Need Advise Pro96 or BCD396T

[Roarinbear]

Need Advice Pro96 or BCD396T

Hi Guy's,
I've read a lot of threads here, and I'm ready to order a new scanner. I've noticed a few of you have both of these models. (Pro-96 & BCD396T) What is your preference, is it worth the $100.00 difference for the Uniden, and where is the best place to buy. Thanks Bruce

 

[jpm]

I like the BCD396T for its size..its not that big brick size.

 

[safetyobc]

Well I don't have the Pro96 but I do have the BCD396T. I had a BC250D and it was a good scanner but the size difference between the two is significant. I didn't realize how the smaller size is such an advantage. I love my BCD396T! Not including all of the extra features that the 396 has over the 96. The 396 will do 700mhz trunking, close call, search and scan, 6000 channels with text, mil air factory programmed, multiple priority channels, and much much more. You can program as many trunk systems as your 6000 channel memory will allow and don't have to be tied down to banks like on the 96. Fire tone out is a nice feature on the 396. I love the belt clip and the blue backlight on the 396. I compared the two when I purchased and I am extremely glad I went with the 396. It comes with the programming cable, batteries, AC adapter, wrist strap, and free software. If you buy the Pro96 you'll have to buy the programming cable, batteries,AC adapter and software seperate. So price is going to run pretty close with all accessories. No doubt the 96 is a great scanner, but I couldn't see myself carrying that brick around 8 to 12 hours a day like I do my 396. I have frequencies for every county in Arkansas, plus most trunk systems in Arkansas and several parishes in Louisiana and some trunk systems from LA too, and still only used 60% of the memory used. I don't think I could ever use all of the memory. I can't say enough about this scanner. It is lightweight and I carry mine everywhere I go. Just my .02, but I'd go with the 396.

The only dealer to buy from is Glenn at www.scannersunlimited.com The nicest guy you'll ever deal with. Smooth transactions and can answer just about any question you have.

 

[John_M]

I have both scanners. I even bought two BCD396T's, my fun money is spent for the year. The biggest advantage the BCD396T has over the Pro-96 is that the firmware is upgradeable. It also has MilAir, LTR, Closecall, and 700MHZ trunking that the Pro-96 doesn't. I would go with the 396T. ScannerMaster has the for $519.99, that is pretty much the lowest price that I have seen.

 

[jpm]

Communication Electronics Inc has it for $519.95 with shipping included.

 

[loumaag]

I also have both and both have advantages. The main difference I see in them (probably based on what I monitor) is the 96's ability to put an entire Moto Smartzone system in one bank (not counting TG limits of course). The main advantage the 396T has is its dynamic memory, which allows you to put just about anything you want in the radio and have it only a single key press or 3 key presses depending on where you have it loaded away. I would say that if you can only afford one, go with the 396T (unless you live in the SF Bay area. :roll: )

 

[Voyager]

Hi Guy's,
I've read a lot of threads here, and I'm ready to order a new scanner. I've noticed a few of you have both of these models. (Pro-96 & BCD396T) What is your preference, is it worth the $100.00 difference for the Uniden, and where is the best place to buy. Thanks Bruce

You have read this, right?
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17894

It will likely help you more than opinions from users. Only you know what features are important to you.

Also, the difference is only about $60 with the 96 in sale at $450.

Joe M.

 

[Al42]

Also, the difference is only about $60 with the 96 in sale at $450.

People keep forgetting to add in the batteries, wall wart, cable, etc. The price difference is just about nil.

 

[pfish]

Has anyone ordered a bcd396t from universal-radio? I fully paid them for one almost a month ago and I have yet to receive one. They told me that they are out of stock and expect to receive more "any day now." I understand if they are out of stock, I was just curious what the situation was.

 

[Voyager]

People keep forgetting to add in the batteries, wall wart, cable, etc. The price difference is just about nil.

When I bought mine, I only 'needed' the cable. I already had the batteries and charger. No need to add the costs for something you may already have! (Oh, and I got a couple cables for $10 each on eBay)

Joe M.

 

[Roarinbear]

Thanks everyone for the useful info. I just ordered the BCD396T from Communications Electronics, and within 3 hrs. I received a tracking #.

 

[MacombMonitor]

Has anyone ordered a bcd396t from universal-radio? I fully paid them for one almost a month ago and I have yet to receive one. They told me that they are out of stock and expect to receive more "any day now." I understand if they are out of stock, I was just curious what the situation was.

Most distributors/dealers were in the same situation. This was due to a manufacturing defect in the inital release. Apparently markings on the keys, and case, were rubbing off. I sure if Universal Radio had access to them, they would have filled your order. Problem is, they were on back order just about everywhere. I guess you should be thankful you didn't received one from the first batch.