Just picked up my shiny new 436HP, tested it with both v1.03 and 1.02 firmware with no antenna against my old beaten up 396XT on analog trunking. 396XT receives much better than the 436HP, meaning the 396XT will be receiving totally legible audio where the 436XT is receiving nothing at all.
Also, when the 436HP was receiving, the talkgroup would unmute almost a second after unmuting on my 396XT. Squelch on both set to 1, as 0 causes constant static.
So, from the perspective of a breaking news photographer/reporter, who's job and success depends on not missing radio transmissions, I can not recommend the 436HP, when there are used 396XT's out there that will receive voice traffic that the 436HOP will not.
One note. I have access to County programmed SmartZone Astro radios, and the difference between the 396XT and the 436HP is similar to comparing a 396XT to a Motorola.
Anyone know when the 436HP goes up to $550? I want to wait till the price increase to sell this on eBay, HRO wants $75 restocking fee because I walked outside the door for 10 minutes to test the scanner, rendering it used with the plastic still on the screen. :-\
Paul
Also, when the 436HP was receiving, the talkgroup would unmute almost a second after unmuting on my 396XT. Squelch on both set to 1, as 0 causes constant static.
So, from the perspective of a breaking news photographer/reporter, who's job and success depends on not missing radio transmissions, I can not recommend the 436HP, when there are used 396XT's out there that will receive voice traffic that the 436HOP will not.
One note. I have access to County programmed SmartZone Astro radios, and the difference between the 396XT and the 436HP is similar to comparing a 396XT to a Motorola.
Anyone know when the 436HP goes up to $550? I want to wait till the price increase to sell this on eBay, HRO wants $75 restocking fee because I walked outside the door for 10 minutes to test the scanner, rendering it used with the plastic still on the screen. :-\
Paul