Need advice on new buying new scanner

[daggit]

Hope I can get some good input as I'm thinking of upgrading my scanner. Little background. Years ago I bought a Uniden 396xt. Make a long story short it was a huge disappointment. I was never able to get the reception I desired on certain trunking systems. Years ago I posted many posts here on my problems with the 396 and have tried everything. Once a year or so I will pull it out of storage and for a intense week try more tweaks then put it back in storage. Now I'm wondering if buying the Uniden BCD436HP would be a improvement. Also have been looking at the whistler scanners (though I know very little about them). Are they any main differences between the 396 and the BCD436HP or the Whistler? The main trouble with the 396 were
project 25 Phase I APCO-25 systems.

 

[marksmith]

The 396xt is a strong little contender. If it was a huge disappointment to you that did not achieve your reception desires, then you are in a difficult location. Chances are you will continue to have issues with whatever scanner you try.

The 436 and HP-2 from Uniden are good scanners, and the 436 might be a little hotter receiver than the 396xt, but not by a great deal. The Whistler 1080/1095 scanners also have a hot front end.

Having said all that, if the 396xt was a huge disappointment in reception, I doubt any new scanner will be that significantly better to you in your particular area. You probably should try some different antennas with your 396xt before looking at a different scanner. Tweaking the radio (any scanner) to improve reception is generally fruitless. Most of the improvements through tweaks are far exceeded by relocating the radio or using a better antenna.

I use several 396xt radios very successfully with phase 1 P25 systems.

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

 

[frazpo]

The 396xt is a strong little contender. If it was a huge disappointment to you that did not achieve your reception desires, then you are in a difficult location. Chances are you will continue to have issues with whatever scanner you try.

This is accurate. I sold my 396 which I regret but will soon purchase another. I have a 436 on the way and I hope I am not disappointed.

I would say you probably needed to experiment with antennas. Getting the right antenna will make all the difference, especially with 800mhz trunked systems.

 

[W8RMH]

I have the 396XT, HP-2, and the 436. The decoding on the 396 and 436 are about the same. The HP-2 does an excellent job on P25, better than the other two, and in my opinion is the best scanner made.

I don't have any experience with the Whistlers/GRE/RSs but from what O have read they do very well decoding P25.

 

[marksmith]

I have the 396XT, HP-2, and the 436. The decoding on the 396 and 436 are about the same. The HP-2 does an excellent job on P25, better than the other two, and in my opinion is the best scanner made.

I don't have any experience with the Whistlers/GRE/RSs but from what O have read they do very well decoding P25.

I agree with your analysis of these radios, and also would recommend the HP-2 to anyone looking for the best phase 2 decoding or digital in general, by my experience.

However, the OP seems to suggest what sounds like reception issues as the difficulty in decoding. The HP-2 is a more sensitive receiver in most bands than most of those out there. But it's not significantly better as to be day and night from the 396xt.

Before spending around $400 on either a 436 or HP-2, only to be dissatisfied, I would recommend using the radio in different rooms and with different antennas.

Especially with 700 and 800mz systems, relocating the radio a couple inches can make a big difference. And an antenna specifically designed to receive these bands also makes a big difference.

My recommendation on an antenna would be the radio shack 800mz antenna for $25 on the website. You will also need an SMA to BNC adaptor to use it on the 396xt, HP-2, or 436.


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

 

[KE0GXN]

Buy an HP-2 and I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed. The only reason I say almost, is because of the unknown others have alluded to about your location and antenna set-up.

I currently monitor a P-25 P2 TDMA and distant Motorola 800mhz trunked system. Both come in loud and clear. However, I am using a mobile/base kit with 800mhz cut radials and a Laird tri-band 150/450/800 antenna though....which I constantly plot around my house for the sweet spot.

If you could advise what antenna your using and about how far you are from the nearest tower site of the system you are trying to monitor the more experienced guys on here could probably give you better feedback.

These guys among others on here know what they are talking about....all you have to do is listen.

As far as scanners go though I can say through experience, the HP-2 is hard to beat, if the 2 can't pick it up, chances are no scanner will.

Good luck!

 

[Soundman]

I have a Uniden BCD436HP and I love mine .It easy to program and it has all you need ,You type in your zip codes and it will find everything in your city , Then ones a week you can update it on the computer .

 

[Dundee15]

I've had my 436hp for about a week now, and I LOVE it. All you have to do is enter your zip code and bam your scanning. I would recommend upgrading the antenna though. I still have the stock one on right now just because I'm looking for the right one.

 

[pinballwiz86]

If you can wait a couple weeks check out the Whistler WS1088. I plan on buying it on release.

But, like everyone else is telling you..invest money in a better antenna. Depending on the frequency will guide you in the right direction. IMO the best bang for your buck antenna is the Radioshack 20-006 telescoping antenna. If your systems are 800 mhz, then get the 800 mhz Radioshack antenna.

 

[sparklehorse]

I agree with others that say a new radio will not likely solve your reception problems. The 396 is a capable little radio. I don't have any 700/800 MHz P25 simulcast systems in my area that I listen to, but others have mentioned this antenna as being a great help with that scenario:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L3ZRF9A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01

It's a directional antenna of course, so you'd have to spend some time finding a good location for it, and a direction that works best. If it is simulcast distortion causing your problems then this may well be your best bet, as you can focus on one transmitter site while reducing the signal from others. I have an analog 800 Moto system in my area that I have a hard time receiving due to terrain. I tried this antenna as a possible cheap solution and have been very happy with it. I now get a very good signal on that system. Of course this all assumes your P25 woes are 700 or 800 MHz. You didn't mention the band.

Keep in mind this antenna has a female N connector, so you need the appropriate adapters for your coax cable, or a coax configured like this one for it to work with the 396:

http://www.amazon.com/Connector-RP-...107_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1RCGVDSQ02C2SKP12VFJ

Just be sure to keep your coax run short, say 10 feet or less, or else use low loss coax like LMR-400 for longer runs, and then a short jumper of more flexible coax to the radio. Also, if you mount it outside be sure to use some coax seal to waterproof the coax connection.

Hope that helps.

.