard to have it sit in a cup holder to listen to. That is why they say if you buy the HP make sure to buy the HP specific mount.

 

[SCPD]

I say either I took a HP-1 and programmed it with ARC Patrol and compared it to a 996XT programmed with ARC XT and a 197 Radio Shack.ya know what? They work the same! 996XT has close call and the HP runs on batteries,whats better for you? They scan just as fast and handle trunking the same here in North New Jersey.The radio shack scans faster but needed an attenuator that I made.

This test was run with a GP-15 Comet Antenna on a 2 way cable TV splitter,antenna 20 feet up

 

[JamesO]

I have both, plus a 536HP. 536HP is fine, just more advanced than a HP1 and 996XT.

The good news is if you should around, you can find a good used 996xt for about $300, maybe tops I would pay is $350.

If you do not need portability/batteries and are an old school scanner user, the 996XT with buttons and knobs is better for many people. I also like the colored LED backlit display that helps with channel/talk group ID.

The 996XT does not really require software, but you will want either Free Scan or Butel software.

There is a learning curve on both, probably more of a learning curve on the HP1. Also I think?? to do direct entry on the HP1, you have to have the Extreme Upgrade.

You can probably find a nice HP1 with the Extreme Upgrade already installed for between $300-$350 if you keep your eyes open.

 

[kellykeeton]

I agree and add on the cost value - the new line of scanners will be awesome just like the rest of uniden Products.


In 2 months you will likely see enhancements and wish you purchased the new model however there is a lot to be said for the used market and the lower cost of a used scanner right now. If you don't want to pay the "new scanner tax" just get a used 996 or HP right now you can also do with out the XP versions and save even more - I just sold a mess of scanners for very good prices. As I have chosen to go to the new line.

 

[N8IAA]

So, with that said, would you guys recommend the HP-1 or the 996XT? Before you answer my primary considerations are performance - I'm not a big bells and whistles guy. The scanner that is the most sensitive AND the most selective on conventional as well as analog and digital trunking wins.

Since you are familiar with the 15X and its software, my choice is the 996XT. I have a HP-1 and took it out mobile twice, hard to manipulate all the button pushes. It is one of my base radios.
The two I take mobile all the time are my 106 and 396XT.
JMTCW,
Larry

 

[scannersnstuff]

if you ask me, i'd go with the bcd396xt scannermaster has them for $429.00. with a little ingenuity, you could have the best of both worlds. base/portable. i absolutely love mine. give me a shout,i'll be willing to help you out. i do love myy 996xt. would not even consider a hp-1. for the record, i'm holding off on the 435hp also. too many if's. my 396xt will soon be playing dual roles, in my dinning room. ac plug, antenna specialists mag mount antenna <attached to my all metal baseboard heater, the ant's looking out the window, for better reception. scanner mounted on a holder.

 

[LIScanner101]

Thanks to ALL for all the great info!!

Although I take my scanner along with me when I travel, you would think I’d prefer the portability/lighter weight of the “portable” version of these scanners. In reality, I actually prefer the form factor of the “desktop” type package, which is why I own a BCT15X and not a 346XT. Yes, the portables are a lot lighter and take up less space in my suitcase, but the “desktop” style scanners are so much nicer to work with when you put them on a nightstand in a hotel room. They’re impossible to “tip over” like a portable, and since I almost always use a coax cable along with my antennas (to get the antennas as close to the windows as possible) the desktop style is more stable and sturdy.

The few times I have used my BCT15X in the rentals it was nice to be able to sit in on the passenger seat and connect it to a trunk-lip NMO mount that I carried with me. I don't do that anymore (too much of a PITA to set it up on rentals) but it was pretty cooool to scan the Bay Area airwaves as I made my way from San Francisco down to San Jose CHP was always a blast to listen to and with my choice of antennas it was almost always "5 by 5" for me.

I’m very familiar with FreeSCAN and have made numerous system files from scratch, so programming ease is not an issue for me.

Sounds like the 996 is it…!!

Thanks again.

 

[WatnNY]

I win!!!

Mike

 

[SCPD]

I have both, plus a 536HP. 536HP is fine, just more advanced than a HP1 and 996XT.

The good news is if you should around, you can find a good used 996xt for about $300, maybe tops I would pay is $350.

If you do not need portability/batteries and are an old school scanner user, the 996XT with buttons and knobs is better for many people. I also like the colored LED backlit display that helps with channel/talk group ID.

The 996XT does not really require software, but you will want either Free Scan or Butel software.

There is a learning curve on both, probably more of a learning curve on the HP1. Also I think?? to do direct entry on the HP1, you have to have the Extreme Upgrade.

You can probably find a nice HP1 with the Extreme Upgrade already installed for between $300-$350 if you keep your eyes open.

Hows the 536HP fine?Headphone issue,crackling audio on p25,volume knob skips from up to down etc?
http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/283740-bcd536hp-headphone-issues.html
they recalling these says Upman,not me.


never had any issues with the 996xt!its close to perfect.Loud and clear,easy to work,close call,sensitive,multicolor backlight!
The 396xt is a clone of the 996xt just a portable.

 

[LIScanner101]

I win!!!

Mike

You certainly do!

DING DING DING!!!