Radioshack Pro-96 or Uniden BCD396T?

[Monoxide16]

I live in Burlington county and I am definitely going to buy one of these 2 scanners today. I have done as much research as I can about these scanners and I'm still having a very hard time choosing. I have come up with a few options as to what I can do.

Option A: Buy 396T at scannermaster.com for $600 (includes pre-programming for my town and county.)
Option B: Buy 396T at scannermaster.com for $530 (no pre-programming for my area)
Option C: Buy Pro-96 on ebay from some store or guy selling new ones for $410 plus $59 for all the accessories needed
Option D: Buy Pro-96 at radioshack for $500 plus pay an extra $59 for all the accessories I would need

I can afford all of these but since this is such a big purchase, especially being new to scanner. I want to make the best decision that I will be happy with for a few years and not wonder what it would have been like if I had gotten the other scanner. Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Edit:
One more question is about the PC software for these scanners. How does the software for radioshack compare to the butel or uniden software?

 

[robbinsj2]

I would rule out A; if you decide upon a 396T then add the Butel software and program it yourself, exactly the way you want. It may take some learning to do so, but I think will be worth it in the long run. Plus you'll have the software to easily make any changes in the future, and the scanner plus software together should be less than the scanner plus Scannermaster's programming. (And I think all 396s come pre-programmed for major systems across the US, so while you're getting up to speed on the software you would still have sometime non-customized to listen to.)

I would also discourage you from choosing D today. If you want a new one from RS and can wait a little longer, there is a good chance it will be on sale sometime in the next few months for $450. Check the RS web site every week or two or watch for sale announcements on the Radio Shack Scanners forum on this site.

I can't help you with the 396/96 decision. I have a 96 and 2096 and like them very much, but have never used a 396. Good luck.

Jim

 

[kc2jfs]

Just a Thought

Why don't you take a nice ride up to Advanced Specialty Electronics in Lodi, NJ. They have the 396 and software. Then you can play around with it and decide for yourself. There price might be better also.

 

[DJ88]

You can get a brand new 396, delivered to your door within 3-4 working days from time of order for $519.95 from Communications Electronics Inc., Michigan. I have one, got it from them, and it's by far the best unit I've ever owned. It does everything and you'll probably never fill the memory bank. If you decide to go with it, I suggest you spend a few bucks and buy a telescopic antenna for it (the kind that come with base models). They include a BNC connector for one in the box. The reception will be 100 times better than with the "rubber duck" antenna that comes with the unit. Check it out at usascan.com. Click on Bearcat Scanners in the PRODUCTS column. Their phone number is 1-800-USA-SCAN.

 

[scannersnstuff]

i second what dj88 said. the 396t is a fantastic radio with very wide frequency coverage.
i have a few radio's,but when i go on a field trip it's usually the 396 i choose to go with me.

 

[jpm]

I myself have found that the free software on the Uniden website was adequate and work very wel. Communication Electronics out of Mi was a great deal I found during my price research.

 

[DJ88]

My error......posted that Comm. Electronics is in Ohio. It IS in Michigan as jpm stated.

 

[W2SJW]

396 all the way - I love mine, and haven't doubted selling my Pro-96 one bit...

 

[kc2jfs]

Well what did you end up with???

 

[mondaro]

If your looking for the best receiver Po 96 beats the 396T hands down.
Better overall radio feature wise and close call it's the 396T

 

[ampulman]

I owned a 96 briefly (had to return it - early failure). Could not receive Philly police clearly from Voorhees.

Later, got a 396 and love it. Still can't receive Philly clearly, but that's quite a stretch.
'
If you decide to get a 396, do yourself a favor and start reading the manual (available online) several times. After the 2nd or 3rd read, it will make good sense.

Your can have BC up and running in 5 minutes out of the box. Go for it.

AM

 

[njscanmaster]

I have BC 396 and I have RS 2096 And I love the BC 396 The 396 is easy to do