HP1 VS. HP2

[TxScanner]

So, i've tried the HP1 2-3 times, and everyone i sold or returned, because of the same issue, it just doesnt have good quality, alot of the time its very choppy, and doesnt pick up good, on the same things that my Radioshack 652 picks up clearly., I love the scanner itself, and the ease of updating, replay, etc. But i just cant stand how it doesnt pick up good, choppy, drops, misses coversations. Im wonding about hte HP2, and if its alot better and worth getting, Thanks.

 

[Blackswan73]

So, i've tried the HP1 2-3 times, and everyone i sold or returned, because of the same issue, it just doesnt have good quality, alot of the time its very choppy, and doesnt pick up good, on the same things that my Radioshack 652 picks up clearly., I love the scanner itself, and the ease of updating, replay, etc. But i just cant stand how it doesnt pick up good, choppy, drops, misses coversations. Im wonding about hte HP2, and if its alot better and worth getting, Thanks.

Were using the factory antenna? If so, try a different antenna. The stock antenna is junk. I use a RS 800

 

[TxScanner]

I've tried that antenna and another, same results. I've got the stock antenna on my RS Pro 652, and it picks up fine, and my 651, both do great. I had a 106 in the past, and it always was good, maybe RS scanners just pick up better than Unidens...i dont know.

 

[Blackswan73]

Yes, the 106/651 antenna isn't bad, however, the 668/1080/1088 is as worthless as the HP antennas are.

 

[WX4JCW]

im using a spectrumforce 700-800Mhz 2DB antenna, works quite well on my 436HP

 

[TxScanner]

I may get a BCD536HP, they semm really good, and i like the idea of the app. Who knows.

 

[marksmith]

So, i've tried the HP1 2-3 times, and everyone i sold or returned, because of the same issue, it just doesnt have good quality, alot of the time its very choppy, and doesnt pick up good, on the same things that my Radioshack 652 picks up clearly., I love the scanner itself, and the ease of updating, replay, etc. But i just cant stand how it doesnt pick up good, choppy, drops, misses coversations. Im wonding about hte HP2, and if its alot better and worth getting, Thanks.

I have a couple of each now, and find the HP2 to be one of the best in terms of reception. I also have one in the vehicle, and when traveling it seems to do very well receiving in places I don't normally go. The radio is at its best in my opinion with 300-900 mz listening, though it does ok on vhf hi and vhf lo, but there isn't as much to listen to in those ranges where I am.

Mark
WS1095/536/436/996P2/HP1e/HP2e/996XT/325P2/396XT/PRO668/PSR800/PRO652

 

[W8RMH]

The HP-2 is by far the best scanner I have ever had. I receive things my other scanners have problems receiving, if at all. My HP-2 receives a county 2 counties away which is UHF and I have it on a 760-870 MHz. antenna.

 

[kb8rvp]

People can say this or that is the best but it comes down to your location and the system you are trying to monitor. Some scanners are better on simulcast and some are not. Some are more sensitive than others so you have to find what works in your area and stick with it. I too like the HP1/HP2 looks and layout but for my location and the area's I drive to and from the 536HP reception blows the HP1/HP2 away so it just doesn't work for me but others love it.

Mike

 

[chief21]

So, i've tried the HP1 2-3 times, and everyone i sold or returned, because of the same issue, it just doesnt have good quality, alot of the time its very choppy, and doesnt pick up good, on the same things that my Radioshack 652 picks up clearly., I love the scanner itself, and the ease of updating, replay, etc. But i just cant stand how it doesnt pick up good, choppy, drops, misses coversations. Im wonding about hte HP2, and if its alot better and worth getting, Thanks.

For what it's worth, I had a similar issue when trying to monitor a local trunked simulcast system. Someone else posted a suggestion to turn the audio AGC setting to OFF. Once I did that, reception improved and the choppy audio disappeared.

John - AC4JK

 

[Mastiff2013]

I assume that living in Florida would not make a difference with the HP2 because of encryption? Not an expert so look forward to replies. Thanks.

 

[Nasby]

I assume that living in Florida would not make a difference with the HP2 because of encryption? Not an expert so look forward to replies. Thanks.

Correct. No scanner can receive encrypted channels.

 

[TxScanner]

HP-2 will be the next scanner i will give a try, anybody know the cheapest place to get one right now?

 

[darunimal]

Cheapest may get you: a previously returned used scanner, which by your post you've already had problems with. It's best to go with a reputable company like: HRO, the Ham Station or Scannermaster. The premium price you pay will be made up in customer service and lack of future headaches. There are also some custom settings that can improve and/or ruin your reception/decoding inside the scanner system settings. With other things outside the scanner that can and cannot not be done to improve reception. Not always will a bigger antenna improve what you hear.

 

[Station51]

HP2

I bought the HP-2 about six months ago. I hadn't purchased a new scanner in 10 years, and I had to REALLY think about spending so much on the HP-2. Well worth it. I use it as a mobile with a 2M rooftop (NMO mount) antenna. GREAT reception. I pick up LAPD from a good 50 miles away as the radio signal flies. I AGREE, the stock antenna is junk. Has trouble picking up base stations 10 miles away, and LOW band is terrible with the stock included antenna. Overall I would give the Uniden HomePatrol-2 a 9 out of 10 with the exception that the internal speaker is marginal.. Speaker gets a 4 out of 10

 

[K5MPH]

The HP-1 had problem's with the receive bad (IF) filtering the HP-2 has a hole lot better front end in it, all in all if you are going Base use an out side antenna and if mobile use a good Mobile antenna don't skimp on the antenna better the antenna better the receive......

 

[TxScanner]

I went with a BCD536HP, and im pretty happy with it so far.

 

[wbswetnam]

I've had my HP-1 for three years now, and overall I've been happy. It is decidedly less sensitive than any of my other scanners but if connected to an outdoor antenna like this http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Homebrewed_Off-Center_Fed_Dipole then it performs acceptably well.I have a question though... if I upgrade to an HP-2, can I directly import my favorites lists that I have created for my HP-1, or are the files incompatible so I have to make them all again from scratch?

 

[mciupa]

You can import your favorite lists.

 

[W8RMH]

I've had my HP-1 for three years now, and overall I've been happy. It is decidedly less sensitive than any of my other scanners but if connected to an outdoor antenna like this Homebrewed Off-Center Fed Dipole - The RadioReference Wiki then it performs acceptably well.I have a question though... if I upgrade to an HP-2, can I directly import my favorites lists that I have created for my HP-1, or are the files incompatible so I have to make them all again from scratch?

I believe the scanners are identical except for the power/charging feature and the 2's capability to decode Phase II.