Need help in picking out a portable scanner for Bay Area scanning

[photojpix]

I need to pick out a new portable scanner for work...mostly SF, Oakland, EBRrs, and Bay Area....Need it to decode Digital cleanly...Have used Uniden in the past...is there anything better than that...thanks for your input...b

 

[photojpix]

from the looks of it...there's not much selection other than the Uniden 436HP...is it much better than the 396xt?

 

[mcjones2013]

from the looks of it...there's not much selection other than the Uniden 436HP...is it much better than the 396xt?

Better than the 396XT? Yes, as the 436HP can scan P25 Phase 2 systems where as the 396XT can only scan P25 Phase 1 systems.

Also the 436HP is great for travel especially if you're not big on programming. All you have to do is enter your zip code of where you are and it'll scan the RadioReference database for that area. Database updates are available for download typically every week.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Eng74]

If you have used Unidens in the past the 325P2 it is similar to the way the 396XT works so it is not as much of a learning curve as 436HP. I have used the 436HP on Santa Clara's system and on the EBRS, and San Francisco. The down side on the 436HP is the screen is hard to read.

 

[norcalbusa]

If you have used Unidens in the past the 325P2 it is similar to the way the 396XT works so it is not as much of a learning curve as 436HP. I have used the 436HP on Santa Clara's system and on the EBRS, and San Francisco. The down side on the 436HP is the screen is hard to read.

Sufficient reason to not consider buying one.

What was Uniden thinking with the terrible display? Not like they saved any money with it...

 

[Darrryl]

need some help buying a radio for this area

thinking about the brarcat trunktracker V hand held p-25 Type 1/2 Tdma
?
what about scannermaster as a vendor??

and their optmise and software update

and their other upgrade called exteream upgrade

and any thoughts on an aftermarket antenna for same radio

73's Darrryl

know you guys get lots of questions, thanks for your time in advance

 

[N9JIG]

The Extreme Update applies to the Home Patrol 1 and 2 scanners only, it adds a few features for advanced scanner users like trunking analysis and advanced searches.

The BCD436 and BCD536HP have a ProVoice update that adds ProVoice digital to these scanners, if your area uses ProVoice then this is a good option for you.

The Setup and Optimize service includes updating the database and firmware of the HP1, HP2, 436 and 536 scanners, setting up a Favorites List for your area as well as setting the scanner location for you. This costs $39.95. You could certainly do these things yourself for free, the radios all come with the cable and software to do it as long as you have access to a Windows computer. If you don't have a computer or just don't want to bother with it then it might be worth it.

As for Phase 2 digital, the BCD436HP (handheld), BCD536HP (desk/mobile) and the HomePatrol 2 all handle this. The HP1 handles Phase 1 only.

For the antenna, I usually suggest that you try it out first with the included antenna and see how that works. Outside antennas can be expensive and difficult to install. Replacement local antennas may work a little better than the stock antenna.

As far as how good a dealer they are I cannot give an unbiased opinion on ScannerMaster as I work there but if you have additional questions feel free to call us during the week. Even if you do not buy from us we can usually answer a few questions for you.

 

[Darrryl]

Thanks for answering my post in advance guys

Thanks for answering my question/post in advance guys

Darrryl 73's