HP versus 436

[tommul05]

About to make a purchase.. Have not owned a scanner in many years.. I am pretty knowledgeable about systems and talkgroups, etc, so I can program.. Here is the question.... Is there software for the PC and a cable to program these units via PC? I se on amazon people saying that the 436 cant be programmed by cable and PC and others saying yes you can.. Do you all recommend the Home Patrol or the 436, I will be buying a handheld... thanks in advance for your input

 

[UPMan]

Both scanners come with Sentinel, which you can download from Uniden's site, now. There are also third party apps. Check the wiki on this site.

 

[jonwienke]

Both use a standard mini-USB cable for programming. I would go with a 436, it has a better receiver and many more features than the HomePatrol. Uniden has a free software called Sentinel that programs both a database of systems in North America and user favorite lists.

If you have simulcast systems in your area get the new SDS-100. The HomePatrol is absolutely terrible at receiving simulcast (misses >50% of traffic), and the 436, while better, is not great. You can look your county up in the database to see if there is simulcast in your area.

 

[buddrousa]

436 can be upgraded for a fee to receive
DMR $60.00 Motorola Digital
NXDN $60.00 Kenwood Digital
PRO VOICE $50.00

 

[tommul05]

Does that upgrade fix the simalcast issue?

 

[buddrousa]

NO You will need to buy a SDS100

 

[jonwienke]

The SDS-100 is the only one designed to receive simulcast signals. The upgrades simply allow reception and decoding of their respective digital modes.

 

[tommul05]

Our county uses VIPER but fire and EMS are dispatched on VHF/UHF

 

[jonwienke]

What county?

 

[tommul05]

Union County (North Carolina) would also like to monitor Mecklenburg County

 

[jonwienke]

VIPER doesn't appear to be simulcast, so the 436 should be a good choice for you. I would try asking in the NC state forum to confirm that before buying though.